Oregonians seem to like 1980s fashion

The ’80s dream lives on in Oregon, at least according to new research passed on to me by many co-workers.

Oregon’s favorite fashion decade is the 1980s, proclaims a press release from what appears to be a fast fashion website called Boo hoo.

This research basically consists of analyzing search terms, and of course, let’s get on with it. Let’s say Oregonians really identify most closely with the 1980s aesthetic.

I would happily, easily, find myself wearing a crop top and a pair of brightly patterned Hammer pants if they were available to me (and looking through my closet, they basically are).

What’s not to love about the 1980s, fashion-wise (and fashion-only)? The shorts are short, and the color is not delicate. Her hair was made into a pouf and her bangs were slicked back. The shoulders are padded and the collar is high. The scrunchies are big, as are the socks and glasses. Layered sports gear.

According to Boohoo, 1980s fashion was a signature style filled with exaggerated silhouettes and bright colors.

Sounds like fun, right? Unlike the past few decades, the Y2K style comeback is characterized by tight, low-rise jeans that don’t look good on anyone. By the way, Boohoo says that Supposed is the third most sought-after fashion decade, coming after the 1990s.

And as it turns out, we’re not alone in our love of the ’80s (search term). Boohoo research found that 36 of the 50 available states searched for the term 1980s fashion at most. That includes Oregon, of course, but also a diversity of states like California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

What does all this mean, in an existential sense? Maybe nothing. But is that any reason for me to look through the photo archives for good looks from 40 years ago? Yes, yes it is.

Now, time to spend the rest of the day searching online for the perfect pair of bike shorts to complement my favorite high-top sneakers.

Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052; [email protected]; @lizzzacker

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a customer today at OregonLive.com/subscribe