Each time a new season of Stranger Things comes to Netflix, a new wave of entertainment trends comes to fruition. In Season 1, it was the infamous alphabetic wall with the Christmas lights and Eleven's pink dress that everyone wore for Halloween circa 2016. But as time has progressed, other aspects of trends from the 1980s have become present in the 2020s. From the music to the fashion, there is no denying that Stranger Things plays a role in the revival of the 80s aesthetic.
The show having a summer release each season is the perfect timing for the trend cycle to renew itself. While this would generally contribute to the show’s influence, social media applications such as TikTok also contribute to this. Season 4 has just been released, and the Stranger Things trend cycle continues. A lot of this influence of the stark 80s aesthetic was seen in Season 3 which is a lot of what we are seeing presently. One of the biggest trends from the 80s that has come back but with a modern twist are blazers and shoulder pads. With so many people shopping second-hand, it is much easier for them to find such vintage pieces and incorporate them into their current wardrobe. Because it is 2022, the modern twist on this trend dresses down the traditional 80s blazer into an everyday style that can be worn with jeans, rather than a matching set.
Another trend that has slowly but surely come back from the 80s is the straight-leg jean. While this also can be accredited to the Y2K trends that are also appearing in influential ways, consumers have completely ditched the famous skinny jeans and opted for this classic style. A more baggy and comfortable outfit has become more desirable, especially in this post-lockdown life. While the styling of this piece may be a bit different from how it was in the 1980s, the inspiration is still there.
Fashionwise, the coveted corseted belt has also been making a comeback in a modern way. In the 80s, many women wore large belts at their midsection to create the illusion of an overly small waist among the wide shoulder pads that were usually paired with the item. Now, people are wearing corsets as the tops of their outfits rather than just an accessory. Normally pairing them with mini skirts or the aforementioned straight-leg jeans, this 1980s-inspired outfit has taken on a modern twist, fitting for the 2020s.
The influence of Stranger Things on present life can be accredited to both the success of the show itself, as well as social media as that helps hasten the trend cycle. While some of these specific styles may not be seen in the show at all times, the 80s influence is still present. With Season 4 having just been released, one of the main songs used this season has re-entered the music charts for the first time since its release in 1985. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush has grown new legs upon the use of it throughout the season, again, contributing to the revival of 80s trends and the coveted 1980s aesthetic. With Volume 2 of Season 4 quickly approaching, many are wondering what the next trends are that will emerge from the show. Tune into Netflix on July 1st to find out!
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