Perms, Pleats, and Puberty: Adventures in 1980s Suburbia

It was the 1980s, a decade filled with perms, pleats, and the awkward stage of puberty. Nestled in the heart of suburbia, where white picket fences lined the streets and cul-de-sacs were filled with kids riding their neon-colored bicycles, life was both exciting and perplexing. This article takes you on a nostalgic journey through the adventures, fashion statements, and peculiar moments of growing up in 1980s suburbia.

The Perm Craze

One of the defining characteristics of the 1980s was undoubtedly the hairstyle known as the 'perm.' This chemical treatment gave straight hair a lasting curly or wavy texture, and it became a massive trend among both adults and teenagers. Beauty salons were constantly bustling with ladies eager to achieve that bouncy and voluminous look, coupling the perm with flashy outfits and neon accessories. Even teenage boys, with their feathered hair, weren't immune to the allure of the perm. It was an era where everyone wanted to rock the curls, regardless of gender.

Pleats - The Fashion Statement

When it comes to 1980s fashion, pleats were undoubtedly everywhere. Pleated pants, skirts, and even shorts were all the rage among both men and women. These accordion-like folds added volume and movement to the garments, creating a distinct look that defined the era. Pairing pleated pants with oversized shirts or pleated skirts with bold-colored blouses became a classic combination in 1980s suburbia. The fashion of the time embraced excess and flair, with bright colors and bold patterns ruling the wardrobes of teenagers and adults alike.

Perms, Pleats, and Puberty: Adventures in 1980s Suburbia

by Jen LiMarzi(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	109 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	20 pages
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Puberty - The Awkward Transformation

Puberty hits everyone differently, but there's something unique about experiencing it in the colorful world of 1980s suburbia. Growing pains were not limited to physical changes, but also to navigating the social dynamics of middle and high school. The convergence of the perm and pleated fashion statements during this transformative period made the experience even more interesting. Peer pressure dictated which hairstyles were cool, while the pressure to fit into pleated pants or skirts was paramount.

Girls would often gather around their bedroom mirrors, attempting to replicate the latest perm styles with varying degrees of success. Boys, on the other hand, were busy looking for the right hair products to achieve that perfect feathered look. The pressure to look a certain way, combined with the physical and emotional changes of puberty, made for an interesting and often hilarious roller coaster ride through adolescence.

The Adventures of 1980s Suburbia

While perming and pleating were significant aspects of growing up in 1980s suburbia, the adventures within these neighborhoods were equally thrilling. Bike rides with friends through cul-de-sacs that seemed to stretch on forever, climbing trees until the streetlights came on, and playing driveway basketball tournaments were staples of our childhood. We spent the summer months outdoors, exploring the nooks and crannies of our neighborhoods with a sense of freedom that seems rare today.

Another adventure that defined 1980s suburbia was the concept of the neighborhood block party. Everyone in the community would come together for a day filled with games, lively music, and an abundance of food. It was a time when neighbors knew each other by name, and backyard barbecues became a celebration of friendship and camaraderie.

Nostalgia for the Golden Era

Looking back on the 1980s, it's difficult not to feel a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. It was a decade filled with unique fashion choices, unforgettable hairstyles, and a genuine sense of community. The adventure of growing up in suburbia during this era shaped who we are today. The perms, pleats, and puberty adventures will forever be etched in our memories, serving as a reminder of an incredible journey through one of the most vibrant decades in history.

So, let's celebrate the 1980s, where perms went hand in hand with pleats, and puberty served as a rite of passage. The memories forged during this era continue to evoke a sense of joy and wonder, reminding us of a time when life was all about navigating the adventures of 1980s suburbia.

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Perms, Pleats, and Puberty: Adventures in 1980s Suburbia

by Jen LiMarzi(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	109 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	20 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Of the many mantras I learned while growing up in suburban New York during the 1980s, the most important included that your hair can never be too high, your shoulder pads can never be too wide, and the customer isn’t necessarily right. These sentiments and more are explored in this collection of three humor essays set in 1980s suburbia detailing the idiosyncrasies of shopping at Caldor, the horrors of underage test taking, and survival tales at an Italian-American hair salon.