15 Weirdly Specific Fashions You’d Only See At The State Fair In The ’80s
Ah, the 1980s—a decade where bold was better, louder was prouder, and subtlety took a backseat to spectacle.
The air was practically flammable with hairspray, and spandex wasn’t just a clothing choice—it was a lifestyle. Nowhere was this more evident than at the state fair, where fashion took center stage alongside corn dogs and Ferris wheels.
These fairs weren’t just about livestock competitions or fried everything; they became an unofficial runway for the most delightfully outrageous trends the decade had to offer. As someone who lived through it, I can say with confidence that the outfits could outshine even the flashiest midway lights.
From neon leg warmers, mesh tops, and oversized belts to wildly bedazzled denim and crimped hair that defied gravity, the fashion was as unforgettable as the fair itself. So, grab a funnel cake and join us as we revisit 15 wonderfully weird fashion moments born at the fabulous 1980s state fair.
1. Bedazzled Denim Jackets
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then rhinestones were her second cousin twice removed. Bedazzled denim jackets were the fair’s crown jewels, shimmering under the hot summer sun. My mom had one, and I swear it could be seen from space.
Each jacket was a tapestry of individuality—stars, hearts, and even the occasional unicorn. At the fair, these jackets became the perfect armor to fend off the cold evening breezes while still looking fabulously flashy. The more sparkle, the higher the fashion status.
Matching with oversized sunglasses and teased hair, this look encapsulated the ‘bigger is better’ mentality of the ’80s. A single jacket could weigh more than a small child, but who cared about comfort when you had style?
2. Puffy Paint Shirts
Puffy paint shirts were not just clothes; they were wearable art. At the state fair, these shirts transformed every torso into a canvas. I once wore a shirt that featured a neon rainbow and an inexplicable llama. It was a masterpiece.
Puffy paint allowed for creativity without constraints. Hearts, stars, and even your best friend’s dog could be immortalized in squishy, colorful paint. The texture was as much a part of the art as the design itself. People of all ages proudly displayed their DIY creations, each one more outrageous than the last.
Pair these shirts with acid-wash jeans and you had the quintessential fair attire. The possibilities were endless, limited only by your imagination and your willingness to deal with paint stains.
3. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were the epitome of ’80s swag—loose, loud, and slightly ridiculous. These pants could have doubled as emergency parachutes if you found yourself falling from the Ferris wheel. My brother had a pair so shiny, they could guide ships at sea.
The beauty of parachute pants lay in their movement. They swished, they swayed, they practically danced on their own. Perfect for showing off your best moves at the fairground dance-off. Paired with a graphic tee and a boombox on your shoulder, you were ready to conquer the world—or at least the fair.
Despite their impracticality, parachute pants were a staple of ’80s fashion. They represented freedom and individuality in the most flamboyant way possible.
4. Spandex Biker Shorts
Spandex biker shorts were the ultimate test of confidence. More second skin than garment, they left little to the imagination. I owned a pair in electric pink, and wearing them felt like I was channeling a superhero.
These shorts were perfect for the fair—it was easy to move, groove, and devour deep-fried delights. They came in a variety of neon shades that reflected every color of the fair’s vibrant atmosphere. Matched with a crop top or oversized tee, they were the epitome of ’80s casual cool.
Biker shorts weren’t just for bicyclists; they were for anyone daring enough to show off their gams in head-turning hues. It was fashion with a side of fearless.
5. Animal Print Everything
Animal print was the roar of the ’80s fashion scene, and at the state fair, it was untamed and unapologetic. I once saw a woman who looked like she had wrestled a cheetah and won, head-to-toe in feline flair.
From zebra stripes to leopard spots, these prints were as wild as the rides they accompanied. The fair was a jungle of fashion, where each print seemed to growl for attention. These patterns were not for the faint of heart; they were for the bold and the brave.
Pair them with neon accessories and you became a living, breathing safari of style. It was fashion that demanded to be noticed, and it prowled the fairgrounds with pride.
6. Neon Leg Warmers
Ever wondered how to keep your calves warm while your knees freeze? Enter neon leg warmers! These loud, bright tubes of fabric were the ultimate contradiction. I remember strutting down the fairgrounds, my legs glowing like radioactive celery sticks. They came in every fluorescent hue imaginable, making each wearer a walking highlighter.
The beauty of leg warmers was their versatility. Whether you were breakdancing or just breaking a sweat in line for fried dough, they had you covered—or at least your shins. Paired with a jean jacket and a hair scrunchie, they completed the quintessential ’80s fair outfit. Who needed practicality when you had pizzazz?
Neon leg warmers were more than just a fashion statement; they were a lifestyle choice. The brighter, the better!
7. Scrunchies
Ah, scrunchies—the unsung heroes of hair accessories. In the ’80s, no fair trip was complete without one. These fabric-covered bands added a pop of color to every ponytail and a dash of sass to every updo.
I had a collection that rivaled my sock drawer, each scrunchie an explosion of hues and patterns. They held hair with a gentle hug, unlike those unforgiving elastic bands. Scrunchies were versatile; they doubled as wrist accessories and emergency slingshots for small snacks.
At the fair, they were the perfect accessory, keeping hair out of the way during roller coaster rides. They may have looked like glorified elastic bands, but they were the ultimate symbol of ’80s flair.
8. Graphic Bandanas
Bandanas in the ’80s were more than just fabric squares; they were identity tags. At the fair, they adorned heads, necks, and even wrists, each one telling its own story. I once wore a bandana with flames on it—I felt like I was on fire, literally and figuratively.
These bandanas came emblazoned with logos, slogans, and psychedelic patterns, making each one a statement piece. Paired with a leather jacket or a denim vest, they were the finishing touch to any rebellious ensemble.
In the ’80s, a bandana wasn’t just an accessory; it was a declaration of who you were or who you aspired to be. They were the ultimate in fairground flair, a small piece of fabric with a big personality.
9. Mesh Shirts
Mesh shirts were the ‘peek-a-boo’ of the ’80s fashion world, offering glimpses of what lay beneath. At the fair, they were the go-to for those who wanted to be seen but not fully revealed. My cousin had one, and it looked like he was wearing a window screen.
These shirts were bold, perfect for showcasing neon tanks or graphic tees beneath. The fair was filled with mesh clad bodies, each one displaying a layer of mystery. They were breathable too, which was a blessing under the hot fair sun.
Pair them with acid-wash jeans and Converse, and you had a look that screamed ‘carefree.’ Mesh shirts were about attitude, a way to show off your inner rebel.
10. Velcro Sneakers
Velcro sneakers were the defining footwear of the ’80s, perfect for kids and adults who just couldn’t deal with laces. At the fair, they were the shoes of choice, as easy to put on as they were to take off after a day of excitement. I had a pair with rainbow stripes—every step was like walking on a spectrum.
These sneakers were all about convenience without sacrificing style. The sound of velcro ripping open was music to our ears, signifying freedom from the tyranny of knots. They were the perfect fair footwear, keeping you swift on your toes as you dashed from one ride to another.
Velcro sneakers were the unsung heroes of fair fashion, blending practicality with an unmistakable ’80s charm.
11. Ruffled Blouses
Ruffled blouses were the statement piece of any ’80s wardrobe, and at the fair, they were as abundant as cotton candy. My aunt had one in every color, each ruffle layered with enough fabric to make a parachute.
These blouses were the epitome of elegance—frills that fluttered in the breeze, adding drama with every step. The fair was a sea of ruffles, each blouse puffier than the last. Paired with a high-waisted skirt, they turned the fairground into a fashion runway.
Ruffles were about excess and extravagance, a reminder that more was always more. At the state fair, they were a sartorial spectacle, blending whimsy with sophistication.
12. Rhinestone Cowgirl Boots
Rhinestone cowgirl boots were the ’80s answer to the age-old question: how can one be both a cowboy and a disco queen? At the fair, these boots kicked up more than just dust—they were the star of the show. My best friend wore a pair that sparkled more than the evening fireworks.
Each step in these boots was a dance, the rhinestones catching the light like a disco ball. Paired with denim shorts or a prairie skirt, they embodied the fair’s rustic charm with a dash of glamour.
These boots were made for strutting, and that’s just what they did. At the state fair, they were the ultimate fusion of country and couture.
13. Oversized Sunglasses
Oversized sunglasses were the ’80s way of saying, “I am a celebrity, even if only in my own mind.” At the state fair, they shielded eyes from the sun and from the curious glances of mere mortals. My uncle’s sunglasses could have doubled as windshields.
These sunglasses were all about drama—large frames that covered half your face, lenses tinted in every shade imaginable. They were the perfect accessory for people-watching or for pretending you were incognito.
At the fair, these sunglasses were more than just eye protection; they were a declaration of style. Big, bold, and unapologetic, they added an air of mystery to every fairgoer.
14. Acid-Wash Jeans
Acid-wash jeans were the rebellious child of denim, each pair as unique as a fingerprint. The fair was their natural habitat, a sea of blues and whites swirling in faded perfection. I had a pair that looked like they’d been through a tie-dye hurricane.
These jeans were all about the wash—strategically faded, leaving no two pairs alike. Perfect for pairing with a leather jacket or a puffy paint shirt, they were the ultimate in ‘cool kid’ fashion.
Acid-wash was bold, making a statement that was both laid-back and daring. At the state fair, they were a must-have, a denim canvas that mirrored the fair’s vibrant chaos.
15. Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads were the architectural marvel of ’80s fashion, turning every outfit into a statement of power. At the fair, the bigger the pads, the bigger your style status. My mom’s blazer made her look ready to tackle Wall Street—or a football game.
These pads were about more than just shoulders; they were about creating silhouettes that demanded attention. Paired with a pencil skirt or high-waisted jeans, they were the epitome of ’80s chic.
At the state fair, shoulder pads added an extra layer of flair to every outfit. They were the exclamation point at the end of a sentence, a reminder that in the ’80s, fashion was not just worn, it was wielded.