1

Bright colors

Image: Yaritza

In the 80s, neon was absolutely everywhere, and let’s be honest, it was very hard to miss. Found in clothes, accessories, makeup, signs, and posters, blindingly bright colors became a new style statement. From hot pink to acid green, neon yellow to electric blue, this color palette could be found in pop culture, on the streets, and everywhere in between.

2

Bold fashion

Image: cottonbro studio

There's only one word to describe 80s fashion: bold . B old hair, bold accessories, bold colors, bold everything! Fashion during this decade was strongly influenced by pop music and new rock subgenres such as New Wave. For the first time, different styles began to mix, combining formal garments with rebellious accents —like pairing suits with sneakers, mind you. Whether it was shoulder pads, multicolored leg warmers, or those striking Miami Vice suits, fashion in the 80s was all about vibrancy and an aura of success.

3

Big hair, strong makeup

Image: Gustavo Cerati, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 80s, crazy cuts and dramatic makeup became an everyday thing, a way of expressing one’s personality and style everywhere you went. From musicians like Madonna to leading ladies like Demi Moore or Julia Roberts, the stars led the way with their perms, pumped-up hair volume, tanned faces, and bright eyeshadows.

But let's not forget the guys! They also introduced the iconic mullet, popularized by celebrities like Rod Stewart, tennis player Andre Agassi, and Patrick Swayze, just to name a few.

4

Rise of yuppie culture

Image: MART PRODUCTION

In a nutshell, Yuppie culture was characterized by slicked-back hair, V-neck sweaters, and a condescending attitude. The term yuppie , an acronym for "young urban professional," emerged in 1980 in an article in Chicago magazine. It described a young person in their 20s or 30s who was part of the middle to upper class, a socioeconomic group that became the forefront of the decade.

From the beginning, this label sparked divided opinions: For some, it represented ambition and success; for others, it symbolized superficiality, an excessive materialism, and an apparent superiority complex. Accurate or not, the trend eventually faded away after the 1987 Wall Street Crash.

5

Toys on TV

Image: cottonbro studio

The 1980s were marked by spending Saturday mornings watching ads on cartoon commercial breaks. How did this happen? From this decade onwards, companies were finally allowed to market directly to kids. The result was hundreds of all kinds of toy ads. They advertised everything from creative games like the Rubik's Cube or Lego to cute and cuddly toys like Care Bears and My Little Pony. This era also saw the beginnings of the must-have toy trend, with Cabbage Patch dolls leading the pack.

6

Music on the go

Image: cottonbro studio

During the 80s, it was common to see people walking down the street with a Walkman on their hips or a boombox to their ears. Although the boombox gained popularity in the 70s, it became mainstream in the 80s thanks to hip-hop and breakdancing culture. Yet, the Walkman would soon steal its thunder. This revolutionary new audio player allowed people to bring their music with them anywhere without bothering everyone around. And that’s also how mixtapes became a thing!

7

Personal computers

Image: Tomas Martinez

The 80s were a prominent decade for electronics development. In 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, and everyday life and work would never be the same again. More affordable computers were created thanks to the introduction of powerful, smaller, and cheaper processors, reaching a wider audience and creating greater demand. Models such as the IBM PC, the Commodore 64, and the Apple Macintosh became household names, paving the way for the era of domestic computing.

8

Rise of video games

Image: cottonbro studio

Thanks to technological advances in graphics and gameplay over the decade, video games finally became undeniably popular. With the rise of arcade machines and home consoles, a series of iconic games managed to capture the attention of a wider audience, igniting a cultural phenomenon that would influence music, film, and television. Titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong became classics that defined an era.

9

Cable TV goes mainstream

Image: Coline Haslé

When cable TV hit the mainstream, it not only gave the big three American networks a run for their money, but it also allowed the world access to specialized shows that better suited their tastes. Whether your interest was sports, comedy, or music, cable had something for everyone.

CNN and HBO definitely changed television forever, but it was perhaps MTV that left the most indelible mark by offering greater insight into contemporary bands and musicians via live performances and music videos.

10

Fitness fever

Image: Ron Lach

The 1980s were the golden age of fitness, a trend that reflected society's growing interest in health and wellness. Exercise routines were not just a workout, but a cultural phenomenon that turned our living rooms into mini gyms.

Major clothing brands began designing exercise-specific apparel and accessories, such as leotards, crop tops, and headbands. Celebrities also capitalized on the fitness craze. Jane Fonda, for example, became a massive hit in 1982 with her iconic workout videos, some of the best-selling VHS of all time.

1

Groceries

Sure, the kitchen is massive, and the chef is part of the deal. But when a new First Family moves into the White House, the fridge is not stocked. The President and their family pay for their own food, just like the rest of us. Former First Lady Michelle Obama confirmed it herself. No rent, sure, but groceries are their responsibility. Fair is fair, right?

2

Interior decorations

The White House has its official historic look, but every family wants to make it feel like home. Artwork, new drapes, or a different couch are all allowed, but none of it goes on the government’s tab. If the First Family wants it, they buy it.

3

Personal homes

Even though 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is home base for four or eight years, the president still owns their personal home . All the upkeep, bills, and maintenance back home stay their responsibility.

4

Designer clothing

You might assume designers line up to dress presidents and first ladies for free. Not so. Any clothing they wear, whether off the rack or high fashion, comes out of their own funds . Sometimes designers lend outfits, but any fashion bills are never part of the White House budget.

5

Dry cleaning

And speaking of clothing, special garments don’t clean themselves. While the White House has its own laundry, t he president and family pay for dry cleaning of personal items . Those designer suits and gowns come with a personal laundry tab.

6

Hairstylists

Just like designer clothes, everything related to the First Family’s personal grooming is billed to them . When you’re photographed daily, hair matters. But those stylists? They’re not government employees. Every trim, blowout, and touch-up is paid for privately by the First Family.

7

Vacations and accommodations

Yes, even presidents need a break. When the First Family travels on personal vacations, they foot the bill for their own lodging, food, and fun. Transport and security are covered, but hotels, dinners, and souvenirs? That’s on them.

8

Private events outside the White House

Presidents don’t exactly get to do whatever they please, but if they plan a private dinner or event away from official grounds , they’re responsible for the costs. No taxpayer-funded parties here.

9

Private staff

On a similar note, whenever extra waiters, musicians, or planners for a private gathering in the White House are needed, those staff members are hired and paid by the First Family directly. Throwing a soiree at the Executive Mansion might sound glamorous, but the bill lands squarely in their own inbox.

10

Gifts for other dignitaries

Diplomatic gifts are a tradition, and there’s even a special office that helps choose the perfect item for each foreign leader. Depending on the gift and especially if it’s a personal one, the President may have to pay for it themselves. As long as it is diplomatic, the Government pays for it, but if the gift is based on a personal relationship, that comes out of the Chief’s pocket.

1

Buying alcohol (but not drinking it)

Everyone knows that alcohol was banned during the Prohibition Era (1920–1933), but what about it was illegal? The 18th Amendment banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of liquor, but drinking it in the comfort of your home was perfectly legal. Now, if you wanted to get your hands on it, you usually had to resort to not-so-legal means, such as speakeasies or bootleggers.

2

Shopping on a Sunday

Enjoying some retail therapy on the weekends is not uncommon nowadays, but there was a time when you could only do it on a Saturday. Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, were statutes that restricted commercial and recreational activities on Sundays , from buying alcohol to hunting, to ensure rest on the Lord’s day. Most blue laws were repealed in the 1960s, but some counties and states still enforce them to some extent.

3

"Modifying" the National Anthem

The National Anthem deserves respect—in fact, making a musical arrangement for it or playing only a part was once illegal. In the early 20th century, many states passed laws against the "musical desecration" of the Star-Spangled Banner , which outlawed embellishing the melody, using it as part of a medley, or dancing to its tune. These laws are no longer standing, and all etiquette regarding the National Anthem is voluntary for civilians.

4

Voting as an 18-year-old

Although there is no consensus among states about the legal age of majority, there is a national standard when it comes to voting in state and federal elections, something all Americans can do at 18 years old. However, this is a relatively new development. The 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, was passed in 1971 as a result of controversies surrounding the Vietnam War draft of young men who were not entitled to the vote.

5

Swearing in public

While federal laws against profanity are unconstitutional under the First Amendment, several states have passed statutes against public swearing and indecent language . While most of these statutes have not been enforced for decades, you’d be surprised to know that they were still standing in states such as California, Virginia, and Michigan within the past decade.

6

Margarine

D id you know that margarine was banned or severely restricted until the 1950s? In the late 19th century, many states banned the sale of margarine to protect the butter industry, while others allowed its sale on the condition that it was dyed pink to render it unappealing. Margarine with a butter-like appearance could sometimes be sold with an added tax. In 1950, President Harry Truman passed the Margarine Act, lifting all bans and taxes on yellow margarine.

7

Wearing pants as a woman

Wearing pants as a woman was never banned or criminalized on a federal level, but most states outlawed it with crossdressing laws and ordinances. In 1923, the US Attorney General stated that it was legal for women to wear pants in public, but this was not a federal law, which meant that state ordinances still stood. Although women's pants became standard during World War II, many places—such as the U.S. Senate—still banned them until the 1990s.

8

Eating popcorn at the movies

There was never a law or a statute banning popcorn at the cinema, but not for lack of trying. During the Silent Era of Hollywood, food was banned inside most theaters, and popcorn was the public enemy #1 due to the noise . When did it become a movie staple? With the introduction of sound in film, the crunching of popcorn was less of an issue, and street vendors started selling it outside cinemas. Eventually, theaters realized that there was major profit in snacks and started selling them, at a huge markup, in the theater.

9

Pinball machines

In what was known as the ‘Pinball Prohibition’, cities all across America made pinball machines illegal. The rationale was that pinball machines were gambling devices and were used by the mafia to lure children into illegal gambling . Luckily, most anti-pinball laws were repealed in the late 1970s.

10

Owning gold

There are several things that regular citizens can’t legally own, but why gold? In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that banned private ownership of gold —though small amounts of gold jewelry were allowed—to prevent "hoarding". Citizens were required to turn in their gold to the Federal Reserve, and would receive $20.67 per ounce. Gold ownership was made legal again by President Gerald Ford in 1975.