Young people on TikTok are trying to make the 80s happen again

With Donald Trump always on the news, the arrival of the flashy, sleazy boom boom aesthetic, and the return of big hair and blush blindness, it can feel like we’re living through a 1980s revival. But for some, the reenactment has become a bit more literal. 

Millennials have been incorporating elements of the 80s within alternative-leaning subcultures since teenhood (scene kids, metalheads and indie sleaze hipsters have always been big on the layered backcombed hair). But today, young TikTok creators are not just taking elements of the look, but cosplaying the entire aesthetic. 

After thirst-watching a couple of James Spader edits on TikTok (...it’s allowed!), the algorithm will time-travel you back to this 80s divaverse, San Junipero-style, where there are dozens of creators made up in various styles relating to this bygone decade. There’s the Pamela Anderson-esque metal Barbies like Heather Leather and Creature, and glam rockers Monkee Bois and Tim. Influencer Delphine, meanwhile, hasn’t just adopted the sartorial style but has dedicated whole apartments to the 80s art deco revival aesthetic.

19-year-old 80s model Mila Moon makes video vixen-inspired content, wearing huge, beautiful hair teased to high heavens in front of a wall of band posters and boomboxes. Having discovered Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey soundtrack on CD, she instantly fell in love with bands like Slaughter, Winger and Faith No More. “It literally changed my life,” she says. Her style started to gradually evolve in high school, reaching the ultimate rockstar vibe by the time she left. Now she’s renowned throughout her small town in Buffalo, New York.

“I think there’s a certain exhaustion with modern-day fashion trends and the need to conform to unrealistic and constantly changing standards,” says Moon. “It affects self-esteem and self-image, I’m sure it is exhausting feeling the need to constantly try to fit into what the internet thinks is ‘cool’ this week.” With the trends of the 80s already permanently etched into history, it’s a relief to have the option to step out from the increasingly rapid, endless churn of beauty fads. Plus blue eyeshadow goes with every look, she says, which definitely helps.

“The rebellion of not following the norm of everyday life and modern-day fashion trends is a peaceful way to take control of our lives and how people perceive us,” says Moon. “I’ve completely committed to my style and don’t see myself going back any time soon!” Her dedication isn’t merely for aesthetic purposes – this is a lifestyle she has fully welcomed. Her boyfriend Jackson Davenport is also inspired by the 80s, as is his band Void (Moon makes a cameo in one of their music videos). There are multiple images of her posing on his 80s sports car, and amongst his tech. “I have an extensive collection of almost 50 boomboxes that I’ve picked up from garage sales or thrift stores and an entire retro 80s arcade in my basement with almost 20 vintage cabinets,” she says. 

Living in a similar way is 27-year-old rock-pop singer Ana Moll from the Jersey Shore. Originally inspired by the band Whitesnake when she was 15, Moll became entranced by the glamour, grit and mystification of rock stars. “Think blue mascara and bright blush, the hair definitely got higher as each year came,” she says. “The boldness of it all attracts me big time: the electric colours like cobalt blues and hot pinks. Everything seems very monotone lately, and I prefer different colours for different days.” When she began sharing her life publicly and online, Moll felt as though there was little to reference. “There was very much no explosion like how it is now,” she says. “I really wanted to bring back the essence of the old-school style stars and not only through the teased hair and colourful make-up.”

While she doesn’t go out every single day in full 80s garb – a toned down version of a band tee and jeans suffice for a trip to the convenience store – Moll says she “lives and breathes” the lifestyle, confidently romanticising her life by going to record stores and gigs all done up, cruising with friends in vintage cars. A number of her friends dress in a ‘vixen’ style attire, similar to Moon. “I think I’m very misunderstood in the sense that I don’t believe in trying to curate an exact representation of the time, which other people may do, I’ve always just been more of the Madonna school of thought, where I’ve thrown together looks on the whim.”

For Eli-sha Ja’carl Tripp, a 21-year-old stylist and creative working in the Flamingo’s Vintage Pound clothing shop, Pinterest moodboards have been the gateway to their favourite era. Their brightly coloured make-up often features graphic shapes inspired by the Blitz Club, Soul Train, Art Deco and the illustrative artwork of Keith Haring. “The thing about the 80s that makes me love it is how diverse it is compared to any other era,” Tripp explains. “Everyone looked so unique. Even when people were chilling, they looked fly. Today, everyone is so muted, I just can’t get down with that.” The vividness of the 80s is the exact opposite of the infamous millennial grey. The hedonism of that time was truly reflected in the vast array of fun make-up styles within both subcultures and the mainstream. “I absolutely do not see myself ever dressing modern,” Tripp says. “As modern as it gets for me is 90s.”

Whether they’re fully committing to the bit or just experimenting aesthetically within the vibe, there’s one thing that all young 80s lovers share – a feeling that present-day beauty and aesthetics are too universally dull to engage with and a desire to return to a time defined by maximalism and excess. And if you are looking to join them but don’t know where to start, Tripp has some advice for you: “Blush is your best friend.”