What a surprise it was when I was organizing some photography files and bookmarks of photo exhibits I’ve entered and I found a photo that I totally forgot about that was a finalist in an exhibition called Memory Lane 2025 by Ten Moir Art Gallery that opened in July. It’s not like me to forgot something like that.
These boots weren’t made for walkin’
This was one of my favorites from my “My 80s Clothes” photo series I shot in 2023. The series features self portraits wearing my actual clothes from the 1980s that I still have.
The background self portrait was taken in Miami in 1989. In that photo I’m wearing one of my many Venice Beach sweaters I had at the time, jorts, and 1980s boot-shoes with white slouch socks. If I knew who cut my hair, I would certainly give credit where credit is due.
And now what you’ve been waiting for, a full breakdown of the fashions…
Vest: nothing protects oneself better against the harsh Michigan winters than a leather vest. Purchased circa 1985, the alternating vertical leather and cotton striped vest by M. Julian was my jacket of choice for dorm room parties at Michigan State University campus in the mid-80s. Often accessorized with a gold herringbone chain and long sleeve pullover, nothing said I’m both fashionable and impractical like this smart and snazzy armless jacket.
Boots: whether wearing skinny or boot cut jeans, these boots were made for tucking in. The putty-puke colored snow-boot-high boots are ironically the last thing you want to wear in the snow with no insulation and water absorbing soft leather. With no brand name to be found anywhere on the boot inside or out, no credit can be given for the design of this stylin’ footwear featuring a non-functional for-looks-only lace up top. Purchased circa 1985 at either Chess King or Oaktree at the Northland Mall north of Detroit.
Tank top: 100% ribbed nylon white tank by Shorewood handed down from my grandfather. Most likely purchased by grandpa in the 60s or 70s. The semi-transparent nylon offers a slinky tease with a murky view of the bird’s nest lying just beneath the fabric. Why I have kept a ribbed nylon white tank top from the 60s or 70s remains a mystery to this day.
Jeans: classic Levi 501 jeans with button-up fly. While the 501 style hasn’t changed in decades, the dark yellow cheese stain from Bennigan’s potato skins on the inner thigh certifies their 80s authenticity.
Belt: black leather belt by men’s belt brand, Honest. Bought in 1989, the belt features double metal loops to securely batten down the excess belt slack, if any.
Check out the My 80s Clothes series.