Last year, we all fell (back) in love with the ’80s, thanks to Netflix’s splendid Stranger Things. We’ll be on Team Winona forever, but her character’s particular brand of demented-mother dressing doesn’t really rank in the style stakes. Instead, we’re inspired by the preppy look of teen heroine Nancy Wheeler.
It’s twinsets, turtlenecks, denim skirts, high-waisted pants and button-down shirts. It’s also surprisingly easy to find and wear, thanks to fashion’s current obsession with everything ’80s. Of course, Stranger Things is a very fall/winter show, and now it’s spring/summer, so this is what we imagine a pretty, preppy princess like Nancy might wear when the temperature soars.
We’ll likely never see her in her summer finery because Season 2 won’t air until Halloween, by which point we’ll all be back in cords and cable-knit sweaters.
Getting’shirty wit it
Nancy’s look is pretty and girlish, but it’s not ultra-groomed like Winona in Heathers (her best film). The Stranger Things cast have to be ready to burn, maim and generally kick monsters’ asses at a moment’s notice, so there needs to be some concession to practicality. Sure, this shirt is pink and lacy, but it has a varsity-style trim at the wrists and waist, so it’s not sickly sweet.
Short and sweet
Chino shorts like these ones are practical for monster chasing. We can’t see Nancy in beige or taupe. Instead, she might go for these pink winners, which are comfy, stretchy, and high-waisted.
Undercover agent
The quintessential ’80s cover-up is the jean jacket and, happily, they’re back in style now, though slimmer-fitted than the original version. This one is perfect to throw on during an Indiana summer.
Good jeans
Relaxed, high-waisted jeans can look a bit soccer mom. To avoid that, pair them with fitted, tucked-in tops (not baggy tees or voluminous blouses) or crop tops and make sure they finish just on the ankle. They look great with this season’s kitten heels. These from H&M get extra points because they’re from the brand’s new Conscious collection, all of which is made from sustainable materials.
Watch out
In the ’80s, there were gaudy Swatches and nerdy Seiko calculator watches. Nancy wouldn’t have worn either – her style is more the kind of dainty, feminine arm candy you rarely see these days (a Fitbit, it ain’t). In fact, those kind of plain itty-bitty timepieces can look dated and dull, so instead, go for one like this, with a slender leather strap that wraps twice round the wrist.
