Bobby socks, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, mini-skirts and fatigues - fashions come and go like money and Robert Redford, but the students at Idaho dressed to suit their unique personalities. Though most students tried to keep in step with the current fashions, they always kept comfort in mind. Consequently, a wide variety of styles could be seen on campus.

In keeping with comfort and fashion many students, men and women, liked the bulky hand-knit sweaters as a basic for their winter wardrobe. However, for the first time in over a decade, blue jeans were no longer the fashion essential. Instead, dress slacks and cords were the mainstay in men’s and women’s clothing.

The shift from blue jeans reflected the overall trend of dressing better. No longer were jeans, a t-shirt and tennis shoes the common style of dress.

According to Kristie Harden, manager of Jay Jacob’s at the Palouse Empire Mall, “students are more conscientious about how they look.” “Students are shopping more for outfits. They’re more pulled together - they’re starting to think more about accessorizing,” she added.

Unlike other years, there had not been a dramatic change from last year’s fashions to this year’s. The ruffles and flounces were still popular; although they had been toned down and tailored. Preppy may have been a little stronger but it wasn’t overwhelming.

“Students like the preppy look, but they’re getting into a little more color,” said Harden. Bright, rich, full colors seems to be a major trend this year.

Another new trend this year was the women’s “tuxedo” style for everyday or evening wear.

Overall students were dressing better. They were dressing for comfort and for themselves. “That’s basically what fashion is - dressing to suit your own personality,” said Harden.

An in-depth fashion analysis from the 1983 Gem of the Mountains Digital Yearbook.