If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for 80s and 90s sweaters. I’m talking shoulder-padded, bedazzled, loud, and unapologetically fun. Think Designing Women, Delta Burke, and all the drama of the era. There’s something about these vintage sweaters that makes me feel powerful, playful, and just a little bit mischievous.

I first fell in love with sweaters like these because of my mom. She was a floral designer, always surrounded by blooms and color, and she had a knack for crusty, sparkly, and bold pieces that made a statement. I remember her like a frosted spruce in the Herbergers window—perfectly arranged, full of personality, and impossible to ignore. It turns out, we really do turn into our mothers as we get older. And honestly? I like it. Especially when it comes in the form of a shoulder-padded, sequined, Dance Party USA kind of sweater.

Hunting for these vintage gems is a hobby, a thrill, and sometimes a workout. Estate sales are my treasure maps; thrift stores, my hidden gold mines. Each sweater has a story, whether it’s a slightly crusty collar, a glittery neckline, or a pattern that screams “look at me.” And the satisfaction of spotting a bedazzled, shoulder-padded beauty tucked among bland modern knits is like winning the lottery.

These sweaters aren’t just about nostalgia—they’re about joy, confidence, and embracing who I am today. Wearing them is like stepping into a time machine that also hands me a little extra sass. They remind me of my mom’s creativity, her boldness, and her refusal to fade into the background. And yes, sometimes they remind me of my own hot flashes, but I like to think that even that’s stylish.

Now, let’s talk style. These vintage sweaters are statement pieces for a reason. Shoulder pads add structure, bold patterns draw the eye, and sequins catch the light in the best possible way. Pair them with jeans for a casual vibe, or tuck one into a high-waist skirt for a full-on retro moment. The key is confidence—these sweaters demand it. And trust me, confidence is exactly what they give back.

If you’re hunting your own crusty, bedazzled sweater treasures, here’s a few tips:

• Estate Sales: Go early, bring cash, and don’t be afraid to dig. The gems are often hidden in the corners.
• Thrift Stores: Check weekly; inventory changes fast. Focus on shoulder pads, bold prints, and anything sparkly. *Insider tip: Look in the summer!
• Online Vintage Shops: Etsy and eBay can be lifesavers if you’re looking for a very specific style, like bedazzled holiday sweaters or jewel-dripping, just-cuz-it’s Saturday night kind..

I love these sweaters because they connect me to my past, my mom, and the playful, fearless side of myself that sometimes gets lost in the day-to-day of midlife. And as women, especially in the second season of life, we deserve to embrace what makes us feel joyful and alive—whether that’s a cozy bedazzled sweater, a weekend estate sale adventure, or just a little sparkle in our everyday routine.

So, yes, I hunt down 80s and 90s sweaters wherever I can find them. And no, I don’t care if they’re “crusty.” Well, kind of. You know, the good kind of crust. They’re perfect. They’re joyful. I can’t help but want to pop a Totino’s party pizza in the toaster oven and tune in to Casey Kasem. And they’re my favorite way to celebrate the woman I’ve become—and the woman I always will be.