As my oldest son prepares to have his portrait taken for Senior Yearbook, I can’t help but recall my Senior year portrait experience. It was the fall of 1989. A photographer set up on stage of our school’s auditorium, and I popped in for a brief photo session. A single captured moment that would ultimately produce the most represented image of my High School era.
Over the years, I’ve had mixed feelings about the outfit I wore, because it didn’t reflect my typical style of that period. Instead, I toned down my usual 80s rocker-style for what I believed was a more subdued classic look. I opted for a shirt I never wore before, or even again; And, accessorized with a scarf that further added to the dullness of the fashion ensemble.
If I could do it over, I might consider wearing my sapphire suede fringed leather jacket, a Poison concert t-shirt, big silver loop earrings, and a stretchy black mini skirt; Accessorized with a silver medallion chain belted loosely around the hips. Say what you want about music from the 80s, but the fashion rocked. Nowadays, most young people dress more like they’re ready for bed, than a rock concert.
On the other hand, my hair I kept true to style. The classic Bon Jovi hair of the 80s—big and long. I’d sit through perms and highlights every 4-weeks to keep up with the look. Each morning required a wash, blow dry, and a curling iron to achieve a high bouffant. To finish, I’d hold my breath while I sprayed an obscene amount of Aqua-Net Extra Super Hold hairspray to seal the look. I often think teens today are missing out on the fun our generation had teasing our hair to new heights.
Even though it’s gotten a few laughs over the years for its outdated height and fullness, I’ve never regretted capturing the look that I took care each morning to achieve. To this day, it remains the favorite hairstyle I’ve worn. I’m not certain I could ever pull it off again, so I’m grateful its permanently cemented in history
The advice to my son in preparing for his senior year portrait is this: It’s a snapshot in time that will secure a significant place in your High School memories. How you choose to present yourself can reveal as much or as little about your current style as you want. Put thought into it, and choose wisely. Even with all the digital pics of you that are certain to remain archived in cyberspace, I’m still betting that a hardcopy of a yearbook will remain a frequented, and protected treasurer, for many years to come.