You who mercilessly rip on the '80s: You rip because you're jealous.

Let's face it; the '80s were way better than the '90s and the new millennium.

The parties, hair and men were all bigger and better then. Somehow you got it in your head that the '80s were all madness and chaos, and no one who was there remembers any of it, and if they do, then they weren't really there. At least that's what VH1 wants you to think.

And in the last few years, there have been some runways with '80s-influenced trends trying to score a hit of popularity. I have worn the leg warmers out a couple times and I'm not gonna lie, they've been cute. But I'm not seeing a full-fledged leg warmer comeback. I've seen them around in stores, but the fish aren't biting so much. This is strange because usually if there is something that's practical and looks good, fashion-mavens are quick to jump on it. So I've been thinking, why the hesitation?

The '80s are being embraced in baby steps: the sliced shirt, the side ponytail. But overall, people are still afraid of them. But really, there's a lot of fashion to take away from the decade.There were some good ideas behind some of the fads. The trouble was that as the rock and fashion worlds mixed, and massive amounts of hallucinogenic materials were being consumed, fashion got out of control.

I, for one, am ready to embrace some of the styles from Generation X. Here are some clutch styles that rocked it with Axl and could bump it with Justin.

Leg Warmers

Flat Knit, Fuzzy and Angora leg warmers, over jeans rather than with shorts and skirts. I dig this look, which can make any old jean-and-tee outfit jump out. Beware of the arm warmers: This is dangerous '80s territory.

Big Earrings

Loops, dangly drops, long and lean show the world you mean business and wear earrings with attitude. Loops with stones and pearls are beautiful and can be semi-formal to formal. Wear silver, white metal or gold but not the fake stuff, because that is tacky and can be spotted 50 yards away. Watch out for cheap plastic outta-control styles that were hot last spring and that Madonna was keen on back in the day; they've run their course.

Off the shoulder

My personal favorite, this look emphasizes the elegance of the neck and shoulder. Whether you ripped it or it's a flawless seam, I'm lovin' it. You can definitely do it yourself by tearing it up or using scissors, but don't be sloppy. That was the flaw the first time around.

Tight Jeans

Not to say that jeans should have waistlines almost to the chest, but the snugger, more form-fitting models bring back memories of Rod Stewart videos. The ankle should actually cover the ankle; these are jeans, not capris.