Hints, Answers, and Help in Today’s New York Times, December 27, No. 299

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today Branches The puzzle may have been written specifically for me. I co-wrote What happened to Pudding Pops?a book about the lost toys, tastes, and trends of the 70s and 80s, so I’m familiar with the fashion and beauty styles of that era. If you remember your acid-washed jeans and still own a Benetton jacket or two, you should end today’s puzzle on a high note. But if you need some hints and answers to today’s Strands puzzle, read on.

I also delve into it The rules of the threads in this story.

If you are looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers then visit the site CNET’s NYT Mysteries Tips Page.

Read more: NYT Connections turns 1: These are the 5 toughest puzzles yet

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands topic is: Back to style

If that doesn’t help, here’s a guide: leg warmers and shoulder pads.

Keywords to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find the hidden words that fit the theme of the puzzle. If you’re stuck, search for any words you can find. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the keywords. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any four or more letter words you find will work:

• rick, sand, nothing, smut, mill, bream, mute, mute, mall, narek, smit, hop, hops, press

Today’s Strands Puzzle Answers

These are the answers that relate to the topic. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, which is a thematic word that connects from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you get them all (I initially thought there were always eight but I’ve learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the non-Spanish answers:

• Neon, perm, mullet, spandex, jumpsuit, windbreaker

Spanggram threads today

Strands spangram today is The eighties. To find it, start with the letter E which is three letters from the left in the top row, and then calm down.