Got a fancy dress party coming up with an 80s theme? Let me help you with that.
First off, it was the era of big hair, lots of hairspray, fluoro everything, massive hoop earrings and three-quarter length leggings for women. Oh, and the odd lacy glove.
For men, moustaches ruled the day (think Magnum PI), hair was gelled back at the sides with a sweeping fringe, and t-shirts worn under suits made their first appearance. As did eyeliner.
TV shows and music filled our days (this was before mobile phones and PCs), so most of us watched shows like Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Dynasty and Prisoner Cell Block H – all good for 80s dress up ideas.
When we weren’t watching TV we were recreating Michael Jackson’s dance moves or scaring the sheet out of ourselves watching horror movies like Friday the 13th or a Nightmare on Elmstreet. Teen fun came by way of ET and St Elmo’s Fire.
The awful thing about growing up in the 80s is that the photo evidence makes you want to screech. But when it comes to 1980s fashion, it’s by far one of the best dress up themes there is.
#10 Like A Virgin
Ladies, Madonna was, is and always will be the go-to 80s outfit choice for women. Easy to recreate, Madge made lace cool again so make sure you have some in keen supply.
Add bangles, beaded necklaces (around your wrists), a big ribbon to tie back you hair (leave a bit of fringe), red lippy, lots of eyeliner and if you’re game, a lacy bra with a top that’s had the bottom cut off it.
Yes, this is how we dressed in the 80s.
#9 The Breakfast Club
There was a heist of teen movies in the 80s, all of which had stand out characters you can recreate. To be Molly Ringwald you just need a big red wig and some pink lipstick.
Ally Sheedy’s awkward character Allison means you and a mate can go as a pair and have oodles of fun staying in character all night.
#8 Kids of the 80s
Kids can transform into an 80s icon in no time.
Got a pair of white sneakers, some round glasses and a white coat? Then you have a ready made Doogie Howser.
ET is even easier. Cut a couple of holes in a white sheet and make a long alien like finger with a red tip out of a wooden spoon and you have the cutest extra terrestrial on the planet. Add a BMX bike if you have one.
#7 From Dallas to Dynasty
Today it’s Atlanta and Brooklyn 99 but back in the 80s it was all about Americans with lots of money. Dynasty and Dallas were two of the top rated shows and make great costume ideas for an 80s fancy dress party.
Go as a Texan oil tycoon by wearing a giant cowboy hat (you can have a lot of fun dressing up the kids as adult characters).
And of course, there’s always the publicity offshoots like the one below. Life in the 80s was one big cabaret after all.
#6 Boys to Men
Guys, if you’re looking for costume ideas, there are plenty of options for men and boys. Headbands and stripey t-shirts under a blazer with lots of hair gel will turn you into an 80s hero. Buy a black eyeliner and you have yourself a 1980s pop band for less than $4.95.
#5 Add a bit of Culture
It’s hard to think about the 80s without Boy George coming to mind. You can buy a hat with dreadlocks and wear it with an oversized shirt (pink or white if poss), splash it with paint and voila!
The tricky bit will be the makeup. Boy George was (and still is) a pro when it comes to eyeshadow application. You might want to ask your wife, girlfriend or sister for help with that one.
#4 Daisy and the Boys
If there are three of you going to a party together then why not go as the Dukes of Hazzard. Luke, Daisy and Beau make a very 80s trio and you’ll actually look pretty cool while you’re at it.
You can thank me later.
#3 Especially For Duos
There were so many duos in the 80s – Kylie and Jason, The Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys, Wham, Soft Cell, Yazoo. Coupled up and looking for ideas? There you go.
#2 Pick a horror flick
Maybe it was because I was a teenager (and maybe it was just me) but there seemed to be a horror movie obsession in the 80s. Friday the 13th, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and the Omen movies were terrifying for their time.
And they make for fabulous outfit ideas. Just don’t use real knives…
#1 Thriller
In 1982 Michael Jackson released his inner zombie and we all followed suit. In fact, MJ has no shortage of costumes that you can replicate for an 80s theme.
You could wear a black suit with one white glove, a red leather suit and some cats eye contact lenses, or just bling on the sequins and don a curly wig.
#bonus! D-I-S-C-O
Oh yes, in the 80s we were still rollerskating and hopscotching our way through life and we did it wearing ultra short shorts and roller boots with our big hair fighting to get out from under our sun visors. Classic 80s fancy dress right there.
Alternatively, wear a leotard, leggings and leg warmers a la Jane Fonda. Aerobics workouts had only just begun.
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