What to Wear to an 80s Party: Tips and Ideas for an Authentic Look
Stephanie Patterson
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Are you attending an 80s themed party and not sure what to wear? As someone who has attended many 80s parties, I can tell you that dressing up for these events is a lot of fun. The 80s were all about bold colors, big hair, and funky fashion, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
One of the easiest ways to dress for an 80s party is to thrift for vintage clothing. Look for acid-washed jeans, jumpsuits, and denim jackets. If you can’t find anything vintage, don’t worry. You can still create an 80s-inspired outfit with normal clothes. Think bright colors, bold patterns, and oversized accessories.
Whether you want to go all out with a full 80s costume or add a few retro touches to your everyday clothes, there are plenty of outfit ideas to choose from. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite 80s party outfit ideas to help you stand out at your next event.
Decoding the 80s Fashion
The 80s fashion was all about bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and statement accessories. The fashion trends of this decade were influenced by music, movies, and pop culture. In this section, I will decode the iconic 80s fashion trends and must-have accessories to help you dress up for an 80s party.
The Iconic 80s Fashion Trends
The 80s fashion was characterized by bold and bright colors, such as neon green, hot pink, and electric blue. The clothing items were oversized and baggy, such as oversized blazers, sweatshirts, and t-shirts. Acid-washed jeans, leggings, and parachute pants were also popular in the 80s.
Another iconic trend of the 80s was the power dressing. Women wore oversized blazers with shoulder pads to create a strong and confident look. Men wore suits with wide lapels and loose-fitting pants. The punk and grunge subcultures also emerged in the 80s, which influenced the fashion trends of the decade.
The Must-Have 80s Accessories
The 80s fashion was incomplete without the right accessories. The accessories were bold, colorful, and statement-making. Some of the must-have accessories for an 80s party include:
- Chunky jewelry – oversized necklaces, bracelets, and earrings
- Sunglasses – big and colorful sunglasses were popular in the 80s
- Scrunchies – colorful hair scrunchies were a staple in the 80s fashion
- Fanny packs – the ultimate accessory for hands-free convenience
- Leg warmers – perfect for adding a pop of color to your outfit
These accessories can be paired with your 80s outfit to create a bold and vibrant look. Remember to keep the accessories colorful and statement-making to capture the essence of the 80s fashion.
What to Wear to an 80s Party
Going to an 80s party and not sure what to wear? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a man, woman, or kid, there are plenty of ways to channel the spirit of the 80s with your outfit. Here are some ideas to get you started:
80s Party Outfit Ideas for Men
For men, the 80s were all about bold colors, graphic tees, and denim. To create an 80s-inspired outfit, try pairing a bright t-shirt with a denim jacket or vest. Acid wash jeans were also popular in the 80s, so consider wearing a pair of those. Finish off your look with a pair of high-top sneakers or boots.
If you want to take your outfit to the next level, consider accessorizing with a few 80s-inspired pieces. Fingerless gloves, a bandana, and a leather biker hat are all great options.
80s Party Outfit Ideas for Women
When it comes to 80s party outfits for women, the possibilities are endless. Neon colors, bold prints, and oversized accessories were all the rage in the 80s, so don’t be afraid to go all out with your outfit.
Consider pairing a bright, off-the-shoulder top with a pair of high-waisted jeans or a mini skirt. Leg warmers, chunky jewelry, and big hair are all great ways to complete your 80s look.
80s Party Outfit Ideas for Kids
If you’re bringing your kids to an 80s party, there are plenty of ways to get them in on the fun. For boys, consider a graphic t-shirt paired with acid wash jeans or shorts. High-top sneakers or boots are a great finishing touch.
For girls, try a brightly-colored tutu paired with a graphic t-shirt or tank top. Leg warmers, chunky bracelets, and a big bow in their hair will complete the look.
Remember, the key to a great 80s party outfit is to have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns, and don’t forget to accessorize. With these tips, you’re sure to be the life of the party.
80s Party Makeup and Hair
80s Makeup Trends
When it comes to 80s makeup, think bold and bright. The 80s were all about standing out, so don’t be afraid to go all out with your makeup. Neon colors were very popular, so consider using bright pink, blue, or green eyeshadow. You can also add some glitter to your eyelids or cheeks for some extra sparkle. Another trend was heavy eyeliner, so don’t be afraid to line your eyes with a thick black liner.
When it comes to lips, bright colors were also popular. You can choose a bright pink, red, or even purple lipstick. If you want to take it a step further, try adding some glitter to your lips as well.
Finally, don’t forget about blush. In the 80s, blush was applied heavily and often extended up to the temples. You can use a bright pink or coral blush to achieve this look.
80s Hairstyles
The 80s were known for their big hair, so don’t be afraid to go all out with your hairstyle. Teased hair was very popular, so consider teasing your hair and using hairspray to keep it in place. You can also try a side ponytail or a high ponytail with a scrunchie.
For those with shorter hair, consider getting a perm. Perms were very popular in the 80s and can give you that classic 80s look. You can also try using hair accessories such as headbands or scrunchies to add some extra flair to your hairstyle.
Another popular hairstyle in the 80s was the mullet. This hairstyle features short hair on the top and sides and long hair in the back. If you’re feeling daring, consider trying out a mullet for your 80s party.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dressing up for an 80s party can be a fun experience. With the right pieces, you can easily achieve the retro look that you desire. Remember to focus on bright colors, bold patterns, and statement accessories to truly capture the essence of the 80s.
When it comes to choosing your outfit, don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and trends. You can pair a leather jacket with ripped jeans or match a high-waisted skirt with a crop top. The key is to have fun and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect look.
Additionally, don’t forget about hair and makeup. Teased hair, bright eyeshadow, and bold lipstick were all popular in the 80s and can help tie your outfit together. And don’t forget to accessorize with items such as neon scrunchies, oversized sunglasses, and chunky jewelry.
Overall, dressing up for an 80s party can be a great way to express your creativity and have fun with fashion. With the right pieces and a little bit of confidence, you can easily rock the retro look and stand out at any party.
