Eighties Costumes

Eighties Costumes

Eighties Costumes

Big hair with cans of mouse and hairspray that had environmentalists up in arms; ultra-tight Lycra mini-skirts that displayed more than they covered; neon-colored attire that stopped traffic like it was nobody else’s business; tights and leg warmers that seemed more at home in the dance studio than it did in the streets; seriously thick shoulder pads that were worthy of a football player; and bling-blings that will make Madonna proud even today.

Oh, yes. Those were the good old days when men and women wore clothes like it was Halloween everyday. Or rather, like they were characters in a costume party that, when you come to think of it, is more fun than wearing Aunt Martha’s weary witch costume.

The 80s Rock God

The decade saw the rise of rock in direct contrast to the disco decade of the 70s. Now, picture yourself a rock god in the mold of Poison and you can be a hit. Just be sure to add the swagger and the smirk to go with it and you’re all set.

You’ll need a black knit shirt with bold print, preferably one that shouts you’re a rebel, and fringe trim all-around. Now complement that with stretch velvet pants in zebra prints that allows no room for bending over, a vinyl belt so wide it can cover your nether regions in the event that your pants have a wardrobe malfunction ala Janet Jackson, a matching scarf and headband to cover your face in such event and to hold your mullet wig in place, and fringe boots that declare your Pocahontas ancestry. Voila! A rock god every groupie will want to, ahem, sing with!

Don’t forget the makeup, lots and lots of it. Oh, yes. Men were allowed, nay, expected to smear their faces with makeup. So, steal your girlfriend’s black eyeliner and bright red lipstick and show them what you’ve got – balls like a man, face like Adam Lambert.

The 80s Diva

Look at old pictures of Madonna and Cindy Lauper from the 1980s. You’ll see plenty of clothes and accessories that street urchins today will be hard-pressed to carry but that’s exactly what the fashion was all about – looking like a street urchin!

To get the 80s diva look, rummage through your old stuff for mini-skirts so short one is left to wonder how it can serve as crotch cover, which fortunately you don’t need to worry about as you’ll also wear leggings under it. You’ll also need brassieres that can go as outerwear and neon heels to complete the look.

Oh, wait! You have to layer strings of necklaces, rows of bracelets, several hair bows and head bands, large crucifixes and lace ribbons to adorn your body. You’ll be carrying bling-blings like there’s no tomorrow but therein lies the fun of pretend! And the final touch: colorful makeup that borders on clown makeup without the frightful smile, of course.

Now, for the right attitude of the 80s diva: plaster on a pout, practice a come-hither look, and throw a tantrum every now and then.

Well, of course, you can play around with these suggestions. Just remember three things when making your 80s costume: big hair, big attitude and big drama. And then, you’ll be a big hit!