Got an 80’s theme party coming up and not sure what to wear? You’re not alone! The vibrant colors and bold styles of the 80s can be a blast to recreate, but it can also feel overwhelming to pick the perfect outfit.
Key Takeaways
- Bold Colors & Patterns: Embrace neon colors, wild prints, and high-waisted denim to capture the vibrant essence of the 80s.
- Iconic Accessories: Incorporate chunky jewelry, leg warmers, headbands, and colorful sunglasses to enhance your outfit.
- Diverse Footwear: Opt for high-top sneakers, combat boots, or ballet flats to add a playful yet comfortable touch to your look.
- Fun Hairstyles & Makeup: Use teased hairstyles, bold eyeshadow, and bright lip colors to complete your 80’s-inspired appearance.
- Character Inspiration: Consider dressing as iconic 80’s characters, such as Marty McFly or Princess Leia, for a fun and recognizable outfit.
- Color Palette: Focus on a mix of neon shades, bright pastels, and primary colors to achieve an authentic 80’s vibe at your theme party.
What to Wear for an 80’s Theme Party
When dressing for an 80’s theme party, incorporate key elements that define the era. Bright colors, bold styles, and iconic accessories make your outfit stand out.
Clothing Options
- Neon Colors: Opt for vibrant neon shirts, shorts, or leggings. These bold hues capture the lively spirit of the 80’s.
- Denim: Choose high-waisted jeans or denim jackets. Distressed or acid-wash styles add an authentic touch.
- Crazy Prints: Select clothing with wild patterns. Choose floral, geometric, or animal prints for a true retro vibe.
- Sweatshirts: Wear oversized sweatshirts, preferably with bold logos or designs. Consider off-the-shoulder styles for added flair.
Accessories
- Chunky Jewelry: Layer bracelets and oversized earrings. Bright, plastic pieces are perfect for completing your look.
- Headbands: Use wide or patterned headbands to keep your hair neatly styled. They’re practical and stylish.
- Leg Warmers: Slip on leg warmers over tights or jeans. They add warmth and style to any outfit.
- Sunglasses: Choose colorful or reflective sunglasses. A classic accessory that adds 80’s flair.
Footwear
- High-Top Sneakers: Wear brightly colored or patterned high-tops. Brands like Nike or Converse offer authentic styles.
- Ballet Flats: Choose simple ballet flats in fun colors. They balance comfort and style for your outfit.
- Combat Boots: Opt for sturdy combat boots for an edgier look. They pair well with skirts or dresses.
Hairstyles
- Teased Hair: Create volume by teasing your hair. Use hairspray to hold the style in place.
- Curls and Waves: Curl your hair into tight curls or beachy waves. Use mousse for a voluminous effect.
- Perms: Consider a temporary perm for that iconic 80’s bounce.
- Bold Eyes: Apply bright eyeshadow in blues, pinks, or purples. Extend it to the brow bone for a dramatic effect.
- Bright Lip Colors: Choose vivid lipstick shades, like hot pink or bright red. It adds a playful touch.
- Blush and Highlighter: Use blush liberally, and don’t shy away from highlighter. The glow is undeniably 80’s.
Iconic 80’s Fashion Trends
The 80’s fashion scene is vivid and unforgettable. Embrace these trends to make a memorable statement at your themed party.
Clothing Styles
- Neon Colors: Bright pinks, yellows, greens, and oranges dominated the decade. Mix and match neon tops and bottoms for an eye-catching look.
- High-Waisted Denim: Opt for high-waisted jeans or skirts. These create a flattering silhouette and pair well with crop tops or oversized tees.
- Wild Prints: Animal prints, geometric patterns, and bold plaid were extremely popular. Incorporate these prints into your outfit for an authentic vibe.
- Puffy Sleeves: Look for blouses or dresses with puffy sleeves. This silhouette highlights the dramatic style of the era.
- Tracksuits: Tracksuits in bold colors and stripes are not just comfortable; they also represent the sporty style of the 80s.
- Chunky Jewelry: Choose oversized earrings, colorful bracelets, and large necklaces to add flair. Layer multiple pieces for extra impact.
- Headbands: Select wide, colorful headbands to complete hairstyles or as a statement piece. They can enhance both casual and dressy looks.
- Leg Warmers: Wear leg warmers over tights or with shorts for a fun and playful touch. They capture the dance and fitness culture of the decade.
- Fanny Packs: Opt for bright or metallic fanny packs for a practical yet stylish addition. They keep hands free while adding a retro pop.
- Footwear: High-top sneakers, combat boots, or bright-colored stilettos complete your look. Choose shoes that resonate with the playful spirit of the decade.
Popular 80’s Characters to Emulate
Emulating popular 80’s characters can add a fun twist to your theme party outfit. Here are some iconic figures to inspire your look:
Movie Icons
- Marty McFly (Back to the Future)
Choose a red puffer vest, checkered shirt, and high-top sneakers. Don’t forget to accessorize with a skateboard for authenticity. - Princess Leia (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back)
Opt for a classic white dress with puffy sleeves, a silver belt, and iconic side buns. Add a blaster for an edgy touch. - Ferris Bueller (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
Go for a laid-back look with a striped shirt, khaki pants, and a brown jacket. A simple pair of sunglasses completes the look. - Ghostbusters
Wear a khaki jumpsuit with the Ghostbusters logo. Carry a toy proton pack for an instant nod to this classic film.
- Michael Knight (Knight Rider)
Dress in a black leather jacket, dark jeans, and a sleek hairstyle. A toy car resembling KITT enhances the character’s essence. - The A-Team
Combine military-style jackets with casual wear like jeans and T-shirts. Vary your looks by featuring different team members. - Alex P. Keaton (Family Ties)
Choose a blazer over a casual shirt, paired with high-waisted jeans. He’ll look great with a side-swept hairstyle and loafers. - Nerds (Revenge of the Nerds)
Embrace this quirky style with suspenders, thick glasses, and a pocket protector. A nerdy T-shirt brings the outfit together.
Essential 80’s Color Palette
The 80’s color palette bursts with vibrancy. To capture the mood of the decade, focus on bold colors and neon shades.
Neon Colors
Neon pink, green, yellow, and orange dominate 80’s fashion. Pair a neon top with black leggings or high-waisted jeans for an eye-catching look.
Bright Pastels
Bright pastels, especially mint green, lavender, and soft pink, complement neon hues. A pastel oversized blazer can soften the overall effect while keeping the vibe fun.
Primary Colors
Red, blue, and yellow are standard choices. Combine a bright red shirt with denim shorts or a blue skirt for a playful ensemble.
Mixed Prints
Mixing prints adds flair. Patterns like polka dots, stripes, and animal prints were popular. Don’t shy away from combining these with solid colored pieces.
Accessories
Accessorize with colorful items. Choose chunky bracelets and big earrings in vibrant colors. A bright headband can tie the whole outfit together.
Footwear
Opt for footwear in bold shades. High-top sneakers in neon colors or bright combat boots enhance your look while keeping it authentic to the decade.
Makeup
Embrace the color palette with makeup too. Use bright eyeshadows and bold lipsticks in similar shades. Metallics and shimmer were popular choices for a glam touch.
By focusing on these essential shades, you’ll capture the lively spirit of the 80’s and stand out at your themed party.
Conclusion
You’re all set to rock that 80’s themed party with your vibrant outfit. Embrace the bold colors and playful styles that defined the decade. Don’t forget to accessorize and have fun with your hair and makeup.
Whether you channel a classic character or mix and match trends, the key is to let your personality shine through. Get ready to dance the night away and enjoy the nostalgia of the 80’s. You’re gonna have a blast!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to an 80’s themed party?
To capture the 80’s vibe, opt for bright neon colors, high-waisted denim, and wild prints. Incorporate chunky jewelry, headbands, and leg warmers as accessories. Footwear like high-top sneakers and combat boots will complete your outfit for a fun and authentic look.
What accessories are essential for an 80’s outfit?
Key accessories include oversized chunky jewelry, colorful headbands, leg warmers, and fanny packs. These elements add flair and help elevate your outfit to reflect the bold styles of the 80’s.
Which hairstyles are popular for an 80’s themed party?
Popular 80’s hairstyles include teased hair, curls, and side ponytails. Experimenting with big, voluminous styles will help you embody the lively spirit of the era, making your outfit stand out.
How can I emulate a character from the 80’s?
Choose iconic characters like Marty McFly or Princess Leia for inspiration. Research specific clothing and accessory choices from these characters to create a fun, recognizable look that fits the party theme.
What makeup should I wear for an 80’s themed party?
Opt for bright eyeshadows in vibrant colors and bold lipsticks. Metallics and shimmers can add a glam touch, ensuring your makeup captures the lively and playful essence of the 80’s.
Can I mix prints for my 80’s outfit?
Yes! Mixing bright pastels, primary colors, and wild prints is encouraged in 80’s fashion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations to create a unique and eye-catching look.
What shoes are best for an 80’s themed party?
Choose footwear that reflects the playful spirit of the decade, like neon high-top sneakers, bright combat boots, or colorful stilettos. These options will enhance your 80’s style and comfort for the event.
