What To Wear At An 80s Party | Outfit Ideas From The 1980s

What To Wear At An 80s Party | Outfit Ideas From The 1980s

Don’t know what to wear at an 80s party? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This article will help you to choose the right outfits to add to the fun of the night. Keep reading for more details.

Acid-washed denim & high waist jeans

When you are going to an 80s themed party, acid-washed denim & high waist jeans are an absolute must. The bleach-splattered denim jacket and distressed jeans exploded in the ‘80s punk scene. This look is all about being carefree with your own style.

Distressed Denim Jacket from Forever 21 
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>>> Don't know what to wear to a 60s costume party? We've got you covered!

Neon

The 80s fashion went for vibrant and bright colors. That’s why neon was everywhere. How can you go big and bold if you are going to dress in muted tones? If you want to stand out at an 80s party, add various neon colors to your outfits, such as electric blue, hot pink, or bright yellow.

Show Off Neon Pink Top from Hello Molly
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Shoulder pads

In the 80s, shoulder pads weren’t only just for football players. These were a very popular feature in women’s clothing, especially blazers. Shoulder pads soon became a symbol of women’s power when they broke into the workforce. You can find or make your own shoulder pads by stuffing your shirt with some kinds of padding. Remember, the bigger the better!

Fitted Shoulder Pad Blazer from Zara
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Animal prints

Unleash the party animal within you with some unique prints and patterns. Wearing real animal skin was a big no-no, but animal-prints patterns feature on literally everything in the 80s. You can find bold prints of leopard, snake, zebra, or even giraffe skin on different items from dresses, pants, handbags to legging.

Half Of It Animal Pant Set from Fashion Nova
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>>> Are you going to a 70's disco party and don't know what to wear? We're here to help!

Athletic clothes or tracksuits

Athletic clothes and tracksuits were also popular in the 1980s. When velvet or velour tracksuits make you look both fabulous and comfortable, athletic clothes give your more chance to mix and match. You can try a matching jacket and puffy pants or use contrasting bright colors to approach the iconic 80s athletic wear.

2-Piece Velour Tracksuit Set from Stein Mart
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Legging & spandex

If you ask me, I will definitely say lycra changed the world because everyone was wearing leggings and spandex in the 80s. By everyone, I meant men, women, boys, or girls, it didn’t matter. You can wear your spandex with matching tube socks or an oversized T-shirt to complete the look.

Spray Dye High Waist Leggings from Nordstrom
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Hairstyles

In the 80s, both men and women permed, curled, teased their hair to make it as big as possible. You either go big or go home. Women often went for the side-swept shaggy style like Princess Diana, crimped waves, or a side ponytail. In the meantime, the common men’s hairstyles are African-American and mullets, such as Bon Jovi or Billy Ray Cyrus.

Everyone went big when it came to hairstyles in the 80s

Accessories

The 80s fashion trend was big accessories. The most popular items were scrunchies, leg warmers, fingerless gloves, chunky necklaces, big earrings, and sweatbands. Lace or leather fingerless gloves were very popular at that time, you can pair them with denim for a more punk look. Big unmatching earrings and layering chunky necklaces will also help you create an 80s punk look.

Retro 80s Enamelled Earrings from Etsy
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Leg warmers and sweatbands helped popularize the gym look of the era. In the ‘80s, girls started to pick up the leg warmers whether they danced or not. Add a wide sweatband and you have completed the best attire for an 80s themed party.

Animal Print Leg Warmers 80's Disco Dance from Etsy
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Makeup

Just like with fashion, the 80s makeup was bold, heavy, and colorful. The most common makeup style included bright eyeshadow, colored mascara, highlighted check, and pale colors lipstick.

The 1980s makeup trends were vibrant, bold, and unique.

>>> Having a 90s themed party coming up? Here is what you should wear!

80s fashion trends were one of the most iconic so far. Everything from the 1980s has become trend leaders and continues to pop up in decades. We hope that with this article, you have known what to wear at an 80s party. Don’t forget to sign up for your email address to keep yourself updated with the latest trends and various discounts from our team members.