We’re here to help with that! In this blog post, we’ll be talking about what to wear to an 80s party.
You’re looking for something to wear to an 80s party. It’s a great idea, but you don’t really want to go all in on the costume thing. You just want to look like you stepped out of an ’80s movie—but without actually having to dress like it.
What do you do?
What to wear to an 80s party female
Hey there,
If you’re looking for some fashion tips for your next 80s-themed party, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together a list of 50 outfits that will help you put together an outfit that fits the theme without looking like you just stepped out of a time machine.
The decade of excess is back—and we’re ready to party like it’s 1989!
Whether you’re a huge ’80s fan or just want to dress up for Halloween, this guide will help you find the perfect outfit for any occasion.
If you’re planning to attend an 80’s dance, you probably want to look your best. After all, the 80’s were a decade defined by style and creativity.
But if this is your first time dressing up for an 80’s dance, you may be wondering what exactly to wear. Well, we’ve got you covered! This blog will walk through everything you need to know about dressing like a true 80’s icon.
The 80’s are back!
Whether you’re going to a dance party or just want to dress up for Halloween, it’s time to bust out those neon leggings. But before you head out the door, make sure you have all of the best moves ready. Here’s what you need to remember while preparing for your next 80s adventure:
A few iconic 80s items to look for specifically are Members’ Only jackets, parachute pants, X Research source acid washed or dyed jeans, shirts with large logos on them, miniskirts, leg warmers, stretch pants with stirrups, one-piece jumpers, and denim jackets.
Theme parties are popular and fun. You may find yourself invited to an 80s party and have no idea what to wear to the party. Using these tips to resurrect the look and feel of the fun and groovy 1980s can help you fit in or even become the talk of the party!
Things You Should Know
Make your own 80s outfit by embracing the bright colors and fashion trends of the time.
Thrift for 80s fashion staples like leg warmers, Members’ Only jackets, and acid-washed jeans.
Channel the spirit of the 80s with a “big” hairstyle.
Add some 80s-inspired accessories to your outfit, like fingerless gloves, big earrings, or chunky necklaces.
Method
1
Making Your Own Outfit
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 3
1
Mix and match colors. Many 80s fashionistas went for bold, bright color combinations. Neon colors were particularly popular.
Match your top and bottom and add a pop of contrasting color. For example, electric blue pants and top can be accented with a bright yellow or pink belt and chunky earrings.
Contrast your bright colors. If you do not have a matchy outfit, you can also put different bright colors together.[1] Try to mix three or four different colors that are all different but all bright.
Bright tights can be worn underneath a miniskirt and topped with legwarmers of a different color.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 1
2
Shape your outfit. The 80s were a time of experimentation with many different styles. Women’s styles tended to be big on top and small on the bottom. An oversized shirt was often paired with a miniskirt[2] or tightly-fitted pants or leggings.
If you do not have oversized tops or undersized bottoms, try looking in your parents’ closet (they may even have actual clothes from the 80s). Younger siblings may have tight clothes that are too small for you that you can borrow for the bottoms.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 2
3
Find or make shoulder pads. Shoulder pads were very popular in women’s clothing. The bigger the shoulder pads, the better. If you do not have a shirt with shoulder pads, try stuffing your shirt with some kind of padding.[3]
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 4
4
Try an 80s punk look. Another approach is to go for more of an 80s punk look, which would involve mostly black and denim.
Wear at least two different denims. Men typically wore denim pants with oversized denim jackets.[4] Women wore denim miniskirts with a denim jacket. Men and women typically wore a tight shirt underneath the denim jacket.
Combine denim and lace. A classic 80s look is a lace top paired with denim acid-wash jeans or a denim miniskirt. The contrast of drastically different materials is a key feature of 80s style.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 5
5
Wear athletic clothes. Athletic clothes were also popular in the 1980s. However, they tended to be far more matchy than modern athletic clothes.
Puffy athletic pants and a matching jacket paired with some sneakers can be a perfect 80s look. Though they may be hard to find, velvet or velour sweat sets are preferable.
Another approach to athletic wear is the iconic 80s woman workout look: a leotard, tights, and legwarmers. All in contrasting bright colors is preferable.
Method
2
Finding Vintage Clothes
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 6
1
Visit your local thrift store. The best way to find great 80s-style clothing is to find authentic clothing from the 80s. Thrift stores can be treasure troves for tacky, outdated styles, so they should be your first stop.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 7
2
Look for specific clothing items that were popular. A few iconic 80s items to look for specifically are Members’ Only jackets, parachute pants,[5] acid washed or dyed jeans, shirts with large logos on them, miniskirts, leg warmers, stretch pants with stirrups, one-piece jumpers, and denim jackets.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 8
3
Look for materials that were popular in the 80s. Mixing different materials was very popular in the 80s. Try to find clothing that is leather, denim, velvet, velour, or lace. Put together some visually contrasting materials.
Look for bright colors and wacky prints.
Ask older people at the thrift store if they think that the items you have chosen seem like they are from the 1980s.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 9
4
Ask older relatives about 80s clothing. You may be surprised about what people will keep stored in their attic or basement. Ask any family members or neighbors who were in their teens or early 20s in the 1980s (born in the mid 1960s) if they have any of their old clothes for you to borrow.
Method
3
Styling Your Hair
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 10
1
Go big or stay home. The 80s was characterized by big hair.[6] People with straight hair often got perms, which permanently curled their hair. However, hair can be temporarily made big with a comb, hairspray, and some patience if you tease your hair.[7]
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 11
2
Crimp or curl your hair. A crimper is a special type of flat iron that crimps waves into your hair with high heat. Crimping can be somewhat time consuming, but it will give you a definite 80s flair, and it will make even the flattest hair much more voluminous. Curling your hair with a curling iron or curlers then tossing it with your fingers and applying hairspray can also be a good way to make your hair bigger.[8]
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 12
3
Wear a mullet. Though the mullet is most thought of as a men’s hairstyle (exemplified by iconic country singer Billy Ray Cyrus), in the 80s men and women wore their hair in mullets.
If you do not want to cut your hair into a mullet style, you can find a mullet wig at a party store. You may also be able to cut a long wig into a mullet style.
Be sure to tell everyone that your hairstyle is “business in the front” and “a party in the back.”
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 13
4
Wear a side ponytail. Whether your hair is straight or curly, a side ponytail is a classic 80s hairstyle. Bigger is always better, so if you can curl or tease your hair before putting it into a side ponytail, it will look even more authentic.
Method
4
Accessorizing Your Look
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 14
1
Cut the fingers out of gloves. Fingerless gloves were very popular, especially when paired with a more punk look with denim and lace.[9] Lace gloves are preferable, but any gloves will work.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 15
2
Wear big earrings. The earrings do not have to match each other. Wearing two different large earrings—for a man or a woman—was quite popular.[10] If they are a bright color that either matches or contrasts your outfit, even better! If no chunky colorful or feather earrings are available, gold hoop earrings will work.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 16
3
Find chunky necklaces. Repeat. Layering on many different chunky necklaces will help create a punk 80s look. Thick chains or beads were popular, and the inclusion of a crucifix was common as well. The more necklaces, the better. You may also want to layer on several different types of bangle and chunky bracelets in contrasting metals.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 17
4
Wear big sunglasses. Large sunglasses with plastic rims were very popular in the decade, even indoors or at night. Cheap children’s sunglasses with bright earpieces are very similar to popular 80s sunglasses. Gold-rimmed glasses were also popular and can often be found at party stores.[11]
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 18
5
Apply 80s makeup styles. Classic 80s makeup included dark lipstick (for women and for punk men!) and very bright eye shadow.[12] The eye shadow can be applied over the entire lid of the eye, to the eyebrows. Some 80s celebrities experimented with multiple eye shadow colors at one time, making two to three blocks of color.
Image titled Dress for an 80s Party Step 19
6
Wear a sweatband. A wide sweatband over your hair (preferably over a mullet) will give you an 80s look. This accessory works best with the 80s workout attire: either a matching velour sweatsuit or leotard/tights/leg warmer combination.
What to wear to an 80’s concert
If you’re going to an 80’s concert, you’ll want to dress the part. You can’t just wear anything—you have to know what’s appropriate and what isn’t.
There are a few things that are always acceptable: jeans, a t-shirt (preferably one with a slogan on it), and sneakers. That’s about it! Anything else is likely to make your outfit look dated and you’ll probably feel uncomfortable if you try to pull it off.
So don’t even think about wearing a suit or dress unless that’s what you usually wear on a regular basis. You should also avoid anything too tight or too loose—you want something that feels comfortable but also has enough room for dancing!
When choosing accessories, make sure they’re not too flashy or gaudy—they have to fit in with the rest of your outfit so that it looks like it all belongs together. It’s also important not to forget about hair and makeup—you might want some highlighter on your cheeks or maybe even some glitter in your eye shadow!
If you’re going to an 80’s concert, you need to know what to wear!
No matter who is performing, these are the most important things to remember:
- Wear something that makes you feel like a star!
- Make sure your outfit is comfortable enough for dancing and singing along.
- If there’s a specific theme for the concert, try to match it if possible!
If you’re looking for some tips on what to wear to an 80’s concert, you’ve come to the right place!
First things first: you need to get yourself a pair of neon leg warmers. They may seem like a bit of an investment, but trust us—they’ll pay for themselves after just one use. You can wear them with your favorite jeans or dress up your favorite skirt by pairing it with some awesome leg warmers.
Next, pop on those jelly shoes and head out the door! You’ll be ready to boogie in no time.
You’re going to a concert! We know, you’re probably already super excited. But if you want to make sure you look as good as possible, we’ve got some tips.
For one thing, don’t forget about your hair. We know it’s not the 80’s anymore, but there are still some things you can do with your ‘do that will make it work for a concert. If you have long hair, try curling it or putting it into pigtails. You can also put your hair in a ponytail if you want, but be sure to add some extra volume by teasing it first so it doesn’t look flat against your head.
If you have short hair, consider adding extensions—either clip-ins or sew-ins—to give yourself more length and volume at the crown of your head (and maybe even around the face). This will help keep everything looking natural while also giving you that big 80’s hairstyle that everyone loves so much!
For makeup, go bold! Apply bright red lipstick and use black eyeliner on top lids and on bottom lids too if desired (just remember: less is more when it comes to mascara). Add a bit of blush here and there too so that
Lighter washes and distressed skinny jeans remind us of the bold and brash 1980s, but we recommend skipping the hairspray. Pair with a crop top or an off-the-shoulder sweater to complete your vintage vibe. If grunge is more your style, try straight leg jeans with your favorite flannel.
Going to concerts is probably my favorite thing to do year-round, but in the summertime, it really is everything. Whether it’s jazz on the square, a relaxed show at your favorite outdoor amphitheater, or your favorite pop star’s stadium tour (Taylor Swift, we’re waiting), there’s just something about getting with your friends and seeing your favorite music on a hot summer night—but there’s always a little panic involved when trying to figure out what to actually wear to a concert.
My most recent concert was Harry Styles, and while it was truly a life-changing experience, I also realized I needed some serious outfit-spiration to figure out just what I was going to wear. I spent hours scrolling Pinterest and Instagram, looking for the perfect look that was going to say, “I’m just a cool, chill girl who might get invited backstage.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to a country show, going to a music festival, or picnicking alongside live music in your local park—we know a concert outfit is important. So we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite concert outfits and done the shopping for you.
What Do You Wear To A 80S Rock Concert?
April 28, 2022
Go for the timeless rock look with jeans or jeggings, a comfy t-shirt or tank top (band apparel optional) and a rock-worthy jacket such as a biker jacket, worn denim or a military/marching-band style jacket that’s lightweight.
Table of Contents
How should I dress for a rock concert?
Go for the timeless rock look with jeans or jeggings, a comfy t-shirt or tank top (band apparel optional) and a rock-worthy jacket such as a biker jacket, worn denim or a military/marching-band style jacket that’s lightweight.
What does a 50 year old woman wear to a rock concert?
A pair of jeans and a cool moto jacket is a no-brainer combo for a rock concert. Whether you wear skinny jeans or bootcut, dark wash or light wash ripped jeans or clean; it really doesn’t matter. Whatever suits your body type is the best pair for you.
What is the dress code for the 80’s?
A square-cut suit jacket with heavy shoulder pads looks 1980s-professional, while a blouse or dress with thick shoulder pads works well for more casual looks Try an oversized top. If shoulder pads aren’t your thing, consider an oversized sweater, sweatshirt, or blouse. Look for one with a broad scoop neckline.
How should I dress for a rock concert over 40?
Jeans – Every rocker chic chick needs a pair of fabulous jeans: boot cut, bell bottom, skinny jeans, blue or black
Shop Band Tees
Shop Blouses
Jacket – A leather (or faux leather) moto jacket is always a go to
Skirts – Personally I’d only do a mini if it wasn’t very mini, and probably only with tights.
What should a woman wear to a rock concert?
To dress for a rock concert, think about your layered clothes in terms of a cohesive outfit. When choosing colors, opt for a mostly dark outfit with a few accents in a bold color For instance, you can wear black pants and red shoes with a black sweater layered over a bright red tank top or T-shirt.
Can you wear leggings to a concert?
Outfits to wear to a concert: Leggings & a tunic You obviously want to be comfortable when you attend a concert, and leggings are definitely one of the most comfortable things you can wear I’d choose a longer top or tunic if you are choosing leggings.
What should a 55 year old woman wear?
Wrap dresses, especially those with long or three-quarter-length sleeves , knot the belt on the side, never in front, and do not tie it in a bow! Sleeveless sheath dresses worn with snug-fitting cardigans or jackets, which are perfect for almost any occasion.
How can I look trendy at 50?
Start with the staples.
Opt for daintier jewelry
Get yourself a good bag
Make sure you’re wearing the right bra size
Don’t be afraid of color
Buy a white button down
Find the right jeans
Have a go-to pair of heels.
How should I dress for a concert in the winter?
Wear layers that can be easily carried/tied around the waist. For the Dermot Kennedy concert, I wore a long sleeve shirt and a cozy flannel over it
Wear a light jacket if it’s really cold
Stow hats/gloves/a scarf in clever places
Always wear pants
Put on Warm Shoes.
How do 80s teens dress?
Pastels and neon, tartans and stripes. Leggings and leg warmers, dancewear, and Spandex, revealing cotton shorts with vests, tracksuits. Jordache jeans, ripped jeans, and stone washed jeans. Fanny packs, scrunchies, and shoulder pads.
What can a man wear to an 80’s party?
’80s Male Fashion Essentials Some typical ’80s clothing characteristics to look for include tapered-leg pants (or you can roll up the cuffs), matching shell suits, neon, pastels, acid-wash denim, big shoulders, sportswear brand logos and graphic T-shirts depicting ’80s bands or logos.
What should a guy wear to an 80s party?
Outfits were colorful, outrageous and excessive, in many cases flaunting wealth and success. The most popular outfits in the ’80s truly defined the era. Men would wear anything from suits with turtlenecks, black dress shoes and slicked back hair to ripped jeans with biker jackets, boots, and longer flowing hairstyles.
What men wear to 2021 concerts?
You don’t have to go all out when it comes to dressing for a gig; stick to comfortable clothing that you can move around in. Opt for loose-fitting T-shirts and jeans for optimal comfort, and bring a jumper or cardigan to layer. You can also go with a denim jacket, as they’re versatile and light.
What do you wear to an indie rock concert?
When wondering what to wear to an indie concert you should embrace your alternative side and opt for a vintage dress, a pair of converse and a large fedora hat A pair of high-waisted shorts and a retro blouse in a bright pattern is also a great option if concert dresses aren’t your thing.
Should I wear heels to a concert?
No matter what, you’ll want to wear some comfortable shoes. High heels, sandals, and flat shoes are all going to have you hurting by the end of the night Some comfortable tennis shoes with cushioning will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the concert and your feet will thank you for it when you get home.
What do girls wear to a metal concert?
Wear band t-shirts or dark solid-color tees and tanks The great thing about dressing metal is that picking a top is fairly easy. T-shirts with band logos and plain tees are the go-to look for many metalheads. Opt for shirts from your favorite bands, or stick to something basic, like a black tank top.
Can you wear shorts to a concert?
If you’re going to a rock concert, wear something low-key like a T-shirt and jeans. For a pop concert, you might dress up a little bit more with a button-down shirt or crop top. If you’re going to a music festival, try wearing a lightweight dress or romper. Or, you could wear shorts and a bright printed t-shirt.
What should a 50 year old woman wear on a date?
Don’t look like you’re trying too hard Dressing them up or down is easy. A silk blouse or a V-neck sweater with low heels or pointy flats looks feminine and polished; a simple white T-shirt or crisp white shirt with sleeves turned up and rolled with leather ankle boots looks classy and classic.
What do moms wear to concerts?
Sneakers, flats, or low heels are best for concert going. To get into the concert, there are usually long lines outside because you need show your ticket and go through security. Additionally, if you want to get in early to buy swag and get your seat, you’ll be waiting outside in lines for a while.
What kind of jeans were worn in the 90s?
Flared Jeans Long before skinny jeans were everyone’s go-to denim style, flared and wide-leg designs reigned supreme. Thanks to a preference for oversized and loose silhouettes, these pants were highly favored during the ’90s.
What should I wear for 90 days at school?
Flared Jeans. Jennifer Lopez Whiskered Flare Jeans, $21, Kohls
Flannel Shirts. AEO Canyon Boyfriend Flannel, $24, American Eagle
Scrunchies. Standard hairbands are dull; there’s no way around it
Plaid Skirts
Colorful Corduroy Pants
Chunky Shoes
Jean Jackets
Overalls.
What do you wear to a school band concert?
Beginning Band and Choir wear the Black Band or Choir Shirt along with Black bottoms and black shoes In beginning band and choir, any black bottoms are fine (jeans, leggings, etc). If a skirt is worn, it must be to the floor or black tights must be worn if the skirt is knee length.
What do you wear to a musical show?
Both formal and informal clothing is accepted From casual t-shirts, jeans and flip-flops to a cocktail dress or tuxedo, the spectrum of audience style is so broad that there is no specific dress code.
What should I wear to a 2021 country concert?
When it comes to choosing what to wear to a country concert, you can’t go wrong with cowgirl boots, denim, and a T-shirt or flowy top Wear skinny jeans tucked into your boots—or denim shorts for a fun, casual look—along with your favorite blouse or flannel button-down.
What should you not wear over 60?
Floor-length floral printed dresses.
Muumuus (unless they are for lounging around the house)
Long (ankle length), unstructured, A-line skirts.
Elastic-waist pants that make everyone look like a balloon.
Unstructured pants and suits.
Large, oversized t-shirts.
What should you not wear after age 50?
Too much makeup. Oh yes, we’re getting right into it
Cleavage. It’s a common belief that cleavage is a sign of empowerment
Baggy and Oversized Clothes
Light, neutral colors
Heels
Crop Tops and Hot Pants
Too Many Old Fashion Styles
Fleece.
What not to wear if you don’t want to look older?
Too many soft, delicate colors Our skin tone fades as we get older, so wearing softer shades can be more flattering. But be aware that wearing too many pastels will make you look older. If you want to wear light colors from head to toe, opt for pale neutrals like nude, ivory, light gray, or beige.
What do old ladies wear?
What do old people wear? Old ladies: mumus, pantyhose, stockings, white blouses, head scarves, floral print, gloves, pearls, leopard print, mom jeans, and a small purse.
Can a woman still be attractive at 50?
Yes, any woman can look better at 50 than 20 and I’m proof!: Alice Hart-Davis shares the secrets to a youthful appearance. Given we live in a society obsessed with youth, the news is delightfully shocking. The age at which a woman is judged to be most beautiful is now almost 40 (38.9 years to be precise).
How do you not get frumpy at 50?
Get a great haircut for your face shape and get regular trims and a hair color that flatters your eyes and skin tone As they age a lot of women go too light with hair color which makes them look washed out and older… especially if they don’t wear makeup. Use conditioner and keep your roots done!.
Can you wear joggers to a concert?
A hip-hop concert is the perfect place to show off your sporty-chic side. Dress comfortably enough to spend the night moving around, without sacrificing style. Try pairing your favorite joggers with a cute crop top for a fashion-forward, danceable look.
Should I wear a jacket to a concert?
With their big crowds, concerts can get pretty warm. It’s a good idea to ditch the layers so you can stay cool, it’ll also keep you comfy while you’re dancing! A denim or leather jacket are great looks for concerts but can become bulky and warm when you’re in a crowd It’s also one less thing you’ll have to carry.
Should I wear a sweater to a concert?
Bring a Sweatshirt This is handy, especially when going to an outdoor concert. It’s imperative to bring a sweatshirt or some kind of jacket, even in the summer When you go to a festival that lasts until very late at night, it can get chilly!.
What kind of jeans were popular in the 80s?
Jeans: acid-washed, patched-up, ripped and high-waisted Rock-style and acid-washed jeans were all the rage in the 1980s. The denim often had patchwork details. Some people even opted for ripped jeans that had the knees torn out. Another favorite was high-waisted jeans worn by those who wanted to make a statement.
What pants were popular in the 80s?
Parachute pants, harem pants, stirrup pants, metallic jogger pants, and tapestry pants are just a few of the distinct and iconic 80s pants styles. Dress slacks found a unique new place in casual fashion, and the new paper bag waist went on just about anything.
What colors were popular in the 80s?
Three of the most popular colours of the eighties were neon pink, yellow, and orange Loved by guys and girls alike, any (or all three) of the colours could be seen in clothing, shoes, hair accessories, makeup, and even popular brand logos.