80s Costume
Costumepedia earns a commission if you buy through links on this page. It doesn’t change what you pay. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The 1980s were loud: neon, big hair, leg warmers and a lot of hairspray. That makes it one of the easiest decades to dress up as, and one of the most popular themes for parties.
What Makes It Work
Pick a lane, because the 80s had several. The workout look, popularized by aerobics videos, is a neon leotard, tights, leg warmers, a sweatband and high-top sneakers. The pop star look is lace, layered jewelry, fingerless gloves and teased hair. The preppy look is a popped-collar polo and a sweater tied around the shoulders.
Whichever one you pick, go bright and go big. Neon colors, oversized shapes, big shoulder pads and chunky plastic jewelry are all fair game.
The hair matters. Crimped, teased, side ponytails or a mullet wig will instantly date you to the right decade.
What People Get Wrong
Mixing all the 80s looks into one outfit. A workout headband with a business suit with a lace glove reads as a mess. Pick one character type and do it well. And go easy on the neon if it’s in every piece. One or two hot colors pop more than the whole rainbow.
Buy It or Build It?
Kits run about $20 to $50. The 80s are easy to thrift: windbreakers, shoulder-pad blazers and leg warmers turn up everywhere, and a side ponytail costs nothing.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
What are the easiest 80s costume ideas?
Aerobics instructor, preppy kid, pop star, or a neon windbreaker with high-top sneakers. All of them use pieces you can find at a thrift store.
How do I do 80s hair?
Tease the roots with a comb, use plenty of hairspray, and try a side ponytail, a scrunchie or crimped waves.
What makeup goes with an 80s costume?
Bright blue or pink eyeshadow up to the brow, strong blush along the cheekbones, and bold pink or red lips.
What's a good 80s group costume?
An aerobics class, a hair band, or a group dressed as characters from a single 80s-style movie or TV theme.
Next up: Disco Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.