The 1980s fashion scene took cues from the heavy metal and rock music phenomenon during the peak popularity of Metallica, Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson, to name a few. Then came The Breakfast Club, a cult classic in which characters wore the quintessential outfits of the '80s—fingerless gloves, loose tops, cuffed jeans and leather jackets.
Colorful, bright and pastel colors, as well as loose tops dominated the clothing and accessory lines for both guys and girls.
'80s Party Outfits for Guys
- Tops: Rock band graphic tees (Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, etc), sleeveless T-shirts (sport tanks), leather jackets, shirts with collars shooting up, classic white shirts worn inside flannel button ups or pink pastel or bright shirts tucked inside jeans.
- Bottoms: Acid-wash jeans or khakis that are cuffed up
- Accessories: skinny neckties, gold chains, fingerless leather gloves, aviator shades, wristbands
- Shoes: Sneakers, Keds, Converse high tops, penny loafers
- Hair: Classic mullets that say business in the front, party in the back
For a preppy look, refer to Zach Morris in his earlier days of Saved by the Bell. For a casual Michael Jackson look, put on a pair of neon blue jeans, white sneakers and a white tee or a ribbed tank tucked inside the pants worn with a bronze or black leather jacket.
'80s Party Outfits for Girls
- Tops: Off-the-shoulder sweaters, loose-fitting midriffs, paint-splatter design shirts, zebra-patterned blouses, blazers with shoulder pads,
- Bottoms: High-waist trousers, jean or leather mini skirts, stirrup leggings (black, pink, blue or yellow), leg warmers or thick socks worn over leggings
- Accessories: Stacked bangles, plastic neon earrings, beaded and non-metal jewelry, fingerless gloves, headbands
- Shoes: High-top Converse, LA Gear sneakers, platforms, bright flats
- Hair: Big, puffy and loose hair. Add volume by teasing the bangs and crown with a comb or crimping with a crimping iron. Or buy a wig with a permed do.
- Makeup: Blue or purple mascara and eye shadow, red or pink lipstick
- Nails: Bright or neon colors
To top off the outfit, add a black over-the-shoulder bag. For a less punk-rock look and a more distinctive, messy and edgy look, use Madonna's take on fashion in her early days when she wore laces, stacked bracelets and a jumble of necklaces consisting of pearls and beads.
Choosing what to wear for an '80s party is where the fun begins. If there is nothing in the closet that comes close to the '80s trend, take a trip to the local thrift store for plenty of cheap options. Wigs are also a perfect costume piece that will liven up the party and produce memorable photos.
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