80s Costume

When looking for 80s costumes, you have countless options, depending on your costume ideas. If you are looking for a costume inspired by the decade’s fashion, the possibilities are striking and endless. From mohawks and wrap-around shades to glam rockers and valley girls to early rappers and all things Madonna, the 1980's had so many signature looks.

If you lived through the Eighties, you probably had your own signature look, so you might even search within your own closet or attic for ideas. Taking this course of action is likely easier for a woman. Women have a tendency to hold on to clothing that has become outdated. Women do this in the hope that the styles become popular again.

80s Costume Ideas

Items that would work well for an 80’s costume for women include leg warmers, neon clothing items, and hoop earrings. Other items for an 80’s costume for a woman are slouch boots, bangle bracelets, and miniskirts.

To complement this homemade 80’s costume, a woman should wear big hair or a side-ponytail. Big hair can be created by teasing the bangs and hair spraying it up. Makeup should be bold and one should choose bright colors.

Michael Jackson Bad Adult Costume

Thrift Shops Have Great Retro Costumes

If you do not have any of these items in your closet to make an 80’s costume, resale shops are a great place to look. Resale shops are inexpensive and often carry clothing from past decades. Shopping resale can help you create an 80’s costume.

Men looking to create an 80’s costume can take the same advice and look at resale clothing stores. Items to look for include skinny ties, neon blazers, white pants, or even stone washed jeans. Depending on the type of 80’s costume you are trying to create, putting together a costume is easy.

Eighties Rock Stars - Hair Bands

For men, the easiest 80’s costume to create is that of the 80’s rock star. Straight and narrow fitted light colored jeans, a white t-shirt, and a leather jacket can pull this look together. Complement this 80’s look with big hair similar to the look for women, or a wig.

Miami Vice - Classic 80's

If you are a man trying to pull together an 80’s costume along the lines of Miami Vice, a small tie and white suit would suffice. Boat shoes with no socks (amazing that was cool once) would also compliment this homemade 80’s costume for men. To compliment the look, hair could be spiked up or gelled back.

Buying an 80's Costume

If the idea of creating your own 80’s costume doesn’t appeal to you, you can always purchase one. There are costume shops throughout the country in strip malls, which are open during the Halloween season or year-round. Costume shops have premade 80’s costumes which leave out the guesswork.

Themed ideas for 80’s costumes are a great idea for groups and couples. By staying within the theme, your 80’s costume allows you to be creative when selecting your costumes. Many themes from the 80’s translate well into costume ideas. Look online for 80's costume ideas, or directions to Halloween shops near you.

80s Halloween Costumes

80’s Halloween costumes according to themes or groups include Star Wars, Rainbow Brite and her Sprites, Strawberry Shortcake, The Care Bears, Miami Vice, Pac Man and ghosts, Ghostbusters, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Smurfs, Snorks, and Thundercats. These are group themes like these would work well for both men and women. 80’s costumes similar to these should be easily accessible.

Other single costume possibilities include 80's icons like Boy George, Mr. T, Ronald Reagan, Mad Max, Prince, Jim McMahon, Crocodile Dundee, Jason, Freddie, Chuckie, Cyndi Lauper, Hulk Hogan, Alf, Mary Lou Retton, Rocky, Rambo, Run DMC, John McEnroe, anyone from 80's MTV and endless characters from John Hughes films.

Couples Costume Ideas

Couples 80’s costume ideas include Married With Children (Peg and Al Bundy), Luke Sky Walker and Princess Lea, He-Man and She-Ra, and Bill and Ted. 80’s costumes based on sitcom characters are great ideas for couple’s costumes. The list goes on and on. 80’s costumes like these are also easy to create.

Perfect 80's Costumes

Creating the perfect 80’s costume can be as easy as looking within your closet. If creating a costume isn’t for you, try costume shops to create your 80’s costume. If there's no local costume shop, look on the Internet to buy a 80's costumes or costume accessories.

It's the small touches that matter most, so get a list of ideas, shop online for something to complete your 80's costume and be the only Max Headroom or Robocop at your 80's costume party.