The 80s were a decade of excess, and that shows in its fashion. Think neon colors, big hair and dramatic makeup. Popular costumes for women often include iconic figures like Madonna in her early “Material Girl” phase, with lace gloves and layered jewelry, or Jane Fonda-style aerobic outfits, complete with bright spandex and leg warmers. Men, on the other hand, might go for the rocker look — with wild hair, animal prints, and metallic pants — or even opt for a Ferris Bueller costume for a nod to 80s pop culture.
Accessories were huge in the 80s, both literally and figuratively. From oversized sunglasses to chunky jewelry and fanny packs, we went big or went home. For hairstyles, wigs are a lifesaver, especially for those wanting that signature 80s volume without hours spent teasing their own hair. For both men and women, wigs are a quick way to embrace the spirit of the decade without much effort.
Below we’ve rounded up some fantastic 80s-inspired costumes you can buy today. Whether you want to channel an 80s prom queen with a shiny lamé dress or go full glam rock with a shiny headband and leopard pants, the possibilities are endless.
80s costumes for women
The floofy, flirty and ultra-cutesy feminine aesthetic of Madonna's fledgling career in the early-80s was extremely popular. This costume is a fun & accurate representation of that look!
Between Jane Fonda's 80s aerobics fitness video craze and Olivia Newton John's "Let's Get Physical" video, workout apparel was defined by leggings, bodysuits and leg warmers. (Pro tip: Remember the bodysuit goes OVER the leggings for this classic 80s costume look!)
Keep it low-key with this simple costume that features cheerful, bright accessories evocative of the era.
Athleisure as everyday attire and fanny packs as fashion hit big in the 80s and this bright, color-block sporty tracksuit trend persisted well into the 90s. Don't forget to pop that boombox on your shoulder!
A colorful lamé gown and big hair frozen stiffly into place with some Aquanet is the ultimate 80s formal vibe.
MORE: 100 vintage 80s prom dresses: See the hottest retro styles teen girls wore
Speaking of big hair... a giant 'do -- permed into spiral curls, of course! -- is essential to pulling off an 80s costume. Trust us: This will be way easier to accomplish with a wig like this one.
80s costumes for men
Get the 80s glam rocker vibe with this shiny rock star costume. Kit includes animal print lamé pants and a coordinating scarf, muscle shirt and headband. Add a big-hair 80s wig and toy guitar and you'll be ready to rock your costume gig!
Dress up rapper-style with this simple, yet immediately recognizable 80s look -- complete with bling and boom box.
While the marketplace for 80s costumes for men is dominated by references to rockers and rappers, we did find some film icons as well! Enter everyone's favorite truant: Bueller? Bueller... ?
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Look, this doesn't have to be complicated. Even if your costume consists of nothing but a mullet wig, you'd be perfectly on-theme. (We have no idea why the 80s was like this...)
A purple crushed velvet suit with a coordinating froth of lace? How very... Prince-ly of you!
Here's a unique way to celebrate the 80s in costume -- it's just a suit, but all covered in Pac Mans! Perfect for themed parties... or to simply honor 80s pop culture any day of the week!
Transform yourself into a rock-slash-icon in three low-key steps: wig, hat, sunglasses. The cool kids will get the reference!
Back in the day, the life of the party brought the boom box. Today, you can just BE the boom box and recreate that 80s party vibe.
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