How to Make an 80s Halloween Costume

Big hair was a signature mark of the 1980s.

The 1980s was a period where pop stars were emerging all around and many fashion trends were born. There was big hair, shoulder pads, neon colors, floral patterns, leg warmers, fishnets, lace and Members Only jackets. Many of these fashion statements are not as popular today, but you can use them to make a Halloween costume people will notice. Dress up as if time turned back to the 1980s, and it will bring back many memorable moments for others around you.

Things You'll Need

• Oversize sweatshirt in a bright color (neon, yellow or orange)
• Scissors
• 3-inch wide belt with metal studs
• Legwarmers
• Animal print women's shoes or boots
• Polo shirt
• Nylon Members Only or sports team jacket
• Acid wash tight leg jeans
• High top sneakers
• Hairspray

Instructions

1. Create a Halloween costume of a 1980s woman from an oversize, brightly colored sweatshirt. Use scissors to cut open the collar for a larger opening, so that when worn, it falls off one of your shoulders. Cut off the sleeve cuffs. Place a 3-inch wide belt around your waist with metal studs sticking out all around. Slip on legwarmers and an animal print pair of shoes or boots.

2. Create a Halloween costume of a 1980s man by dressing up in a polo shirt with the collar standing up. Wear acid wash tight leg jeans. Top your outfit off with a nylon Members Only or sports team jacket. Slip on a pair of high top sneakers.

3. For women, flip your hair upside down and blow dry it. Spray hairspray all around your hair as you blow-dry it to give it more volume. Flip your head back up and use a fine-tooth comb to tease the top of your hair. Alternatively, you may crimp your hair and spray hairspray on it to hold the style in place.

4. For men, take a large roll brush and place your bangs on top. Blow-dry your bangs while rolling the brush to create a large curl. Flip your bangs to the top or side of your head and add hair spray. Alternatively, spike your hair up and add hairspray.

Tips & Warnings

• The 1980s hair was big for men and women, so hairspray was needed for almost every hair style.

• Add accessories to your outfit to complete the 1980s look. Add jelly bracelets to your wrists and wear a pair of wayfarer sunglasses. Women can also accessorize with large hoop earrings.

References

• Kidzworld: '80s Fashion Trends
• The Great 80s: 80s Fashion