1980s Halloween Costume for Males

There's no shortage of wild 80s personalities to emulate.

The 1980s were characterized by outrageous fashion trends, memorable television and movie actors, over-accessorized musicians and headline-grabbing politicians. Neon clothing was impossible to escape, MTV was newborn, John Hughes made smash-hit films, and republicans ruled the White House. Because of this, dressing up as one of the unique male personalities from the decade of decadence for Halloween is an ideal and easy costume choice.

Pop Stars

Accessories are key to a pop star get-up.

Don a short, spiky and blonde hairdo and lots of black leather and impersonate Billy Idol. Or, let your dark hair hang in long braids and get super-freaky while dressing up like Rick James. If you like playing the chameleon, put on lots of make-up and be Boy George. And if you just happen to have a red leather jacket and one, sparkling glove, practice your moonwalk and be Michael Jackson for a night.

Movie Characters

Don't you forget about the attitude!

Feeling like a rebel? Throw on a long trench coat, a red scarf, a fingerless leather glove and sunglasses to be John Bender from The Breakfast Club. If you feel pretty in pastels, dress as the flamboyant Duckie or the suave Blane McDonnagh from Pretty in Pink. Or you can jump into your red sports car wearing a white t-shirt and a leopard-print vest just like Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Hair Metal Guy

Leather will keep you warm in the cold November rain.

If you want to look like a hair metal rock star, put on motorcycle boots and squeeze yourself into leather pants or skin-tight, neon-colored and animal-printed leggings. Tease you hair as high as it will go, or purchase a wig at a costume shop. Wear a brightly colored shirt, or no shirt at all. Or you can sport a hat, jeans and perhaps a leather vest in the spirit of Axl Rose.

80's Cop Show Detective

Remember to wear your sunglasses to be the perfect 80s cop.

Trick-or-Treat in a high-end, pastel-colored suit like you are in the Florida heat with Sonny Crockett from the TV series Miami Vice. If you look good in a pinstripe suit, try dressing up like Tubbs. Go as Crockett and Tubbs in a pair if possible. If you are partying solo, throw on a red flannel and one earring if you want to be like a young Johnny Depp from 21 Jump Street.

Political Figures

If you are short for time, you can always find a Ronald Reagan or George Bush Sr. mask at your local costume shop. Wear that with your best suit and you will be the politician of the party. Be sure to practice your best vocal imitations under the mask! Or, if you want to be more creative and you happen to have a military outfit on hand, dress up as the infamous Oliver North.

References

• "Pretty in Pink: The Golden Age of Teenage Movies"; Jonathan Bernstein; 1997
• "Dancing in the Distraction Factory: Music Television and Popular Culture"; Andrew Goodwin; 1993
• "American Hair Metal"; Steven Blush; 2006