Simply Irresistible: Robert Palmer Video Girl Costume
This is a great 80s costume either alone or as a group. Robert Palmer’s 1988 song hit #2 on the singles chart and is fun today as it was then. This costume is easy to pull together, using wardrobe basics that you might already have – little black dress and black heels. You’ll need the orange sash to make it authentic so we’ve included a link below for that. And, really, who doesn’t want to be simply irresistible? Bring a guy into the...
80s Jem Costume
What could be more fun than the hair and makeup associated with this classic 80s cartoon character? Jem and the Holograms ran from 1985 to 1988 and centered around music company owner Jerrica Benton and her band the Holograms. Of course, Jem was her alter-ego (using her holographic computer, Synergy) and a cool one at that! BTW, does anyone else think that the whole Hannah Montana thing might be just a smidge derivative? Jem is a fun...
80s Party Costume Idea: Karate Kid
Wax On – Wax Off Ralph Macchio hit his career high in this heart-warming, little guy beats the big mean dude movie, Karate Kid. If your outer wimp is just aching to release your inner stud, this may be just the 80s costume party idea for you. You can combine this costume with other characters (like the mean guys from Cobra Kai) from the movie for a great group costume. This costume is relatively easy to put together,...
Ronald Reagan Mask and Costume
Well [said in your best Ronald Reagan voice], what better 80s icon to pay homage to with your next 80s costume than the leader of the free world through most of the decade, our geriatric president, Ronald Reagan. Even if you can’t explain what Reaganomics were, you can still lead the party with this costume. Heck, he was even voted Time Magazine’s person of the year in 1980. And, the bonus is, unlike Reagan’s trickle-down economics,...
80s Costume Idea: Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe
This awesome 80s costume comes to us from one of our site readers, Chuck T. Thanks so much for sharing, Chuck! You look totally rad! This is Chuck dressed as Vince Neil during Halloween 2009. In year’s past he have dressed as Billy Idol and won a costume contest. This past year he decided to try something a little different and take a more hands on approach to making his costume. Here’s how Chuck accomplished the Vince...
80s Rocker Joan Jett Costume
Joan Jett was and is a bad ass. So, this costume is all about bringing forth your inner BA. Joan Jett rose to super-stardom in 1982 with her smash hit, “I Love Rock n Roll.” She defined a certain hard-edged, hard rocking rebelliousness that is as appealing today as it was in the early 80s. The message is timeless and so is the look. If you love rock n’ roll and don’t give a damn about your bad reputation, Joan Jett is the costume for...
80s Costume Party Ideas: Miami Vice
Whether you fancy yourself Crockett or Tubbs, the key to getting your vintage South Florida on is the suit. You will need the following pieces to complete the Miami Vice 80s costume: Go several days without shaving (the stubble is so sexy!) You’ll need a t-shirt (brightly colored preferred) Baggy white or pastel suit Loafers – no socks Boss shades (aviators are best) Here is a video clip from the pilot with the Phil...
80s Party Costume Ideas: Mullet Man
Business Up Front . . . Party in the Back As the name implies, the key to this 80s costume is the hair. Once you have that covered, you are sure to be boss, Haus. Assuming you don’t actually have a mullet (please say you don’t!), you will need a wig. You can go here to get your mullet on. If you’re really lucky, you might find a hot little Mall Rat that just can’t wait to run her fingers through your mane...
Devo Costume, 80s Costume Idea – Whip it Good!
Devo is probably known as much for their unconventional outfits as for their music. They used their image and sound to make a statement, mocking industrial culture and pop consumerism. You can’t hear one of their songs without thinking of yellow hazmat suits or the trademark red energy dome hats they donned in the “Whip It” video. The Devo Whip It costume works well for both an individual as well as a group. So join the...
Lane Meyer from Better Off Dead
What better 80s party or Halloween costume than the lovable underdog of the classic 80s film, Better Off Dead? Whether Lane was being chased by the homicidal paperboy (“I want my Two dollars!”), trying to ski the k-12, romancing the French exchange student across the street, or drag racing the Japanese Cosell-wannabe brothers, he always had a style about him that was endearing. You too can be Lane Meyer and bring this great 80s...
Dee Snider, Lead Singer of Twisted Sister
What could be more perfect for your next 80s party or 80s Halloween costume than paying tribute to the very 80s Dee Snider, the front man and face of 80s band, Twisted Sister? If you wanna rock and aren’t gonna take it anymore, channel Dee using the tips below. Dee Snider Costume Essentials Dee hair (try this wig) Makeup – consult photos for direction (beauty mark, red trapezoidal cheeks, big blue eyes with drawn-on darker blue brows)...
Danny Noonan from 1980’s classic movie, Caddyshack
Why not don the duds of a caddy and become Danny Noonan for a day. Needed Items: Bushwood CC t-shirt (Buy shirt) Bushwood CC hat (Buy hat) Jeans Set of golf clubs For some inspiration offered up by Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), a free-spirited playboy who teaches Danny about the finer points in life, usually while showing off random trick shots, watch the video below. Remember: Be the Ball, Danny. ...
Michael Jackson Costume Ideas
Michael Jackson took the world by storm in the 80s with his infectious music, amazing mini movie music videos, and unprecedented dance moves (see the How to Moonwalk tutorial video below). Everyone wanted to be as cool as Michael. And then . . . well, here at Like Totally 80s, we prefer not to focus on the “and then.” So, if you wanna be startin’ something by donning a Michael look, you’ll be the...
80s Party Costume Idea: Cameron Frye
Cameron Frye is Ferris Bueller’s nervous hypochondriac friend. After much persuasion, Cameron agrees to take out his father’s beloved 1961 Ferrari 250 GT for a day of fun (skipping school) in the Windy City, but only with the promise that Ferris will roll back the car’s odometer, leaving no trace of the miles they will put on. Needed Items: Cameron t-shirt Black suspenders Khaki pants Black belt Black slip on shoes...
80s Party Costume Ideas: John Bender
John Bender is the quintessential bad boy: long hair, leather boots, biting sarcasm and a serious attitude problem. The Criminal of the Breakfast Club, he was thrown in detention for pulling a fire alarm. For your next costume party become the bad boy that everybody loves to hate and all the girls secretly want to date. To get the John Bender look you’ll need: Clothes white waffle/thermal shirt red flannel shirt baggy grey pants jean...
