Whether you’re throwing a milestone birthday because you survived the ultimate decade of decadence, or you simply love the movies, music and neon of the era, an 80s theme dress-up party is always a winner. The 1980s were loud, colourful and unapologetically fun — which makes them one of the easiest decades to dress up as. Below are our favourite 80s costume ideas for men, women, couples and groups, with tips on how to pull each look together.
Shop the full range of 1980s costumes, or browse all decades costumes for more inspiration across the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Famous 80s movie costumes
Famous 80s movies are a great place to start. The decade gave us instantly recognisable looks from films like E.T., Back to the Future, Valley Girl, Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles — perfect for an 80s party or even Halloween. Women and girls can recreate an 80s prom-dress look straight out of Sixteen Candles or Valley Girl, while dance films are another easy reference: think Alex from Flashdance in lycra tights, leg warmers, a loose off-the-shoulder sweatshirt and big, messy hair.
80s costumes for men: 1980s outfits for guys
Some of the best 1980s outfits for guys come straight from the movies and music videos. A few easy eighties outfits for guys to copy:
- Ferris Bueller — jeans, a printed tee and a letterman or leather jacket.
- 80s businessman — a pastel, loose-fitting, double-breasted suit with the sleeves pushed up, à la Miami Vice.
- 80s rocker — a spiky long-hair wig, black band tee, tattoo sleeves, fingerless gloves and a studded belt.
- Top Gun pilot — a flight suit or bomber jacket with aviator sunglasses.
80s mens fashion was all about bold colour and confidence, so don’t be afraid to mix neon, denim and leather.
80s costumes for women
Women have endless 80s options. Channel Madonna’s Like a Virgin era with lace, fingerless gloves and layered necklaces, or go full pop-star with a neon tutu, ripped leggings and a side ponytail. Colourful lycra leggings with a strapless top and a wide belt make a great women’s 80s disco look, and a denim vest with patches instantly reads “80s rocker chick”.
80s rock and music looks
When we think of the 80s we think of stadium rock, big hair, loud make-up and mesh tees. It was an androgynous era — men and women alike wore make-up, lace and statement pieces (think Prince or Madonna). An 80s fancy dress look is easy to dress up or down: start with a band tee and a denim or leather jacket, then add a wig, tattoo sleeves and chunky accessories.
80s aerobics and fitness costumes
Thanks to the fitness craze, the 80s made gym wear part of everyday fashion. A high-cut leotard over coloured tights, leg warmers and a sweatband is one of the most comfortable 80s costumes you can wear — for men or women — and it looks brilliant as a group.
Couples and group 80s costume ideas
The 80s are made for group themes. Coordinate as a rock band, a crew of aerobics instructors, or a line-up of movie characters. For two, matching couples 80s costumes like shell suits or a Dirty Dancing duo are always a hit.
Accessories that complete an 80s look
Accessories do a lot of the heavy lifting for any 80s party costume:
- Big crimped wigs, side ponytails and headbands
- Neon leg warmers, fingerless gloves and sweatbands
- Oversized plastic earrings, beads and bangles
- Aviator or wayfarer sunglasses
- Bright eyeshadow and blusher for that signature 80s make-up
80s costume FAQ
What is the easiest 80s costume to put together?
An aerobics look (leotard, tights, leg warmers and a sweatband) or a rocker look (band tee, denim jacket and a wig) takes only a few pieces and works for almost anyone.
What should guys wear to an 80s party?
Easy 1980s outfits for guys include a Ferris Bueller casual look, a pastel Miami Vice suit, an 80s rocker, or a Top Gun pilot — add a wig or sunglasses to finish it off.
What are good 80s couples costumes?
Shell suits, a Dirty Dancing pair, or matching rocker or aerobics looks all work well — see our couples 80s costumes.
Ready to get the look? Browse all 80s costumes at Costumes in Australia and have your outfit dispatched fast from our Melbourne warehouse.