80s Party Outfit Ideas: Neon, Shoulder Pads and Big Hair

An 80s party outfit is a chance to be loud. The decade swung from subdued early styles to bright color in the middle years, and it gave us some of the most recognizable fashion in living memory: leg warmers, shoulder pads, layered jewelry, acid-wash denim and hair with serious volume. Choose one of the looks below and push it a little further than feels normal; that is exactly the point.

1. Aerobics class

The fitness craze of the 70s carried into the early 80s, and workout gear became street wear. Leg warmers, elastic headbands, wide belts and sneakers were huge. For the party version, wear a bright leotard or fitted top over leggings, add leg warmers, a sweatband and a high side ponytail. It is comfortable, cheap and great for dancing.

2. Pop-star layers

Pop stars of the mid-80s made layering into a look: short skirts over leggings, lace, fingerless gloves, stacks of rubber bracelets, layered necklaces, hair bows and messy, teased hair. Build it from a tutu or ruffled skirt over leggings, a cropped jacket, a lace hair bow, a dozen bangles and plenty of black. This is a family-friendly look if you keep the layers on top: a tank or T-shirt under a mesh or lace overlayer.

3. Power dressing

Shoulder pads defined the 80s office: tailored jackets with broad, padded shoulders, narrow skirts or trousers and pumps, with big earrings and bold belts. Prime-time TV dramas of the decade made the shoulders even bigger. Look for an oversized blazer in a bright color or a bold pattern, wear it with a pencil skirt, and add statement earrings and big, glossy hair.

4. Acid-wash rocker

By the late 80s, acid-washed jeans and denim jackets were popular with everyone. Pair acid-wash jeans with a band-style T-shirt, a denim or leather-look jacket, high-top sneakers and teased hair held with plenty of hairspray. Add pins and patches to the jacket for extra detail.

5. Neon and pastel

Mid-decade color was everywhere, from neon to pastel. Off-the-shoulder sweatshirts over leggings or tight jeans, shortalls, slouch socks and jelly shoes all fit. A loose sweatshirt cut wide at the neck over a tank top, neon leggings and a scrunchie is one of the fastest 80s outfits to make at home.

6. Preppy

A preppy revival took off at the start of the decade: polo shirts with popped collars, sweaters tied over the shoulders, khakis, argyle socks and boat shoes. It is the most understated 80s look, and it works well as a couple or group costume next to louder outfits.

7. Prom-night glam

For a formal 80s party, look for taffeta and puffy party dresses, puff sleeves, big bows and sparkle. Pair it with long gloves and the biggest hair you can manage.

Quick reference

Look	Must-have item	Easy extra
Aerobics	Leg warmers	Headband, high ponytail
Pop star	Skirt over leggings	Stacked bangles, hair bow
Power dressing	Shoulder-pad blazer	Big earrings
Rocker	Acid-wash denim	Pins on a jacket
Neon	Off-the-shoulder sweatshirt	Scrunchie, slouch socks
Preppy	Popped-collar polo	Sweater over the shoulders
Prom	Puff-sleeve party dress	Long gloves

Hair and makeup

• Volume: perms and big bangs were everywhere by the mid-80s, often styled with lots of mousse. Tease the roots with a comb and set with hairspray, or use a crimped or curly wig.
• Ponytails: high ponytails and side ponytails with a scrunchie became common late in the decade.
• Color: bright eyeshadow, strong blush and bold lips. Neon makeup was part of the new wave look.

Wigs used for big-hair looks get lots of hairspray; see our guide to washing a costume wig before you store it.

Thrift tips

Look for oversized blazers with padding, bright windbreakers, acid-wash denim, lace gloves, chunky plastic jewelry and anything in neon. Men's versions of these looks are in our 80s party outfit guide for men, and if your party covers more than one era, the decades party guide has the rest.