80s Band Costume Ideas: Rock Your Next Party with These Retro Outfits!

Research Popular 80s Band Outfits

The best place to start with creating an 80s band costume is to research the band whose style you want to impersonate. Look at images and videos of their concerts and music videos to get an idea of their signature looks.

For instance, if your go-to 80s band is AC/DC, you may want to recreate Angus Young’s signature schoolboy outfit complete with a black blazer, black shorts, a white dress shirt, and a red tie. For ladies, a black leather jacket, a flirty skirt, and a rocker t-shirt will fit the bill.

Alternatively, if your inspiration is Freddie Mercury from Queen, a pair of white pants with a black tank top, white sneakers, and his iconic mustache and aviator glasses would be perfect. Ladies could go for a neon-colored frilly shirt, leather skirt, and red pumps to channel their inner Freddie Mercury.

Gather Materials and Start Crafting

Once you’ve settled on a band to emulate and their signature clothing, it’s time to gather the materials you’ll need to make your DIY 80s band costume. If you’re not blessed with the right clothing items in your closet, try thrifting your costume materials. Thrift shops are abundant with clothing from the 80s.

Start by buying the basics such as leggings, acid-washed jeans, leather jackets, off-the-shoulder t-shirts, bandanas, and bohemian skirts. Remember to go for brightly colored clothing items, or items with obvious prints or embellishments to stay true to the 80s trends.

Recreate Classic 80s Band Looks

Classic 80s band costumes may seem cliché but still remain popular, so be sure to add hairspray, wigs, and bold makeup to complete your look. Some of the classic looks you could try include the hair metal bands or the glam rock bands like Poison and Kiss.

For hair metal bands, go for a leopard skin print jacket or tight leather pants, and don’t forget to add plenty of hairspray to achieve that signature teased hair look. For girls, learn to backcomb and tease your hair upwards to create the big hair look. Accessorize with leather cuffs, bandanas, and chunky necklaces.

Add Your Own Twist to 80s Band Costumes

Create a unique twist on classic 80s band costumes by incorporating new and modern elements. For instance, throw in a designer handbag to complete your 80s pop diva look or swap out the neon shades for trendy aviators.

Get inspired by abstract art and add splashes of neon colors for a fun and playful touch. Alternatively, you could incorporate upcycled materials, like a t-shirt printed with your favorite 80s lyrics or band logo, or deconstruct an old pair of jeans.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Accessories and makeup were as important in the 80s as the clothing. So if you really want to impersonate your favorite 80s band, don’t forget to accessorize. Some 80s accessory ideas for guys include studded belts, leather boots, and ray-ban aviator sunglasses. For girls, swap leather boots for high heels, and add fishnet stockings, big earrings, and colorful scrunchies.

To complete your 80s look, add bold makeup such as blue eyeliner, bright lipstick, and plenty of blush. Try out some of the bright and bold eyeshadows and pigments available in stores to achieve that electric eye makeup look that was in vogue in the 80s.

FAQs

Q: What are some of the best 80s costumes?

A: Some of the best 80s costumes include Madonna-inspired outfits, poolside leisure wear, acid-washed denim, and power suits.

Q: What are some last-minute DIY 80s costume ideas?

A: Some last-minute DIY 80s costume ideas include punk rocker costumes, a pair of leggings with a long t-shirt, neon shades, and a punk hairstyle. You could also throw on a denim jacket or leather vest, add some Dark Circle eye-shadow and studded bracelets to channel your inner punk.

Q: What are some 80s costume ideas for guys?

A: A few 80s costume ideas for guys include rockstar costumes, denim outfits, acid-washed jeans, leather jackets, and glam rock or hair metal band costumes.

Q: What are some iconic ’80s characters to mimic?

A: Some iconic ’80s characters to mimic include Marty McFly from “Back to the Future,” the Breakfast Club characters, Beetlejuice from the movie “Beetlejuice,” and Cindy Lauper characters from her music videos.

Q: What are some 80s costume ideas for couples?

A: Some of the best 80s costume ideas for couples include the Prince and Michael Jackson rivalry outfits, Top Gun aviator and flight officer outfits, or dressing up as any duo band iconic couple. For example, Sonny and Cher outfits, or matching Adam and the Ants costumes.

In summary, the 80s was an iconic decade for fashion and music. Dressing up as an 80s band member or pop icon is not only fun but also a great way to relive the days gone by. To recreate the perfect 80s look, research your favorite bands, gather your materials, and add your twist to the costume. Don’t forget to accessorize with the right makeup, sunglasses, and jewelry. Remember, the bold and bright 80s fashion is all about fun.