Cyndi Lauper Costume
Show your true colors with this iconic, quirky 80s pop look.
Cyndi Lauper is the ultimate icon of quirky, colorful 80s pop fashion, making her a favorite choice for retro parties and Halloween. Her signature look features a wild mix of layered tulle, bold patterns, and vibrant, asymmetrical hair. Recreating this outfit is all about embracing maximum texture, bright colors, and fearless accessorizing.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $35–85
Try it on
See yourself as Cyndi Lauper
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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What you need for a Cyndi Lauper costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cyndi Lauper costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Asymmetrical crimped wig
A bright orange, red, or yellow wig styled in a messy, asymmetrical 80s shag with crimped layers.
DIY: Tease, crimp, and temporary-spray your own hair with bright orange and pink hair chalk.
Layered tulle petticoat skirt
A voluminous, multi-layered tulle skirt in bright red, pink, or black.
DIY: Layer multiple cheap tutus or tie strips of colored tulle to an elastic waistband.
Black bustier or graphic tank top
A fitted black corset top, bustier, or an off-the-shoulder vintage graphic tee.
DIY: Cut the collar off a vintage black t-shirt to wear off-the-shoulder.
Fishnet tights and gloves
Black fishnet tights for the legs and matching fingerless fishnet gloves for the hands.
DIY: Cut the toes off fishnet stockings to wear on your arms as sleeves.
Chunky plastic jewelry
A stack of colorful plastic bangles, beaded necklaces, and oversized mismatched earrings.
DIY: Thread colorful plastic beads onto elastic string to make custom bracelets.
Wide waist belt
A thick black or studded faux-leather belt worn cinched over the skirt.
DIY: Use any wide black belt and decorate it with metallic silver paint or stick-on studs.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cyndi Lauper costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black bustier or off-the-shoulder top, followed by the fishnet tights.
- 2
Layer the colorful tulle petticoat skirt over the tights, securing it at the waist.
- 3
Cinch the wide studded belt over the waistband of the skirt to define the silhouette.
- 4
Slide on the fingerless fishnet gloves and stack multiple plastic bangles on both wrists.
- 5
Layer several beaded necklaces of varying lengths around your neck.
- 6
Secure the bright, crimped wig on your head, teasing it for maximum 80s volume.
- 7
Apply bold, colorful 80s makeup and step into a pair of black ankle boots.
Makeup & hair
Apply bright blue or pink eyeshadow swept up to the brow bone, heavy pink blush on the cheekbones, and bold red lipstick. Style the hair or wig to be wild, crimped, and asymmetrical, leaning heavily to one side.
Cyndi Lauper for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a 1980s-era Boy George or Madonna for an ultimate MTV-era pop duo.
- group
- Assemble an 80s pop star group with Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince.
- kids
- Use a bright pink tutu, a mini graphic tee, and temporary hair chalk for a fun, kid-friendly rockstar look.
- Plus size
- Opt for a highly elastic tulle skirt and a comfortable, stretchy black tank top layered under a denim vest.
Tips
- Layering is key; don't worry about matching colors perfectly, as Cyndi's style is intentionally mismatched.
- Wear comfortable bike shorts under the tulle skirt to prevent itching and ensure comfort all night.
- Secure the heavy wig with bobby pins so it stays in place while dancing to 80s hits.
Cyndi Lauper costume FAQ
- What kind of shoes did Cyndi Lauper wear?
- She frequently wore flat ankle boots, combat boots, or high-top sneakers, which are perfect for staying comfortable.
- How do I get Cyndi Lauper's hair without a wig?
- Use a crimping iron on your natural hair, tease the roots heavily for volume, sweep it to one side, and use temporary colored hair sprays in orange and yellow.
- What is the most iconic Cyndi Lauper outfit?
- Her most famous look is from the 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' music video, featuring a red strapless bodice, a red patterned skirt, and heavy layered jewelry.
Did you know? Cyndi Lauper's iconic red dress in the 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' music video was actually purchased from a vintage shop where she used to work.