What is Pat Benatar's signature look?

Her signature look features a short, spiky pixie haircut, dramatic colorful eye makeup, shiny black leggings, an off-the-shoulder top, and a wide waist belt.

How do I style my hair for a Pat Benatar costume?

You need a short, dark, layered haircut. Use gel and hairspray to tease the crown and create piecey, spiky texture, or use a pre-styled 80s rocker wig.

What makeup should I wear for this costume?

Go bold with 1980s makeup: bright blue or purple eyeshadow swept up to the brow bone, heavy black eyeliner, defined pink blush, and classic red lipstick.

AI-generated example

Pat Benatar Costume

Hit me with your best shot in this iconic 80s rock look.

Pat Benatar is a legendary American rock singer known for her powerful vocals and pioneering 80s style. Her signature look, which helped define the decade's rock aesthetic, features skintight leggings, leotards, and bold, dramatic makeup. This costume is a popular choice for 80s-themed parties, music fans, and anyone wanting to channel a fierce rock-and-roll attitude.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $40–90

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What you need for a Pat Benatar costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Pat Benatar costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Pat Benatar at Spirit ↗

Off-the-shoulder top or leotard
A black, off-the-shoulder spandex top, leotard, or asymmetrical tunic.
DIY: Cut the collar off an old black crewneck t-shirt to make it hang off one shoulder.
Amazon
Shiny black leggings
High-waisted, glossy faux-leather or spandex leggings.
Amazon
Wide waist belt
A thick, black cinch belt, preferably with a large silver buckle or stud detailing.
DIY: Wrap a wide black fabric sash around your waist and pin a silver cardboard buckle to the front.
Amazon
Fingerless gloves
Black lace or fishnet fingerless gloves reaching the mid-forearm.
DIY: Cut the fingers off a pair of black knit gloves or lace socks.
Amazon
Short spiky 80s wig
A dark brown or black wig styled in a short, layered, spiky pixie cut with volume at the crown.
DIY: Style your own short hair using heavy-hold gel and hairspray to create volume and piecey spikes.
Amazon
Toy microphone
A classic black and silver handheld stage microphone prop.
DIY: Wrap a cardboard tube in black tape and top it with a crumpled ball of aluminum foil.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Pat Benatar costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the shiny black leggings and the black off-the-shoulder top or leotard.
2
Secure the wide black belt tightly around your natural waist over the top.
3
Pull on the black fingerless fishnet or lace gloves.
4
Put on the short, spiky black rocker wig, using hairspray to fluff up the crown for maximum 80s volume.
5
Apply dramatic 80s makeup, focusing on heavy blue or purple eyeshadow, winged black eyeliner, and bright red lipstick.
6
Finish the look by holding your toy microphone prop and practicing your best rock-star poses.

Makeup & hair

Apply heavy, colorful 80s eyeshadow in shades of bright blue, purple, or pink, blended out toward the temples. Add sharp, winged black eyeliner, heavy blush on the cheekbones, and bold red or pink lipstick. The hair must be a short, heavily textured, spiky dark pixie cut with lots of volume.

Pat Benatar for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with Neil Giraldo wearing a vintage denim vest, headband, and holding an electric guitar.
group: Form an 80s rock band with friends dressed as Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, and Debbie Harry.
kids: A mini rocker look with a black graphic tee, bright pink leggings, and a faux-hawk hairstyle.
Plus size: Opt for high-stretch faux-leather leggings and a flowy, asymmetrical black tunic cinched with a wide elastic belt.

Tips

Tease the wig or your natural hair from the roots and use strong-hold hairspray to keep the spiky volume all night.
Wear comfortable black ankle boots or flat booties, as you'll want to move around like a rock star.
Layer silver chain necklaces or hoop earrings to add extra 80s glam to the outfit.
For photos, strike a classic stage pose: knees slightly bent, holding the microphone close, with a fierce expression.

Pat Benatar costume FAQ

What is Pat Benatar's signature look?: Her signature look features a short, spiky pixie haircut, dramatic colorful eye makeup, shiny black leggings, an off-the-shoulder top, and a wide waist belt.
How do I style my hair for a Pat Benatar costume?: You need a short, dark, layered haircut. Use gel and hairspray to tease the crown and create piecey, spiky texture, or use a pre-styled 80s rocker wig.
What makeup should I wear for this costume?: Go bold with 1980s makeup: bright blue or purple eyeshadow swept up to the brow bone, heavy black eyeliner, defined pink blush, and classic red lipstick.

Did you know? Pat Benatar's iconic signature look of spandex, leotards, and heavy makeup actually originated from a quick Halloween costume she wore to a gig in 1977.