What do you wear to an 80s party if you don't have retro clothes?

You can easily DIY a look using an oversized t-shirt with the collar cut wide, paired with leggings, sneakers, and colorful plastic jewelry or scrunchies.

How do I style my hair for an 80s costume?

The key is volume. Tease your hair at the roots with a comb, spray it heavily, or pull it into a high side ponytail secured with a bright scrunchie.

What are some iconic 80s female figures to dress up as?

You can channel pop icons like Madonna or Cyndi Lauper, movie characters like Baby from Dirty Dancing, or fitness gurus like Jane Fonda.

AI-generated example

Womens 80s

Bring back the neon, fishnets, and big hair of the 1980s.

The 1980s is one of the most popular costume themes because of its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and unmistakable silhouettes. This guide focuses on the classic retro pop diva and workout aesthetic, featuring neon layers, off-the-shoulder tops, and iconic accessories. It is a highly customizable, comfortable, and fun look that lets you mix and match bright colors.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $25–60

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Womens 80s costume — Example look · AI-generated

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40 Womens 80s costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Womens 80s costume

Off-the-shoulder t-shirt
An oversized, bright neon pink or black t-shirt cut to drape off one shoulder.
DIY: Take an oversized t-shirt and carefully cut a wide neckline from shoulder to shoulder.
Amazon
Tutu skirt or lace skirt
A layered tulle tutu skirt in a contrasting neon color like green, purple, or pink.
DIY: Wear a pair of bright spandex bike shorts or leggings under a layered skirt you already own.
Amazon
Neon leggings or fishnet tights
Bright pink, green, or black fishnet tights worn under the skirt.
DIY: Use any bright solid-colored leggings or footless tights.
Amazon
Leg warmers
Ribbed knit leg warmers worn pulled up to the calves in a contrasting neon shade.
DIY: Cut the feet off a pair of long, bright winter socks and bunch them around your ankles.
Amazon
Fishnet gloves
Fingerless fishnet gloves stretching up to the mid-forearm.
DIY: Cut thumbholes into the sides of clean, bright fishnet socks.
Amazon
Lace headband or bow
A large lace bow attached to a headband, worn high on the head in a Madonna-inspired style.
DIY: Tie a strip of black or neon lace fabric into a large bow around a plain headband.
Amazon
Neon jewelry
Layered plastic beaded necklaces and oversized neon hoop or lightning bolt earrings.
DIY: Layer any colorful plastic costume jewelry or bangles you have at home.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on your neon leggings or fishnet tights first.
2
Layer the neon tutu or lace skirt over the tights.
3
Slip on the off-the-shoulder t-shirt, letting it drape casually over one shoulder.
4
Pull the knit leg warmers over your lower legs, bunching them slightly above your sneakers or flats.
5
Slide on the fingerless fishnet gloves and stack multiple plastic bangles on your wrists.
6
Layer several neon beaded necklaces around your neck and put on the oversized earrings.
7
Finish the look by placing the large lace bow headband on your hair.

Makeup & hair

Tease your hair high, spray it generously with hairspray, and pull it into a high side ponytail if long. For makeup, apply bright blue or pink eyeshadow up to the brow bone, heavy pink blush on the cheekbones, and a vibrant pink or fuchsia lipstick.

Womens 80s for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with a men's 80s track suit, a Miami Vice suit, or a hair metal rocker look.
group: Have everyone choose a different 80s archetype: the fitness instructor, the pop diva, the punk rocker, and the prom queen.
kids: Scale down with a mini neon tutu, bright leggings, a side ponytail, and colorful sneakers.
Plus size: Opt for a highly stretchable neon skater dress paired with an oversized denim jacket and leg warmers.
pet: A simple neon pink scrunchie around the neck or a miniature neon sweatband set.

Tips

Wear comfortable sneakers, like classic canvas low-tops or high-tops, since 80s parties involve lots of dancing.
If the weather is cold, layer a distressed denim jacket or a neon windbreaker over your t-shirt.
Do not worry about matching colors perfectly; the 1980s aesthetic thrives on clashing neons like hot pink, lime green, and electric blue.
Use plenty of strong-hold hairspray to keep your teased hair voluminous throughout the night.

Womens 80s costume FAQ

What do you wear to an 80s party if you don't have retro clothes?: You can easily DIY a look using an oversized t-shirt with the collar cut wide, paired with leggings, sneakers, and colorful plastic jewelry or scrunchies.
How do I style my hair for an 80s costume?: The key is volume. Tease your hair at the roots with a comb, spray it heavily, or pull it into a high side ponytail secured with a bright scrunchie.
What are some iconic 80s female figures to dress up as?: You can channel pop icons like Madonna or Cyndi Lauper, movie characters like Baby from Dirty Dancing, or fitness gurus like Jane Fonda.

Did you know? The iconic off-the-shoulder shirt trend of the 1980s was popularized largely by the 1983 dance movie 'Flashdance' and pop star Madonna's early music videos.