Top 10 '80s Costume Ideas for Adults
The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion, iconic movies, and unforgettable music. Whether you're heading to a Halloween party or an '80s-themed event, dressing up in a costume from this era is sure to be a hit. Here are the top 10 '80s costume ideas for adults, each with detailed descriptions and tips on how to achieve the look.
1. **Marty McFly from **Back to the Future
Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, is one of the most iconic characters from the '80s. His look is instantly recognizable and relatively easy to put together.
What You'll Need:
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Red puffer vest
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Denim jacket
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White t-shirt
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Blue jeans
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White sneakers
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Aviator sunglasses
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A skateboard as an optional prop
How to Achieve the Look:
Start with a white t-shirt and blue jeans. Layer a denim jacket over the t-shirt and top it off with a red puffer vest. Add white sneakers and aviator sunglasses to complete the look. If you want to go the extra mile, carry a skateboard with you.
2. Madonna
Madonna was a fashion icon in the '80s, known for her bold and eclectic style. Her "Like a Virgin" look is one of the most memorable.
What You'll Need:
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White lace bustier or corset
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White tulle skirt
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Lace gloves
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Layered necklaces with crosses
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Big hair with a lace headband
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Bold makeup with heavy eyeliner and red lipstick
How to Achieve the Look:
Start with a white lace bustier or corset and pair it with a white tulle skirt. Add lace gloves and layered necklaces with crosses. Style your hair big and curly, and add a lace headband. Finish with bold makeup, including heavy eyeliner and red lipstick.
3. Ghostbusters
The Ghostbusters uniform is a great group costume idea. The iconic jumpsuits and proton packs are instantly recognizable.
What You'll Need:
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Beige jumpsuit
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Ghostbusters patches
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Black boots
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Proton pack (can be DIY or purchased)
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Black gloves
How to Achieve the Look:
Wear a beige jumpsuit with Ghostbusters patches sewn or ironed on. Add black boots and gloves. Carry a proton pack, which you can either purchase or make yourself using cardboard and paint.
4. **Prince Akeem from **Coming to America
Prince Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy, is a royal character with a distinctive look.
What You'll Need:
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Royal jacket with gold embellishments
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Sash
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Bow tie
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Necklace and medallion
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Mustache (if you don't have one, a fake one will do)
How to Achieve the Look:
Start with a royal jacket adorned with gold embellishments. Add a sash and a bow tie. Wear a necklace with a medallion and a mustache. Complete the look with a confident and regal demeanor.
5. **Alex Owens from **Flashdance
Alex Owens' look from Flashdance is both comfortable and iconic, making it a popular choice.
What You'll Need:
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Off-the-shoulder sweatshirt
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Leg warmers
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Dance shorts or leggings
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Headband
How to Achieve the Look:
Wear an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt over dance shorts or leggings. Add leg warmers and a headband. Style your hair in a messy, curly look to capture Alex's dance-ready appearance.
6. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice, the "bio-exorcist" from Tim Burton's film, is a fun and spooky costume choice.
What You'll Need:
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Black and white striped suit
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White face paint with dark eye makeup
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Green hair spray
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Black shoes
How to Achieve the Look:
Wear a black and white striped suit with black shoes. Use white face paint to cover your face and add dark makeup around your eyes. Spray your hair green and style it messily. Practice your best Beetlejuice impression to really sell the costume.
7. The Breakfast Club Characters
The characters from The Breakfast Club each have distinctive looks that are easy to replicate. This is a great group costume idea.
What You'll Need:
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Bender: Gray pants, red flannel, jean jacket, sunglasses
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Andrew: White sneakers, blue letterman jacket, jeans
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Claire: Pink shirt, long brown skirt, boots
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Brian: Olive green sweater, dark sunglasses, khakis
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Allison: All black and gray clothing
How to Achieve the Look:
Each character's look can be achieved with items you might already have in your closet. For Bender, wear gray pants, a red flannel shirt, a jean jacket, and sunglasses. For Andrew, wear white sneakers, a blue letterman jacket, and jeans. Claire's look includes a pink shirt, a long brown skirt, and boots. Brian can be replicated with an olive green sweater, dark sunglasses, and khakis. Allison's look is all black and gray.
8. **David Bowie as Jareth from **Labyrinth
David Bowie's role as Jareth the Goblin King in Labyrinth is a visually stunning costume choice.
What You'll Need:
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White ruffled shirt
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Black vest
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Tight pants
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Knee-high boots
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Wig with wild, spiky hair
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Crystal ball (optional prop)
How to Achieve the Look:
Wear a white ruffled shirt under a black vest and tight pants. Add knee-high boots and a wig with wild, spiky hair. Carry a crystal ball as a prop if you have one. Apply dramatic makeup to complete the look.
9. Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones, the adventurous archaeologist, is a classic '80s character.
What You'll Need:
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Khaki pants
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White or beige collared shirt
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Leather jacket
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Fedora
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Satchel
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Whip (optional prop)
How to Achieve the Look:
Wear khaki pants and a white or beige collared shirt. Add a leather jacket and a fedora. Carry a satchel and, if you want to go all out, a whip. This costume is both adventurous and recognizable.
10. Top Gun Pilot
The pilots from Top Gun are another great group costume idea. The military-inspired look is both cool and easy to put together.
What You'll Need:
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Green flight suit or jumpsuit
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Aviator sunglasses
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Dog tags
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Patches (optional)
How to Achieve the Look:
Wear a green flight suit or jumpsuit. Add aviator sunglasses and dog tags. If you want to be more authentic, add some military patches. This costume is perfect for anyone who wants to look effortlessly cool.
Conclusion
The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion, memorable movies, and iconic music. Whether you choose to dress as a character from a beloved film, a music icon, or a general '80s-inspired look, these costume ideas are sure to make you stand out at any event. Each costume can be put together with a mix of purchased items and DIY elements, allowing you to customize your look to your liking. So, dust off your leg warmers, tease your hair, and get ready to party like it's the '80s!
