Just like vegetableagony I’ve been invited to an 80s party. It’s my other half’s 40th so I’m going to have to look the part. My ideas thus far are Robert Smith from The Cure, an 80s rapper or full Top Gun flight-suit but before I hit the charity shops, I wondered if AskMe had any inspired suggestions.
Also from the sports world, if you can find a way to do it without being tasteless, Terry Fox.
There's also Punky Breswter, any of the Cosbys, and of the Keatons from Family Ties, Vickie from Small Wonder (look it up if you don't know what I mean, I dare you). the Bangles, the Smurfs, the boys from Miami Vice, and I'll probably think of more later. posted by orange swan at 6:24 PM on July 19, 2009
Vanilla Ice. posted by Flunkie at 6:28 PM on July 19, 2009
Ferris Bueller -- though Cameron's Gordie Howe jersey would probably be easier to source, and harder for people to place.
I did halloween as Martin Degville once. It's kind of an '80s version of Diane Keaton's "Annie Hall" look: find a closet, wear everything in it. The tricky part is finding the right closet.
If you've got a willing partner, Dieter and Boris from Yello is a pretty classy look with opportunities for extreme goofiness. posted by Lazlo at 6:32 PM on July 19, 2009
Dress like it's the 1780s (e.g., John Adams). Nobody said it had to be the 1980s, right? A friend of mine did this at a party I went to 15 years ago and it was a hoot. posted by scblackman at 6:39 PM on July 19, 2009 [4 favorites]
Go as Bell Biv DeVoe from this video. the guy with the BUM equipment tank top and white gloves takes the cake. It's 1990 technically but the outfits are a time warp. posted by benzenedream at 6:45 PM on July 19, 2009
I went to an 80s party dressed as a "Heather" once. Bright blue blazer with the sleeves rolled, matching heels, and tapered/zippered jeans from the Salvation Army. Add a few bangles, tease your hair, and you're done. posted by brina at 7:53 PM on July 19, 2009
Oh. Except you're a guy. Sorry about that; nevermind. posted by brina at 7:54 PM on July 19, 2009
Sorry brother - having been through this, I can say that 80's is easy for women, much harder for men.
Knit pullover alligator shirt with a popped collar, Levi's tucked into unlaced yellow work boots. That's how the 'jocks' at my high school dressed, also carry a few school books in a pillowcase over your shoulder. posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:13 PM on July 19, 2009
And if you go as that guy, make sure you stuff your crotch as he seems to have done.
The kneepads may have some functional significance. posted by benzenedream at 12:13 AM on July 20, 2009
MC Hammer. My brother did that last year - a skinny, white MC Hammer. It was awesome, and people on the streets recognized the costume and took pictures. I went as Annie Lennox/David Bowie, which is basically the same costume. posted by 8dot3 at 6:20 AM on July 20, 2009
For the 80's party I went to I went dressed as Tom Cruise from Risky Business. Two main options for that: 1 or b both of which are pretty easy and recognizable.
I'll look through the photos of the massive 80's party I went to and see if I can remember any other really good ideas. posted by vegetableagony at 10:17 PM on July 29, 2009
« Older Given their acute senses, why ... | Identify this cosplayer's outf... Newer »
posted by fire&wings at 5:36 PM on July 19, 2009