where to buy "80s party" stuff?
May 10, 2022 8:26 PM Subscribe
I am a middle aged woman. I have an 80s party to go to. Where can I buy appropriate stuff that isn't horrible?
Where can I buy something quickly that isn't Amazon? Or are there items on Amazon that are of decent quality? I tried buying an "80s accessory kit" and it just came and it's horrible. I don't want to spend a lot of money on this, but I don't want to feel gross, either. (The secondhand shop I go to is not going to have what I want, I know that. Those ladies curate.)
Do you think there's anywhere online to buy the genuine articles? I particularly want a pair of those thick plastic hoop earrings, and a bubble skirt.
Where can I buy something quickly that isn't Amazon? Or are there items on Amazon that are of decent quality? I tried buying an "80s accessory kit" and it just came and it's horrible. I don't want to spend a lot of money on this, but I don't want to feel gross, either. (The secondhand shop I go to is not going to have what I want, I know that. Those ladies curate.)
Do you think there's anywhere online to buy the genuine articles? I particularly want a pair of those thick plastic hoop earrings, and a bubble skirt.
Best answer: A mall is probably a good idea! (A thing I rarely say in other contexts. ;))
Claires is likely to have the earrings. Hot Topic is also worth checking for earrings and accessories.
A place like Forever21 or H&M may have a suitable skirt. Maybe not a bubble skirt, but something similar enough or something you could modify slightly. In the actual 80s I definitely tucked the ends of a long dowdy cotton skirt into my waistband (from the inside) to fake a bubble skirt more than once.
It might be worth popping into Torrid if they have one--even if you can't wear their plus-sized clothing they might have relevant accessories.
You can check most of these stores online first to get an idea of their current stock.
If all else fails, a ton of blue eyeshadow, shiny lipgloss, and hairspray will get you far.
posted by rhiannonstone at 9:00 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]
Claires is likely to have the earrings. Hot Topic is also worth checking for earrings and accessories.
A place like Forever21 or H&M may have a suitable skirt. Maybe not a bubble skirt, but something similar enough or something you could modify slightly. In the actual 80s I definitely tucked the ends of a long dowdy cotton skirt into my waistband (from the inside) to fake a bubble skirt more than once.
It might be worth popping into Torrid if they have one--even if you can't wear their plus-sized clothing they might have relevant accessories.
You can check most of these stores online first to get an idea of their current stock.
If all else fails, a ton of blue eyeshadow, shiny lipgloss, and hairspray will get you far.
posted by rhiannonstone at 9:00 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: TORRID. That's the one I was trying to remember. Yes. Plus size is a plus.
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:06 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:06 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]
It's funny how different the "80s party" look is from how we actually dressed in the 80s.
When I look at family photos from the time, we were actually quite polished and preppy. I don't see any photos of us in neon or side ponytails.
It was typically more of a button-down shirt in a cheery color, collar popped just so, perhaps with khakis look. The Preppy Handbook sort of thing. (I swear I went to so many school dances in business casual attire, though most of my play clothes as a kid were rompers in fun materials, like Hawaiian prints, that my mom sewed.)
Another look was the floral prairie dress, which seems to be all over the place these days. I saw them at Target and Old Navy when I was there over the weekend. That had a definite Princess Di vibe, though I think she wore hers at a shorter length, with a defined waist. The 80s prairie dress had a more defined waist than the current look, which is more of a sack.
posted by champers at 3:06 AM on May 11, 2022 [6 favorites]
When I look at family photos from the time, we were actually quite polished and preppy. I don't see any photos of us in neon or side ponytails.
It was typically more of a button-down shirt in a cheery color, collar popped just so, perhaps with khakis look. The Preppy Handbook sort of thing. (I swear I went to so many school dances in business casual attire, though most of my play clothes as a kid were rompers in fun materials, like Hawaiian prints, that my mom sewed.)
Another look was the floral prairie dress, which seems to be all over the place these days. I saw them at Target and Old Navy when I was there over the weekend. That had a definite Princess Di vibe, though I think she wore hers at a shorter length, with a defined waist. The 80s prairie dress had a more defined waist than the current look, which is more of a sack.
posted by champers at 3:06 AM on May 11, 2022 [6 favorites]
I was in my thirties in the eighties and I wore whatever I felt like wearing. I never had big hair or big shoulder-pads or whatever stupid shit the current arbiters of eighties nostalgia are promoting as "authentic". Wear whatever you want. Do your hair any way you want. If anyone says anything just inform them that many women did not follow fashion.
posted by mareli at 4:03 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by mareli at 4:03 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Can I ask a clarifying question - are you looking for clothing or accessories?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:35 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:35 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: The super-easiest thing to do for a party is Flashdance-inspired. Get a giant sweatshirt, cut off the neck, wear a tank top underneath. Big hair if you can cut it. Novelty earrings (Janet Jackson wore big gold loops with a key hanging on one, that's iconic). Leggings. Keds or other nondescript sneakers.
posted by nkknkk at 5:14 AM on May 11, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by nkknkk at 5:14 AM on May 11, 2022 [6 favorites]
Depending on where you are, there is probably a vintage store you can find stuff.
I have seen everything from 80's prom dresses to vintage OP stuff. And for sure plastic jewelry.
Ebay is another place to look, or Depop
posted by domino at 5:59 AM on May 11, 2022
I have seen everything from 80's prom dresses to vintage OP stuff. And for sure plastic jewelry.
Ebay is another place to look, or Depop
posted by domino at 5:59 AM on May 11, 2022
Etsy will have some vintage shops that have stuff from the 80s. I don’t have any particular shops to recommend but it’s worth a search!
posted by aka burlap at 6:00 AM on May 11, 2022
posted by aka burlap at 6:00 AM on May 11, 2022
Best answer: The super-easiest thing to do for a party is Flashdance-inspired. Get a giant sweatshirt, cut off the neck, wear a tank top underneath.
Another option:
Black crewneck long-sleeve t-shirt, black skirt, slicked-back hair, bright red lipstick - you are one of the women from the video for Addicted to Love.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM on May 11, 2022 [4 favorites]
Another option:
Black crewneck long-sleeve t-shirt, black skirt, slicked-back hair, bright red lipstick - you are one of the women from the video for Addicted to Love.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM on May 11, 2022 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Empress -- I guess I was hoping for an actual bubble skirt, which is what I recall wearing to parties at the time. I think that the thick colorful plastic earrings I remember are actually pretty easily available on Amazon, or at least the picture I clicked on seemed right.
The person above who pointed out that in the 80s, they (and I) were actually wearing conservative and modest button-down short-sleeve shirts with collar up, not a bunch of downmarket neon lace, is correct. But I am not going to a party in a button down shirt, regardless of its period accuracy. (The gross neon lace is what's available on Amazon and is what I'm trying to get away from.)
The kicker is really that I'm about a size 16-18 these days, and cheap costume stuff is small. I guess I'm having trouble envisioning what a good (flattering, comfortable, fun) outfit would be.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:54 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
The person above who pointed out that in the 80s, they (and I) were actually wearing conservative and modest button-down short-sleeve shirts with collar up, not a bunch of downmarket neon lace, is correct. But I am not going to a party in a button down shirt, regardless of its period accuracy. (The gross neon lace is what's available on Amazon and is what I'm trying to get away from.)
The kicker is really that I'm about a size 16-18 these days, and cheap costume stuff is small. I guess I'm having trouble envisioning what a good (flattering, comfortable, fun) outfit would be.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:54 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I like the idea of adjusting an existing skirt. You could line it with tulle (half assed hand stitching it) and fold the bottom up and stitch that.
My 80s involved pastel cotton, surfer style (baggy shorts rolled up, oversized tees etc) - if it’s likely to be warm, that might be an idea although admittedly this is definitely kid/teen 80s. Or cotton overalls with thin straps.
Tons of inspo from the Go-Gos
Definitely teased bangs to the side and lots of hairspray (idk if they still make Aqua net, haha).
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:40 AM on May 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
My 80s involved pastel cotton, surfer style (baggy shorts rolled up, oversized tees etc) - if it’s likely to be warm, that might be an idea although admittedly this is definitely kid/teen 80s. Or cotton overalls with thin straps.
Tons of inspo from the Go-Gos
Definitely teased bangs to the side and lots of hairspray (idk if they still make Aqua net, haha).
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:40 AM on May 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
My other idea is to go full-on golden girls style. I am about your size and I often see some pretty amazing oversized, shiny blouses and jackets at thrift stores.
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:43 AM on May 11, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:43 AM on May 11, 2022 [4 favorites]
Best answer: If you have a Party City nearby (or still have time to ship things) you could check there for accessories--they have a surprising amount of this type of stuff, even outside of Halloween season. Neon bracelets and hair spray, fishnet gloves, goofy plastic charm earrings, glow sticks, etc. Places like H&M and Forever 21 may have some 80s-type clothes if you are lucky. I've seen women's jelly sandals at the mall recently too, maybe at Anthropologie?
posted by Jemstar at 8:56 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Jemstar at 8:56 AM on May 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
« Older Having a hard time figuring out what training... | Toothpaste with fluoride, without sodium lauryl... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:33 PM on May 10, 2022