1980's Themed Costumes

How to Choose Awesome, Party-Ready 1980s Costumes

Whether you need them for a birthday party, a costume contest or a themed event, 1980s costumes can't be beat when done right. The possibilities are endless: you can channel a film icon with a movie character costume, look like your favourite musician, or dress up as a teen at a school formal in the 1980s.

The great news is that you don't have to look far for an awesome costume shop. Jokers Costume Mega Store has everything you need to make your eighties dream come true! Read on to find out how to put your look together.

Step 1: Nail down the theme of your costume

Figure out the occasion for your 1980s event

The first step in choosing 1980s costumes — or any vintage costumes — is considering the party's theme. A music-themed event might call for dressing up as iconic 1980s musicians or bands, while Hollywood-themed parties give way to fun movie or TV show costumes.

It was a time when bold, bright and funky fashion statements ruled supreme. We're talking neon colours, spandex, shoulder pads and oversized apparel that made you feel you owned the room! Think about who's coming to the party. Go for a daring costume if it's an adults-only party, but keep it family-friendly for children's events.

Don't forget the venue! Club or five-star-hotel functions may call for fancy dress costumes. Otherwise, you could get away with something more laid-back for outdoor gatherings or neighbourhood events.

What were some popular '80s fashion icons from movies and TV shows?

When it comes to 1980s costumes, it's all about making a bold fashion statement. From big hair and shoulder pads to brightly coloured spandex, emulating an 80s icon can make your costume unforgettable.

For musician-inspired getups, consider Madonna with her distinctive lace gloves and layered skirts or Freddie Mercury's iconic yellow jacket and white pants outfit. You can't go wrong going local and dressing up like Olivia Newton-John in her 'Let's Get Physical' video.

Taking movie and TV inspiration for your pop culture costumes? Characters like Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell from Top Gun, the lifeguards from Baywatch, or Eleven from Stranger Things are fun costume ideas. These icons represent the diverse styles of the decade, but since there are so many to choose from, you'll want to make the right choice with the following pointers in mind.

Step 2: Choose the right costume

Things to consider

The authenticity of 1980s costumes is important; otherwise, they may look half-baked, and people might have trouble figuring out who you dressed up as. Check out photos online and follow them as accurately as you can. Another factor is comfort: whether you're hitting the dance floor or mingling through the night, your costume should let you enjoy every moment.

Your choice should also mesh well with your everyday personal style, allowing your individuality to shine through. And, of course, your budget determines everything. Striking a balance between a costume that meets your expectations and what you're willing to spend ensures your 80s costumes are both dazzling and cost-effective.

Explore variety at Jokers Costume Mega Store

Looking for a treasure trove of costumes with an unparalleled selection? Jokers Costume Mega Store has costumes dating back from the 1920s to modern-day looks.

Whether you need 1960s costumes, 1970s costumes (or just disco costumes), 1980s costumes, 1990s costumes and beyond, we've got outfits for men, women and kids! And to help your party costumes fit perfectly, we've introduced a great feature, which you can read about in the next step:

Step 3: Work on fitting and final touches

Use the Size & Fit scan for accurate measurements

With the help of our Size & Fit scan, getting the ideal fit for your adult 1980s costumes is now hassle-free. It scans your measurements and provides precise size recommendations, so the costume you select not only matches your style but also fits well.

Plus, on adult costumes, if you buy the size the scan recommends and it doesn't fit, you're covered by our Size Fit Guarantee with a free exchange. The Size Fit Guarantee applies to adult costumes only and requires you to have used the scan and purchased the recommended size; we don't offer exchanges or refunds for change of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of purchasing a costume instead of making it myself?

There are a few reasons you may want to get your 1980s costumes from Jokers Costume Mega Store rather than going the DIY route. For last-minute invites, a ready-made costume is more convenient. In terms of cost efficiency, the total expense of materials for DIY often surpasses the price of a finished costume.

Finally, the convenience and reliability of getting a costume that looks exactly as expected improves the overall impact of your look, sparing you the disappointment of potential DIY mishaps.

How did makeup styles differ in the 1980s?

The makeup scene of the 1980s embraced the extravagant, with heavy eyeliner, vivid eyeshadow and luminous blush as staples. Lip colours were unapologetically bright, with reds, pinks and oranges taking centre stage. The 80s also saw the rise of contouring and highlighting, with glitter and shimmer used liberally to add a dash of glam, so go bold for this era.

What are some typical accessories worn with 1980s costumes?

For a rockstar look, add a bandana, leather jacket or iconic sunglasses to channel that rebellious spirit. A crown, tiara or elegant jewellery can add a regal touch if a Princess Diana-style ensemble is more your style.

You can even choose from different blonde wigs to get the iconic crimped hairstyle or rock a mullet. Don't shy away from leg warmers, headbands, scrunchies, fingerless gloves and anything neon, either!

Discover the Magic of Costumes at Jokers Costume Mega Store

At Jokers Costume Mega Store, we're in the business of bringing fun, creativity and unforgettable memories into your life. With an astounding selection of over 25,000 costumes and accessories, we cater to every whim, fantasy and occasion.

We understand the importance of your special events, which is why every order is backed by our Delivery Guarantee: if your order arrives late, you'll receive a full refund (including delivery fees) and you keep the costume. Plus, our Price Beat Guarantee means that if you find the same item cheaper online in Australia, we'll beat that price by 5%.

Shop now at Jokers Costume Mega Store, where fun, quality and creativity come together for a seamless costume shopping experience!