Whether you're planning your next Halloween costume or attending an 80's themed party, the 80's rocker is a classic costume idea which is sure to get you noticed! Aside from making awesome music, 80's rockers are remembered for their tight clothing, big hair and over-the-top accessorizing. Dressing like an 80's rocker is super fun and easy to achieve, so let's get started!
Steps
Find Your Inspiration
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Check out some rock bands from the 80's. Examine how therockers dressed in that era. Look at videos, photographs, etc. Make sure they date to the 80's.
- Some suggestions are: Europe, Bruce Springsteen, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Judas Priest, Guns n' Roses, Rod Stewart, Van Halen, AC/DC, Ratt, Poison, Metallica, Thompson Twins, U2, INXS, Iron Maiden, Skid Row.
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Decide if you want to go with more of a hard rocker, a hair band rocker, a metal rocker or a pop rocker look. Women can also look at influential female musicians of the day such as Cyndi Lauper, Lita Ford and Madonna.
80's Rocker Clothing
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Wear tight pants. Black leather and stonewashed denim were favored by 80's rockers.
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Wear a sleeveless shirt. Try cutting the sleeves off a plain black or white tee, or find a T-shirt with an 80's band logo on it for an authentic flair.
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Wear a jacket. Again, black leather and stonewashed denim were popular. The jacket can be sleeved or sleeveless, but should be left open so you can see your T-shirt underneath. A fringed or studded jacket will complement the 80's vibe.
80's Rocker Hairstyles
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Make your hair BIG. The bigger the better. Backcomb the hair, then set with hairspray for ultimate volume.
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Buy a wig. If your hair's not long enough to backcomb then invest in a long-haired wig. Guys should aim for a mullet-style wig for ultimate 80's rocker style.
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Wear hair down. Once you have backcombed your hair or wig, leave it loose. It should be messy, sticky and untamed. All the better to headbang with.
80's Rocker Make-Up
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Wear bright eyeshadow. Think color when it comes to eyeshadow. Pinks, blues and purples were popular. And don't be afraid to color outside the lines.
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Apply heavy eyeliner. Wear thick black eyeliner on both your top and bottom lids. Draw cat eyes or smudge it a little for a real rocker finish.
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Rouge your cheeks. Apply rouge heavily and visibly. Accentuate those cheekbones.
80's Rocker Accessories
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Bangles and Bracelets. Pile on the bangles or bracelets, the more the merrier. If they are of the leather or studded variety, all the better.
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Fingerless Gloves. Another staple of the 80's rocker look, fingerless gloves in leather or lace are an easy accessory.
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Scarves. Lightweight scarves are a versatile 80's rocker accessory and can be worn around the head, neck or waist.
Where To Source Your Wardrobe
- Shop vintage and thrift stores for authentic pieces.
- Raid a family member's wardrobe for forgotten 80's remnants.
- To capture the more couture look of the 80's you may need to add custom made pieces.
- Visit a beauty supply store for wigs, combs, hairspray and make-up.
Video
Tips
- Hot Topic sells bracelets as well as studded belts.
- Excessive styling can dry out long hair. Make sure to use a good conditioning treatment, especially after backcombing.
- Grunge is more popular as a 90's look so avoid mistaking the two.