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Original poster

What to wear to an 80s party but not fancy dress?

32 replies

BeckyBismuth · Yesterday 15:44

I'm going to an 80s party later this year. It's for a 50th birthday (though I'm not 50) and they've booked Woo Gary Davies as the DJ. I have no clue what to wear as I wasn't alive in the 80s.

I don't want a fancy dress type outfit.

I saw this in Marks and Spencer when I went for a sandwich today and thought it might be alright as a New Romantic type outfit but I don't know what I'd wear it with:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/lyocell-rich-v-neck-ruffle-detail-blouse/p/clp61229706#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c1%7Cprodflag_Just%20Arrived

Other ideas I'd thought of were a Choose Life T shirt with jeans and a leather jacket. Or some type of rara skirt/dress. I have no 80s shoes or anything though.

Any thoughts please? Thank you.

M&S

Lyocell-Rich V-Neck Ruffle Detail Blouse | M&S

Introduce a feminine flourish to your wardrobe with this drapey lyocell-rich v-neck blouse. It's cut to a comfortable regular fit and features elasticated cuffs that create romantic blouson sleeves. Ruffle detailing around the v-neckline adds to the pi...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/lyocell-rich-v-neck-ruffle-detail-blouse/p/clp61229706#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c1%7Cprodflag_Just%20Arrived

OP posts:
hahabahbag · Yesterday 18:40

Today 3 teens came into the shop I was working in in ra ra skirts and asymmetrical tops a la Madonna circa 1985. They are definitely available in normal stores. Took at pictures of Madonna in 1984/85 for inspiration

Blogswife · Yesterday 22:32

7238SM · Yesterday 16:19

That ruffled blouse and 'choose life' T-shirt would be very much 1990's IMO. Trainspotting didnt come out till 1996!

I really don't think people will be scrutinising every detail including your shoes! Leg warmers, lace finger less gloves, puff skirts, slouchy t-shirts off the shoulder would all work. And BIG hair and shoulder pads.

As Wham disbanded in 86 it’s very much 80s. The ruffled blouse is definitely something I wore around 1981-2. How about something Madonna ish as in Desperately Seeking Susan or Bananarama style ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desperately_Seeking_Susan#/media/File:Desperately_Seeking_Susan_movie_poster.jpg

DelphiniumBlue · Today 00:46

My going out outfits in the 80s were usually a very short tight skirt ( leather, pale denim, black and very stretchy) and a T-shirt with neck, sleeves and bottom cut off. Possibly with “relax” emblazoned across it. Then court shoes or plimsols to match the skirt. Big hair, blue eyeliner.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · Today 01:00

maddiemookins16mum · Yesterday 16:11

Pretty envious they’ve got Gary Davies, that will have been expensive!

I'll make you even more envious ( though this isn't my autographed picture , I did get a signed photo of him ) I kissed Gary Davis when he did a guest appearance .
Just a peck , not a proper snog .
Back in 1985 or late 1984 .

What to wear to an 80s party but not fancy dress?
OnTheBoardwalk · Today 01:08

Watch some bananarama videos

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · Today 01:25

Go as an 80 year old lady (you may be the only one!) and say you misunderstood the invite because you're 'getting on a bit' and your eyesight is not as good as it was.

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