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’80s Prom Queen

An ’80s prom queen look starts with a great dress. Look for one made from a satin-like fabric featuring the biggest sleeves, ruffles, or pleats you can find. Off-the-shoulder styles were super popular during the ’80s, along with bows, sash-tied waistlines, and floor-length hems. 

Necessary:
1. An 80s dress fit for prom. Check your local Ragstock (or thrift store!)

Above and Beyond:
1. Pearls or faux-diamond jewelry
2. A corsage or bouquet
3. Over the top up-do featuring lots of volume
4. Metallic heeled sandals
5. Pantyhose

Sweater Weather: Keep it Comfy

If you’re into keeping it casual, there’s no better outfit for an ’80s party than simply wearing a vintage sweater from the decade. ’80s sweaters are famous for their loud colors, bold patterns, and oversized cuts. Take your pick from our large selection of vintage ’80s sweaters or dig one up at your local thrift store. The bottoms you choose are flexible: you can go the classic route and stick to leggings, or go in the direction of acid-washed jeans, a pair of slacks, or a full skirt like the one shown above.

Necessary:
1. ’80s sweater

Above and Beyond:
1. Side ponytail in a scrunchie
2. Headband or handkerchief in hair
3. Oversized glasses
4. Turtleneck layered underneath
5. Big jewelry

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Denim: the Look of the ’80s

’80s fashion brought the world a very special decade for denim. While classic blue and stonewashed denim abound, a new player showed its face among the racks: acid wash. Loved by some and hated by many others, this unmistakable fabric can be worn head to toe to achieve a true ’80s look. When looking for the perfect jacket, search for extra thick denim, exaggerated shoulders, and don’t forget to pop the collar. Denim dresses featured large lapels and oversized cuts, and ’80s high-waisted denim jeans are paired with matching tops for maximum effect. These photos were found while digging through Montgomery Ward’s Spring & Summer ’83 catalog along with Sears September 1988.