Vintage ’80s Sweaters
Vintage ’80s T-Shirts
Vintage Jeans
Vintage Disney
How to Dress for an ’80s Party
The ’80s are known for quite a few things, including leg warmers, shoulder pads, and bad haircuts (harsh? You tell us). When you’re invited to that ’80s theme party, though, how are you going to pull these infamous trends together? We paged through our collection of old department store catalogs to dig up some fresh inspiration that’s true to the time. Here are three ways to dress for an ’80s theme party that are sure to evoke the Footloose soundtrack as you open the door.
No Excuses: Aerobics Outfit
While some people may find the classic aerobic costume overplayed, we love it for its recognizably-’80s qualities and über-comfortable nature. Make this costume unique by building a solid base and layering on intentional details. Don’t feel like walking around all night in a glorified swimsuit? Slip a short-sleeve crop top over your leotard or add a pair of dolphin shorts for a little extra coverage.
Necessary:
1. Leotard
2. Tights/leggings
3. Sneakers or ballet shoes
Above and beyond:
1. Scrunchie or terry cloth headband
2. Belt
3. Legwarmers (one or two pairs)
4. Small weights or jump rope
5. Big hair
’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
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.
Shop Real ’80s Vintage
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Vintage Disneyland 30th Year Sweatshirt (1985)$69.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Mickey Mouse Honor Tradition Spirit Sweatshirt (1980s)$49.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Lightweight Striped Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt (1980s)$59.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage G’Day Donald Duck Sweatshirt (1980s)$44.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Allover Graphic Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt$53.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Siamese Kittens Sweatshirt (1989)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage B.C. Rich Guitars Sweatshirt (1980s)$29.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Olympic Games Levi’s Button Up Shirt (1980s)$59.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Attitude Blues Sweatshirt (1987)$29.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage United Support of Artists for Africa Sweatshirt (1985)$44.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Chicago Bears Sweatshirt (1980s)$59.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Classic Mickey Sweatshirt (1980s)$54.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Palm Beach Beach Club Sweatshirt (1980s)$59.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Arkansas Razorbacks Cotton Bowl Sweatshirt (1989)$54.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Georgetown University Sweatshirt (1980s)$59.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Walt Disney World Sweatshirt (1980s)$69.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXIV Sweatshirt (1989)$99.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Minnie Mouse Sweatshirt (1980s)$69.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Playboy 86 Sweatshirt (1986)$109.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Original Bad Attitude Sweatshirt (1987)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Ducks On Thin Ice Sweatshirt (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Ski U.S.A. Sweatshirt (1988)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Snoopy Official Party Sweatshirt (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Highland Park Road Runners Sweatshirt (1980s)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Australia Sweatshirt (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Old Man Caricature Sweatshirt (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Homemade ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ Cow Sweatshirt$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Jo Hanna York Cheetah Print Dress (1980s)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Lincoln Land Community College Joe Cool Sweatshirt (1980s)$49.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Canadian Wilderness Sweatshirt (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Embroidered Parrot Sweatshirt (1980s)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Michigan State Rose Bowl Sweatshirt (1988)$49.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Far Side ‘Bummer of a Birthmark’ Sweatshirt (1988)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage NKOTB Kids Sweatshirt (1989)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Le Grand Prix Cycliste Teleglobe Sweatshirt (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage T. Anthony Jeweled Denim Romper (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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1984 Los Angeles Olympics Trucker Hat$29.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Sega Time-Out Arcade Hat$29.99QUICK VIEW
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1988 Olympics Team USA Snapback Trucker Hat$29.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage St. Louis Cardinals NL Champions Sweatshirt (1987)$49.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Minnie Mouse Florida Sweatshirt (1980s)$49.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage White Shoulder Wrap Blazer (1980s)$69.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Gray Wool Liz Claiborne Blazer (1980s)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Blue Striped Blazer (1980s)$29.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Navy & Green Single Button Blazer (1980s)$39.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Teal Check Open Front Blazer (1980s)$29.99QUICK VIEW
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Vintage Gray Houndstooth Double Breasted Blazer (1980s)$34.99QUICK VIEW
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