There are numerous options when it comes to 80s Halloween costume ideas. The 80s were the time of glam makeup, shoulder pads, big hair, costume jewelry, bright colors, asymmetrical designs, and off the shoulder, over-sized sweatshirts. In the 80s, high top sneakers were popular as well as leg warmers, jelly bracelets and even jelly sandals. Acid wash jeans were common and instead of baggy jeans, tight jeans were the style. Checking out some 1980s music videos, images or publications may provide inspiration. http://www.only80s.com/RealPeopleReally80s.html

Aside from a specific look, the 80s also ushered a notable set of celebrities to emulate. Rockers wore lots of leather. Even men wore long, coiffed hair and makeup (glam rock). Pop culture can also help in pulling together a convincing 1980s Halloween costume. What people wore in old television commercials and tv shows can be examined for ideas. Shows like Miami Vice, Moonlighting, My Sister Sam, The Cosby Show, Max Headroom and Knight Rider can provide insight into how the 80s looked and felt.http://www.80stees.com/pages/t-shirts/80s-Halloween-Costumes.asp.

Here is a breakdown of some of the clothes that were popular in the 1980s:

• Pants: Stirrup pants, stone-washed jeans, Jordache jeans, Sergio Valente Jeans and Calvin Kleins (MC hammer pants and parachute pants in the late 1980s)
• Shirts: Fluorescent shirts (bright colors!), Sweatshirts with a large opening for the neck, worn with a tank top underneath (thing Flashdance)
• Skirts & Dresses: Denim skirts, Mini-skirts, poofy skirts (metallic colors)
• Shoes: High-top sneakers, Reebok high tops, scrunch socks (pushed down and worn over leggings or jeans), Keds brand sneakers (white)
• Hair: Big hair that was teased, curly and held with a lot of hairspray, banana clips or claw clips
• Accessories: T-shirt clips (a plastic clip, where you'd pull the T-shirt fabric through from the bottom, to hold the T-shirt up and off to the side toward your hip, "slap-bracelets"

There are a number of celebrities from the 1980's who have identifiable styles great for any event. Some of the most recognizable and well-known 80s celebrities include:http://www.costumesupercenter.com/mens+costumes-80s+costumes.html

• Madonna
• Michael Jackson
• Mr. T
• Molly Ringwald
• Elton John
• Prince
• Lionel Richie
• Cindi Lauper
• Billy Idol