80s Accessories
80’s costumes diy – Okay, so you’ve got your killer 80s outfit sorted, but it’s missing thatje ne sais quoi*. That’s where the accessories come in, babe! Think bold colors, geometric shapes, and tons of personality. Let’s get crafting!
Crafting Five Distinct 80s Accessories
Accessorizing is key to nailing that authentic 80s vibe. These DIY projects will elevate your look from “retro-ish” to “totally rad.”
- Leg Warmers: Imagine stretchy, vibrant bands of color hugging your calves. To make them, you’ll need long rectangles of stretchy fabric (think leggings material or even old t-shirts!). Sew the short ends together, creating a tube. You can add ruffles, stripes, or even use different colored fabrics for a patchwork effect. A simple, elasticated top edge adds that extra touch of 80s chic.
- Fingerless Gloves: These are effortlessly cool. Cut two rectangles of fabric, long enough to cover the back of your hand to your wrist. Sew the long sides together, leaving the top edge open. Add elastic at the wrist for a snug fit. You can embellish with sequins, studs, or paint designs – think bold geometric patterns or neon colors.
- Statement Earrings: Think big, bold, and bright! Use polymer clay to create oversized geometric shapes (think circles, squares, triangles) or even playful designs like cassette tapes or boomboxes. Bake according to the clay instructions, then add jump rings and ear wires. Paint them in neon shades or use glitter for extra sparkle.
- Headbands: These are a must-have for channeling your inner 80s princess. We’ll detail a neon headband creation below. But you can also use fabric scraps, ribbon, or even repurposed belts to create a variety of headbands, adding embellishments like bows, rhinestones, or feathers.
- Bracelets: Stack ’em high! Use colorful beads, stretchy cord, and even safety pins (yes, really!) to create multiple bracelets. Layer different textures and colors for a truly authentic 80s look. Consider using bright plastic beads, chunky metal bangles, or even friendship bracelets – the more, the merrier!
The Impact of Color Choices, 80’s costumes diy
Color is EVERYTHING in 80s style. Think bright, bold, and often clashing! Neon colors like pink, yellow, green, and orange were huge. Also popular were vibrant blues, purples, and electric pinks. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these colors – the more unexpected the combination, the better! Think about pastel shades combined with neon, creating a truly unique and stylish combination.
DIY 80s costumes offer a vibrant canvas for creative expression, encompassing iconic styles from the decade. A particularly inventive option, drawing inspiration from popular culture, involves crafting a whimsical Mr. Potato Head costume, as detailed in this comprehensive guide: mr potato head costume diy. This playful approach aligns perfectly with the fun, often quirky, nature of many 80s fashion trends, demonstrating the versatility of DIY costume creation within this specific thematic era.
Think acid wash denim and neon pink leg warmers.
Creating a Neon-Colored Headband
This is super easy!
- Gather Materials: You’ll need a stretchy fabric headband (a plain black one works great!), neon fabric paint (at least two contrasting colors), a paintbrush, and newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work surface.
- Prepare the Headband: Lay the headband on your protected surface.
- Apply the Paint: Using your paintbrush, apply stripes or other designs of your chosen neon colors to the headband. Don’t be afraid to be bold and creative! Imagine a vibrant pink and electric blue combination, or a yellow and green swirl.
- Let it Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This might take a few hours.
- Admire Your Creation: Once dry, your totally rad neon headband is ready to rock!
Imagine the headband: The black fabric provides a stark contrast to the vibrant neon colors, making the design pop. The paint application could be simple stripes, or a more complex pattern. Perhaps a geometric design with sharp lines, or a more free-flowing, abstract design. The possibilities are endless!
Makeup and Hair for 80s Costumes: 80’s Costumes Diy
Okay, so you’ve got your 80s outfit sorted, the accessories are on point, but toreally* nail that retro vibe, you need the makeup and hair to match. Think bold colours, big hair, and a whole lotta attitude. This is your guide to achieving that iconic 80s look, Jakarta South style!
Classic 80s Makeup Application
To get that quintessential 80s makeup look, start with a flawless base. Think matte foundation, maybe a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone – remember, that dewy look wasn’t really a thing back then. Concealer is your friend to cover any blemishes. Next up, the eyes! This is where the 80sreally* shines. Think vibrant eyeshadows – bright blues, pinks, purples, greens – applied generously.
Blend them well, but don’t be afraid of a little harsh line at the crease. A good quality eyeshadow palette with a range of colours will be your best friend. Alternatively, you can use individual eyeshadows to create your desired look. For eyeliner, go for a thick, dramatic wing. Liquid liner is ideal for precision, but a good pencil liner will work too.
Mascara is key – lots of it! Think big, bold lashes. For blush, opt for a rosy pink or peach tone, applied high on the cheekbones. Finally, the lips! Think bold colours like bright red, fuchsia, or berry shades. Matte or slightly glossy finishes are both acceptable. A good lip liner will help define your pout and prevent feathering.
Three Iconic 80s Hairstyles
Achieving that perfect 80s hair is all about volume, texture, and a little bit of teasing. Here are three iconic styles:
The Big Hair: Imagine a cloud of voluminous curls. This look requires a lot of teasing and hairspray. Start by backcombing sections of your hair at the roots to create volume. Then, use a curling iron or hot rollers to create large, bouncy curls. Set the curls with a generous amount of hairspray to keep them in place all day.
Think teased bangs and a generally big, full hairstyle. The image would show a woman with shoulder-length hair, styled with big, bouncy curls, possibly teased at the crown. The hair would be voluminous and full, with a significant amount of height.
The High Ponytail: This is a super simple yet effective style. Gather all your hair high on your head and secure it with a hair tie. Tease the hair at the crown for extra height and volume. You can add a scrunchie or ribbon for an extra 80s touch. The image would show a high ponytail, with the hair teased at the crown to create extra height and volume.
The ponytail might be slightly messy or perfectly sleek.
The Mullet: Business in the front, party in the back! This iconic 80s hairstyle requires layering. The hair is short and styled neatly at the front, while the back is longer and often layered. You can use a curling iron or straightener to style the layers in the back. The image would show a hairstyle with short hair at the front and longer, layered hair at the back.
The back might be styled with curls or left straight.
Makeup and Hair Across 80s Subcultures
The 80s saw a variety of subcultures, each with its own unique take on makeup and hair. Preppy styles leaned towards a more natural look, with minimal makeup and hair neatly styled. Think of neatly brushed hair, a light application of blush and lip gloss. New Wave embraced a more androgynous look, with often pale skin, dark eyeliner, and messy, voluminous hair.
Glam Metal was all about excess – think big hair, dark eyeliner, and bold lip colors. These variations highlight the versatility and diverse aesthetic trends within the 80s fashion scene.
Answers to Common Questions
What if I don’t have a sewing machine?
No worries! Many 80s looks can be achieved with minimal sewing or no sewing at all. Think layering, safety pins, and clever repurposing of existing clothes.
Where can I find thrifted 80s clothes?
Check out local thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay or Depop. You can find some seriously awesome pieces for cheap!
How can I make my 80s hair extra big?
Tease, tease, tease! Backcombing is key. Use hairspray liberally (but don’t go overboard and make it crunchy!) and consider using volumizing products.
What are some good 80s makeup brands to look for?
While many 80s brands aren’t around anymore, you can achieve the look with modern dupes. Look for vibrant eyeshadows, bold blushes, and long-lasting lipsticks in classic 80s shades.