Skinny jeans are still in fashion today, so feel free to pull a pair from your wardrobe or a mainstream retailer. Keep in mind that the softer, stretchier denim of today differs from what was worn in the 80s, though. Pick out a second-hand pair of 80s jeans from a thrift shop to get a more authentic look. [2] X Research source
Choose a band t-shirt featuring muddy, worn colors like deep red or dark blue in the graphics. Make sure your t-shirt features a band you love. Others might use your t-shirt as a conversation starter. Instead of a band t-shirt, you can try a plain white, gray, or black t-shirt. Just be sure to amp up your rocker look with additional layers and accessories.
Personalize your denim vest with patches and pins. Consider placing a large motif on the back panel of your jacket or vest so anyone approaching you from behind will know your rock allegiances. For ladies, try tulle and lace mixed with edgier leather and denim in the style of Cindy Lauper and Madonna. A denim jacket can work as well!
If you want to aim for a sleeker, more New Age rock look, try a pair of black leather Chelsea boots instead. Avoid wearing sneakers with your 80s rocker outfit.
Stick with silver-toned metal to get the 80s look. Avoid gold jewelry and accents. Work classic rock imagery – skulls, snakes, crosses, and roses – into your accessories. For instance, try a thick snake ring or a heavy skull pendant.
Feel free to start with an all-black base look and use brighter colors as accents. Alternatively, you can create a head-to-toe bleached or saturated look.
Some rock looks bordered on circus-y during the 80s. Embrace the decade’s excess and eccentricity! Think back to the bright bodysuits worn by Freddie Mercury of Queen, as well as the tight leggings that many glam metal rockers of the time wore. The glam rock styles of the 1970s heavily influenced the glam metal of the 80s. [10] X Research source
Sparkling details will scatter the light while the fringe will swing and sway as you move. These elements will make your 80s rocker look extra eye-catching. Or try out historically-inspired ruffles and metallic brocade which were favored by Prince and Adam Ant. [12] X Research source
Layer your jacket over a deep v-neck t-shirt to show off your chest like a real 80s rocker.
For a more down-to-earth style citing western influences, try cowboy boots. To get an authentic pair of 80s shoes, search vintage listings online. Some quirky modern-day fashion brands also sell platform boots in a variety of 80s-inspired styles.
Most 80s glam metal rockers were clean-shaven to get the androgynous look, but some hard rockers sported stubble and facial hair. [18] X Research source Don’t keep your hair straight or you may get mistaken for a 70s rocker.
Look at Rod Stewart and Flock of Seagulls as examples of how to style short to medium-length hairstyles. [20] X Research source Not many 80s rockers had short hair, so consider getting an 80s wig to create the iconic lion’s mane look. Ladies can sport a voluminous curly bob like Madonna. [21] X Research source
While the headband-style bandana was popular, it was worn in a variety of ways. Try tying your bandana around your arm or leg instead. [22] X Research source Add a pair of dark aviator sunglasses to a classic bandana. [23] X Research source
Feel free to try a full face of white and black makeup like KISS. Unlike the use of makeup in 70s glam rock, makeup in the 80s wasn’t really about gender ambiguity. Instead, it was more about visual and creative experimentation. [25] X Research source
It’s ok if the polish gets a little chipped. The idea is to look scruffy and edgy, and like you’ve been busy shredding your guitar.
Focus on including rock imagery in your tattoos. Skulls, roses, crosses, and even imagery drawn from song lyrics will solidify your edgy 80s rocker identity.
Male heavy rock groups from the decade include AC/DC, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leppard. [28] X Research source Male glam metal or hair metal groups include Mötley Crüe, Poison, Bon Jovi, Ratt, White Snake, and Twisted Sister. Female rockers include Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Pat Benatar, Heart, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, and the Eurythmics. [29] X Research source
Pull up a variety of photos and determine whether your favorite artists changed up their style frequently, or if they kept a more consistent look with the same types of garments and accessories. Many 80s rockers were active in the preceding and following decades, so make sure you only reference sources from the 80s. This way, you’ll really get an understanding of the look of the decade.
Once you know what pieces you need, see what you can use from your own closet first. Then head out to thrift shops and vintage clothing stores to build out the rest of your look. You may need to DIY some pieces, so get out your needle and thread or enlist the help of someone who knows how to create costumes.
