Prom 2010: How to Create a Retro '80s Look for Prom Night

For prom night 2010, be fashion forward with a look back: Back to the '80s! Achieving an '80s throwback look without being over the top takes special steps, but is really quite easy to pull off. Here is a guide on how to create a retro, 1980s inspired look for prom night.

Short and Sassy

Fashions from the 1980s were fun, colorful, and flashy. Evening dresses from that era were made of decadent fabrics such as taffeta, lace, and sequins. If you want to create that fun 80s inspired look with your dress this year, you really have to look no further than your local department store for inspiration. When I was at the mall this past weekend, I was simply floored at the racks and racks of prom dresses that looked like something out of a Cyndi Lauper video circa 1984. Short, strapless dresses in fun colors such as hot pink, purple, teal, and silver are the perfect choice for achieving the retro 80s look, and all of these colors can be found at any store at the mall at varying prices. Basic black high heels, a pair of pretty sheer or lace stockings in black, and a pair of sweet fingerless lace gloves adds a finishing touch. Since the entire ensemble is totally 80s inspired, balance it out with a current hairstyle (i.e. no teased bangs or a Bon Jovi 'Aquanet' 'do). This website has some great ideas for prom hairstyles with many photo galleries.

The Madonna 'Boy Toy' Era Look

A look that is resurging in popularity in 2010 is the early 80s Madonna look, which is all about lace, 'bedhead' and flashy jewelry. Beautiful dresses made completely of lace are all the rage now, and can be found for sale at any nice department store like Dillards for around $75.00 to $100.00 or more. Also, my favorite website Modcloth carries many cute cocktail dresses made of lace, and some of them are even named after the Material Girl's most famous 80s tunes (i.e. the 'Express Yourself' dress). Faux pearl jewelry is the best way to accessorize an all lace dress if you are going for the Madonna look, and of course the lace gloves are a must once again. For your hair, the tousled 'bedhead' is a must, and again, this website has pretty much everything you will need in the way of ideas for hairstyles.

The 'Dynasty' look

Another very popular evening style from the decade of greed was the flashy 'Dynasty' look (made popular by the Aaron Spelling prime time soap) with big shoulder pads and tons of sparkles and baubles. Believe it or not, this was the 'refined' look of the 80s, which was favored by the more 'sophisticated' ladies of the day. Looking back, the 'Dynasty' look seems the most over the top style of that era, but a few pieces put together in the right way can look very chic in 2010. Choose a long dress in a classic color like black or white. Add a pair of sequined opera gloves and matching handbag, and wear flashy, faux gemstones. This is a great way to pay homage without being over the top, because your dress will be classic and the accessories will do the rest. Now, if you do decide to wear a dress with shoulder pads or one covered in sparkly sequins, make sure your accessories are classic. Also, since the 'Dynasty' look was considered more matronly back in the day, add a whimsical, girlish touch to your hairstyle such as baby barrettes or a fascinator.

It's All In the Details

The best way to add a retro 80s touch to your look without breaking the bank is with accessories. Simple fashion accessories can change the look of an entire outfit like nothing else. For example, a fun way to create an 80s look is to wear a basic black cocktail dress; find a pair of lace tights in a fun color like hot pink or red and wear a pair of lace gloves to match them. Other fun 80s inspired accessory trends are multicolored bracelets, lace hair bows, fishnets, and hot pink nail polish. Since 80s fashion accessories are making a comeback in the fashion world, many can be found for sale at trendy stores such as Claire's. Also, check your local thrift stores, because you can always get great bargains on accessory items from bygone eras.

If you need more ideas on how to create an 80s inspired look for prom, just google images of some of the decade's most iconic fashionable ladies: Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Joan Collins, Molly Ringwald, or better yet, check out old music videos from the New Wave era on Youtube! Videos from the early days of MTV are a goldmine for 80s fashion ideas!

Have fun on your special night!