Urgent Help Needed! 80s Attire?

[Hipkitten]

So I just got a call to be an extra in an independent film - nothing major, just something fun to do. Anyway, it's set in the (American) 80s and I need help finding something to wear! I would be shooting Thursday and Friday so I need help - fast! Could anyone please suggest some styles?! I need the full look - hair, make up, clothing...the works. I would love to have something in mind when I hit the vintage stores. Pics would be helpful. Thanks in advance

BTW: Mods, I wasn't sure where to put this, so please move it accordingly. Thanks for all you do!

 

[meme527]

hey hipkitten:

it's unfortunate, but you might have to wear shoulder pads. i know, i know....

i think the quintessential eighties look is an oversized sweater with leggings, and maybe some converse with sock showing. dark lipstick in the *wrong* color. thick eyebrows. obvious blush. i could go on, but i'm getting the shivers....

where is your character going to be - at a party, at school, at a dance? and what age group is your character? that might help narrow down the choices some.

i would suggest renting some of the classics from that era, too - old demi moore/brat pack films, "my cousin vinny" (great ideas from marisa tomei), even old tv series if you can find them at your local video store.

it sounds like a fun project!

 

[softgrey]

'matte' lipstick in a brick red/brown...

you could do a lycra mini over leggings...
(my fave look back thenlol:...with a cropped jacket...

**the sneakers weren't converse...
they were white 'keds' or reebok high tops...

betsy johnsonn calle the silhouette a triangle...
with broad shoulders and tiny feet...
i'd suggest a pump w/ toe cleavage...

 

[softgrey]

agree that we sould need to know more about the situation and character...
age group...etc...location...

 

[meme527]

**the sneakers weren't converse...
they were white 'keds' or reebok high tops...

reeeeeeboks!! i forgot about them!
like, omg!

 

[Hipkitten]

Hey there - thanks for responding (and keep the suggestions coming)! I just got the call today and should find out shortly the scenario - my friend wanted to pencil me in and is supposed to call with details soon. I'll certainly let you know as soon as I find out, as it will be of help in directing suggestions.

I like the idea of doing something subtle - not an over-the-top 80s caricature. From what I remember there was a lot of crimped hair and big "mall bangs" (I was born in 1980, so bear with me ). I like the idea of an oversized shirt with pants or a skirt. Anyway, please keep the suggestions coming and I'll give more details as soon as they come - I knew I could count on tFS-ers to come through

 

[Venusia]

Oversized shirt with thick leather belt over lycra miniskirt with black leggings,
Accessories: Big neon plastic earrings, or huge hoops, a few strands of plastic pearls.
Teased bangs, sides pulled up.
High top sneakers or ballet flats.

 

[charlottesometimes]

Ahhhh the 80s, I remember it well.

There's some good info here: http://www.prebble.com/80sFashionFile.html
I think betsy johnsonn summed it up perfectly with the triangle silhouette. I remember lots of high-waisted skinny leg jeans, oversized tops such as big sweat tops with the neck ripped out, pencil minis, ra-ra skirts, leggings, slouchy boots.

As meme527 suggested, thick brows were a must, as well as non-subtle make-up, blush worn high on the cheek and angled down, eyeliner pencil worn on the lower inner lid, bright plastic jewellery, teased bangs, the sides slicked with gel and worn up (even if the rest was worn down), bad perms (but you don't want to go there ).

Have fun!

 

[tinuvielberen]

Don't forget stirrup pants and ankle boots! And big, big, BIG permed hair. In Boston, the girls sprayed their bangs into a flat, vertical, gravity-defying configuration.

 

[Luna]

Wear a tank top.. wtih a t-shirt over... cut the neck of the t-shirt to make a wider hole... expose your shoulders...

Sideways ponytail.... tease the crap out of your hair.

and yes! Reeeeboks!

 

[softgrey]

stirrup pants and ankle boots is another good one.....

 

[Spike413]

Oooh, I'm thinking 80's Tina Turner could be fun. Leather miniskirt, sheer stockings, light wash denim jacket, bustier, red lips, big garish earrings, and big, big hair.

 

[Hipkitten]

Hey there! Thanks to everyone who responded! I really appreciate all the help and just think tFS members are the best!!! I got all the info on the scenario (would have posted sooner, I’ve just been busy It's an outdoor (daytime) summer scene and they're wanting a more natural look - which is kind of a bummer because I'm just itchin' for a reason to dust off the spandex mini I'm thinking pleated shorts, simple top, and a headband...what do you think?

Anyway, thanks again! You're the best

 

[Luna]

Don't forget two pairs of huge colored socks.... They called them "wigwams" in my area.. I dunno what it was called near you.

Plastic earrings too