Everybody knows that there’s no better theme for a fancy dress party than an 80’s fancy dress theme! But why exactly do we love fancy dress, and what makes the 1980s such a perfect fancy dress theme?

Fancy dress is such a popular format for parties for a variety of reasons. Firstly it allows a partygoer to really inhabit a whole new character, which makes it much easier for them to break the ice and lose those inhibitions! Also it affords the party planner (and partygoer) with a whole load of party possibilities, whether it’s choosing the music, based on perhaps a specific 80’s fancy dress party theme, or its deciding exactly what your going to wear – a fancy dress party makes it easy!

So, fancy dress parties are a idea for a variety of reasons – but how do you go about hosting one? Well if you want to make things easier on yourself as well as your guests, it is a good idea to choose a specific theme for your party. For example an 80’s fancy dress theme will be pretty easy to organise, as not only will you most likely have plenty of 80’s anthems on your iPod, but you guests will also be able to embellish their 80s costumes with items from their own wardrobe – whether its Mr T style gold chains, or an oversize 80s jacket.

Everyone remembers the 80s outfits and hairstyles, either with a giggle or a cringe. If you’re preparing for an 80s fancy dress party,  there’s no need to go out and hunt down a hairdresser who’s willing and able to give you a full perm like the one you had in 1985. You would have to take that perm to work on Monday, after all.

For women with long hair, you can go as simple or as wild as you like with making your hair suitable for fancy dress. Almost anyone with medium length hair or longer can give themselves a Robert Smith style teased hairdo, which looks very authentic. If you want to go big, have a look in our 80s fancy dress wig section; much easier, and you can get your own hairstyle back instantly. If you’ve got long or thick hair already, choose a wig with plenty of volume so you can tuck your natural hair underneath without the bulk showing through.

Simpler things, like a side ponytail are a quick way of giving your own hair that special something it needs to go with an 80s outfit. For men or short haired ladies, get busy with the hair gel and create something as crazy as possible in shape. The 80s was the golden age of the mohawk and the mohican, too. We’ve got wigs for that, so you can get the impact without shaving sections of your hair off. Or there is always the mullet, of course, if you are feeling particularly daring.