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1980s prom party?

Sal

Veteran

Hi all

I have been invited to a 1980s prom party. It’s not for six weeks but I am planning ahead.

My original 1980s dress does not fit but I am lending it to a friend! I was wondering about wearing the black lace with bright leggings underneath - and heels? Not sure if that is prom like? I don’t own bright leggings but would wear them again potentially. Or I could wear the purple? Sadly the purple has lost some colour and is a bit more muted.

Ideas are appreciated!!

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25 replies

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh I love the original pic! You’re the taller girl in the pic? I like the idea of purple dress, bright tights and the green heels. Riff on it a bit?

Star

Veteran

Sal I recognised you immediately. You look lovely and that bubble hem is so 80s and cool. Personally I would skip wearing black. 80s = colour.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

(I did feel I recognised you too, was just checking).

Cardiff girl

Veteran

What fun and thanks for showing us eighties Sal.Those eighties fashions,bring back memories,
yes l agree that colour is the way to go along with bright makeup big jewellry and Prehaps curl your hair to mimic a perm?

Bijou

Veteran

I would go with the purple dress and because you resemble Princess Diana, I would style your hair in the classic Princess Diana BIG hair from the 1980's complete with cobalt blue eyeliner and mascara that were very much a part of her look. If a friend can lend you big jewel earrings (sapphires anyone), a tiara or pearls that would be fab!

Your purple dress is a great piece and has a similar shape to Diana's dress. It may be possible to get a silver sash or belt to try to copy Diana's look.

If you plan on the black, try styling it in a Madonna "Desperately Seeking Susan" way, complete with that hair, black bow, make-up and big jewellery.

Two very different looks but lots of fun!

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kkards

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Love the bubble dress! Flash back photo is soooo fun!
I’d wear the purple with sheer black pantyhose-that just says 80s to me. But if you do wear the black, yes to Bijou’s “ desperately seeking Susan” ideas

Helena

Veteran

Love this, so fun! I immediately thought of Desperately Seeking Susan when I saw the black dress (which is gorgeous and classic on its own) ... I think that would be the easier one to get the 80s vibe with ... Definitely curled hair and 80s makeup will be essential!!!!

Dee

Veteran

Oh love you in the 80's bubble dress, And I agree you have a princess Di vibe, play that up. I'd go with the purple dress and sheer black possibly patterned hose. Don't forget the corsage.

LaPed

Veteran

No ideas to add, but wow, that turquoise bubble-hem dress is great! Love that you've kept it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Your '80s bubble dress is '80 KILLER AWESOME, Sal!!!

What JenniNZ said! Purple Dress! Add shocking pink leggings, shoulder pads, pointy shoes, teased hair, big earrings, neon bag, and bright make-up

Or, what Bijou is suggesting with the black lace!

Sal

Veteran

Awesome! I will see what I come across to go in either of these ways. I am happy to buy hosiery and shoulder pads etc - and pretty sure I can thrift jewelry or find something in the dress up box!!

I have been Lady Di before on three occasions. I will try find a pic!! My hair dies very well with her flicks.

Thanks so much!!

Sal

Veteran

Here I am as Princess Diana. Not sure if Jon is very Charles though.

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Jules

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I think black lace is very Madonna, actually. I can see it with neon pink footless tights/leggings and the green shoes. A scarf or piece of fabric tied in your hair similar to Bijou's inspo photo. Layers of pearls or whatever other fun jewelry you have....whatever you decide, this is going to be a blast to put together and I look forward to photos!

Dee

Veteran

Haha Sal, your Princess Di photo is fantastic!!

Asoebi Guest Fashion

(website)

Member

Have fun, make the day a memorable one. That is what prom party is all about. Cheer!

lyn67

Veteran

Wow, such a gorgeous prom dress you had back then!!! And look at you in the pictie with Jon as Lady Dy- clothes, hair and even the pose- just perfect! Can't wait to see the outfit which you came up with, sounds wonderful! (Oh, I also vote purple dress...but not sure I would wear another bright for hosiery (rather black sheers)+green sandals and teased hair would be enough of a 80's for me-but surely You have to know better!:-))

Sal

Veteran

Awesome - thank you! I don’t want to buy something - I could hire - but I like taking something I have and using hair and makeup to be in theme. I could see sheer black dotty hose with the purple or maybe lilac or green.

I love a theme party! We have a real run of parties and events mid November to early December so I am needing to be organised. I don’t think I will have to get anything new over six events - one wedding, two 50th, a 21st, a black tie and a work party.

Jonesy

Veteran

This sounds like a fun party and I think either option will be fabulous! I personally wore tons of black in the 80s, and the Madonna look is a classic; otoh, the purple could be dolled up too to create that 80s vibe. I love your pics of you in the blue 80s dress and your Princess Di look--big feathered hair for the win :)!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You are instantly recognizable in that old photo! Fun pic! And how fun that you can loan the dress.

I would choose he purple as Angie or Bijou suggest for the party! Sounds like fun.

Helena

Veteran

You got Diana's signature head tilt spot on in that photo Sal!

Sal

Veteran

I tried to get the angle right Helena!

I thought in the USA there could be a wider range of hosiery so I will see what I can find that appeals to go with either option. And I will report back (it's not til the end of November!!)

Runcarla

Veteran

That Lady Diana look is amazing! You can always dye hose the colour you want, though big cities often have a specialty hose/sock shop. I once shopping for all my stocking needs at a place called ‘Socks Third Avenue’!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Carla! I saw there was a Nordstrom and Bloomingdales near my Chicago hotel so thought they might be an option? Especially if I want lilac sheers or black spot sheers or hot pink shiny leggings...

I love a costume party.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

If you want something bright and cheap rather than buying in the US then do you have a Look Sharp store in your city? I get lots of costume stuff there, I think they would have bright tights/fishnets etc.

Anonymous

re: Princess Di!
Can the purple dress be layered under the black?