by Josh Komon

Created on: October 28, 2009

Halloween is all about dressing up. Whether choosing the spooky route, or the funny route, costumes are a must for celebrating this holiday. While there is no reason you can't be a 1980s version of Dracula, or Frankenstein, choosing an 80s costume is really about picking a cultural icon from the cheesiest of all decades. Actors and politicians make for great costumes, but the best ones to choose are musicians. The musicians from the 80s had the most recognizable styles, and were also the most ridiculous. Here are some top ideas for 80s costumes.

Cindy Lauper: You may be tempted to try Madonna, and while doing so is not necessarily a bad idea, Madonna has been done, and will continue to be done. Dressing like Cindy Lauper will just about guarantee that you are the only one at the party. To do so, just get some crazy colored temporary dye, plenty of hair spray, some colorful scarves, shirts, and pants. A google image search will give plenty of ideas on how to arrange your clothing.

Axl Rose: Back in the 80s, Axl had a pretty distinct look. A nice light-orange wig, some torn jeans, big sunglasses, bandana, and a jean jacket should complete the outfit nicely. When portraying Axl Rose, half the fun is in the attitude. Perfecting the Axl Snake Dance is also a big help.

Rick Allen: Most people have no idea who this person is by name, but everyone knows the one armed drummer from Def Leppard. This costume is a big hit, and you don't even have to really look like him. Hide one arm behind a jean jacket, or flannel shirt. Get a bandana, a leather glove, and one drumstick, and voila, 80s costume.

George Michael: Think Wham! Not the solo career, though, I guess both would work. The trick is to not shave for two days, get a dangling cross earring, really really tight jeans, and a white T-shirt that says, "Wham!"

Michael Jackson: While the King of Pop is likely to be a popular costume at any 80s Halloween party, it is also a fantastic idea. Michael had so many looks, even within that decade. Take your pick of looks, and emulate as best you can. The problem with Michael, is that many costume pieces could prove to be costly. Even fake, a red leather jacket, and one rhinestone glove can be quite expensive.

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