Prom season is upon us. Whether your teens plan to play it safe with their outfits or make a bold statement, why not allow a few cult classics from the late 20th century to influence the look? The Brat Pack would never steer you wrong, would they?
For the Sew Cool: Duckie and Andie in Pretty in Pink, 1986
Played by: Jon Cryer and Molly Ringwald
His look: Pompadour, rounded eyewear, a dark-colored suit fit for a window treatment, pointy-toed statement kicks, bolo tie. Tie everything together with a mixed-bag attitude.
Her look: A self-made cutout sack in the titular hue. Andie spends the entire film drowning in Granny-chic style, so it’s no surprise her big reveal is an equally blushing head-scratcher.
For the Rug-Cutting Rebels: Ren and Ariel in Footloose, 1984
Played by: Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer
His look: Rust-colored jacket, tuxedo shirt, bow tie, comfy dancing shoes. Finish the look with an underdone mop and deodorant. Lots of deodorant.
Her look: A ladylike, off-the-shoulder ruffled number, complete with ethereal loose pin curls, understated pearls, and low-heeled pumps.
For the Irono-Hipsters: Napoleon and Deb in Napoleon Dynamite
Quick note: Though technically set in 2004, the behind-the-curve wardrobes of all involved scream totally ‘80s.
Played by: Jon Heder and Tina Marjorino
His look: Three-piece that resembles a muted-toned sofa, wire-rimmed glasses, and sleepy go-to expression. Finish the look with a catch phrase like Gah! or Idiot!
Her look: A low-backed, tiered frock with big, puffy sleeves. Matched with a high-side ponytail crimped to perfection. Bonus points for storing primping essentials in a Caboodle.
For the Party Animals, Boof and Scott in Teen Wolf, 1985
Played by: Michael J. Fox and Susan Ursitti
His look: A throwback cream-colored suit fit for Don Johnson. Contrast it with a dark button-up and oversize pocket square. Don’t shave and arrive late, you know, to make an entrance.
Her look: Floor-length midi dress with minimal jewels and wrist-length satin gloves. Keep the hair simple – he’s got enough going on.
For Those with Killer Moves: Buffy and Pike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer,1992
Played by: Kristy Swanson and Luke Perry
His look: White shirt, unbuttoned, topped with a too-cool-for-school leather jacket that smells of entitlement. Finish the look with a greaser do and furrowed brow.
Her look: An embellished crinoline-shaped gown. Eyebrows thick and dark, hair pinned in a perfect wedding-day-ready upsweep. And drop the Valley girl lingo for the night.
For Those Taming the Shrew: Cameron and Bianca in 10 Things I Hate About You, 1999
Played by: Jason Gordon Levitt and Larisa Oleynik
His look: Understated in a classic tux. Dopey boyish charm really brings the look home.
Her look: Ballerina meets bad girl. Find a midriff-baring satin crop top and offset it with a ton of tulle and bit of neck sparkle. Complete the look with a mini satchel and the perfect eye roll.
For those who are, like, way cool: Valley Girl, 1983
Played by: Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman
Her look: Off-the-shoulder boho dresses like this are actually back in style.
His look: Can you ever go wrong rocking a pastel rent-a-tux?
DeAnna Janes is the former Entertainment Editor of DailyCandy and lives in New York City with her husband and two cats -- who still watch Frozen on a loop (yes, the cats). She has been published on a variety of entertainment sites. When she's not screening a film or writing about one, she's running to a film's soundtrack.
