The 1980s were a time of bold, unapologetic fashion choices, especially when it came to prom outfits for guys. One of the most unforgettable looks from this era was the pastel overload. Soft, powdery hues like baby blue, mint green, and peach were all the rage, and young men embraced these colors with enthusiasm. Imagine towering guys dressed head-to-toe in pastel tuxedos, often complete with frilly, ruffled shirts and oversized bow ties. These outfits were a striking contrast to the traditional black-and-white prom look, and today, they’re more likely to inspire laughter than admiration.
Another iconic element of 1980s guy prom fashion was the oversized suit trend. Jacket sleeves that extended well beyond the wrists and pants that seemed to swallow the legs were standard fare. The jackets themselves were often boxy, giving the wearer a shape that was more rectangular than human. Paired with broad, padded shoulders, these suits made guys look like they had raided their dad’s closet—or maybe even their grandpa’s. The oversized suits didn’t just make a statement, they shouted it, loud and clear.
And then there was the glorious era of wild patterns. Prom outfits in the 1980s weren’t just about solid colors or sleek looks; no, patterns were everywhere. Polka dots, plaid, and even paisley found their way onto tuxedos, making for a visual spectacle that was as dizzying as it was amusing. Some guys went all out, mixing and matching clashing patterns that would make today’s fashionistas cringe. But back then, it was all part of the fun—these looks were meant to stand out in the sea of pastel and neon.
Accessories in the 1980s were just as extravagant as the outfits themselves. Think big, fluffy bow ties that seemed almost cartoonish in size. Cummerbunds were a must-have, often in clashing or coordinating colors, while suspenders added an extra layer of awkward flair to the whole ensemble. And let’s not forget about the hair—mullets, teased bangs, and wild curls were everywhere, sometimes stealing the show from the outfits themselves.
The finishing touch on these hilarious 1980s prom looks was, of course, the shoes. Rather than the sleek, understated dress shoes we see today, guys in the ‘80s often wore shiny, patent leather loafers, or worse, white sneakers with their tuxedos. The juxtaposition of formal wear with casual footwear was just another example of how the decade loved to break all the fashion rules in the name of style—or at least, what passed for style back then.
Looking back at these prom outfits, it’s hard not to crack up. The bold choices, oversized everything, and complete lack of subtlety are what make ‘80s guy prom fashion so iconic. What was once the height of coolness is now a treasure trove of hilarious memories, and we can only thank the fashion gods that some of these trends stayed in the past.
1. We’re not sure what works better: real suspenders or this t-shirt with the design already printed on it!
Source: Vintage Everyday
2. There’s something quite spectacular about these long hairstyles, especially the mullets.
Source: Pinterest
3. We’re not sure what’s going on with this guy’s outfit, but you definitely can’t say it’s boring.
Source: The Vintage News
4. This guy forgot half his outfit, and his prom date doesn’t look too happy about it!
Source: The Vintage News
5. If there’s anything this guy got right, it was to let his date shine for prom.
Source: Vintage Everyday
6. A sky-blue suit? With ruffles? Why not!
Source: Vintage Everyday
7. This guy’s prom suit isn’t all that bad, but it’s looking just a tad tacky with its brown coloring.
Source: Pinterest
8. Now this is what 1980s prom is all about. Not only does he have an outrageous mullet, but the top part is bleached!
Source: The Vintage News
9. The white tux would’ve been okay, but the boots kind of killed it. Yikes!
Source: Runt of the Web
10. This guy and his date are completely in sync, from the big hair to the all-black outfit. Kudos!
Source: Runt of the Web
11. The ruffles on that shirt are peachy (and tacky) perfection.
Source: Vintage Everyday
12. Mullet? Check. Ruffles? Check. Outlandish suit colors? Check-check!
Source: Pinterest
13. You might be distracted by his hair, only to notice the studs on his pants. LOL!
Source: Pinterest
14. No matter how cool this 1980s getup may have been, it just looks a little tacky to us looking at it now.
Source: Pinterest
15. Minty blue isn’t exactly a classic color, but we have to say, this prom date pulls it off pretty well!
Source: Pinterest
16. If this guy’s pink tie gets any skinnier he’ll be able to cut his prom date with it.
Source: Vintage Everyday
17. Now that is a haircut you can’t ignore.
Source: Vintage Everyday
18. You can never have enough plaid (and florals too, apparently).
Source: The Vintage News
19. We don’t know who has softer, shinier hair; the guy or his prom date!
Source: The Vintage News
20. Hot pink and grey with ruffles? We’re not sure this is the best choice for a spiffy-looking tux. At least he kind of matches his date!
Source: The Vintage News
21. Plaid for two? Don’t mind if we do!
Source: The Vintage News
22. This guy’s daring outfit balances out the conservative dress his date chose, and we are living for it.
Source: The Vintage News
23. This guy did a great job of helping his bride, er, prom date stand out in their photo!
Source: Runt of the Web
24. Call us “The Gradients.”
Source: Runt of the Web
25. It can be a little difficult to tell who the guy is and who the girl is in this prom photo!
Source: Runt of the Web
26. This guy’s cumberbund and bow tie match his prom date’s dress, but his hair has a life of its own!
Source: Pinterest
27. Periwinkle was apparently in during the 1980s.
Source: Pinterest
28. We’re not sure, but doesn’t it look like this guy has his own corsage? LOL!
Source: Pinterest
29. Pretty in pink!
Source: Runt of the Web
30. We’re seriously wondering how he led his date on the dancefloor with that haircut!
Source: Art of It
31. Your gothic prom outfit can’t be complete without long hair and black lipstick, of course.
Source: Art of It
32. Someone calls the fashion police; they’ve brought out the leopard print!
Source: Art of It
33. Mohawk country.
Source: Art of It
34. If the theme of this prom was Nerd Alert, this guy definitely would’ve won Prom King.
Source: Pinterest
35. We have to say, this look is kind of serving us with a little bit of something! But it is still so tacky.
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36. He’s got the shades and mullet to complete this 1980s disaster of a prom outfit.
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37. Red and white pinstripes? Not exactly the most dashing look, even if it matches your prom date’s dress.
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38. The mullet and glasses complete this quintessential 1980s prom look.
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39. All white with studs? You betcha.
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40. Here’s another guy with some leopard print.
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41. The suit actually looks quite decent, but oh my goodness, the hair!
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42. The pink bowtie and awkward pose tie everything together.
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43. You can’t hide from us, even if you’re wearing that tacky blue and white suit!
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44. Not too hilarious 1980s Guy Prom Outfits
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45. Lime green is not a jacket color we see often and for a good reason!
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46. Hair covering half the face adds a very dramatic flair to this otherwise chic-looking photo.
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47. “My name is glasses. Sun Glasses.”
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48. If that waistcoat doesn’t send you to tacky prom heaven, we don’t know what will.
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49. This guy’s got a decent enough suit, but it still somehow looks dated to our eyes. There’s nothing quite like the 1980s style.
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50. Now this is just ridiculous.
