An idea for a costume suitable for men, women and groups for theme parties and Halloween from the 1980s is that of the New Romantics.

New Romanticism, often referred to as the New Romantics, was a rather brief fashion movement in the United Kingdom in the early Eighties – in fact, it did not progress much beyond 1981, although it did continue in one form or another to the mid Eighties.

It became strongly associated with various pop acts such as new wave music (a rather uncertain term for a variety of musical styles related to pop, punk and rock), quite a few of which used synthesisers and created synthpop, such as Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club.
Where punk rejected fashion, New Romantics embraced it. Clothing worn was often that of the opposite sex, especially eyeliner and lipstick, and nowhere was that more evident than Culture Club’s Boy George. David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona from the early 70s was an example of a an early influence of the New Romantic movement.

Clothing tended to resemble that of the English Romantic era, hence the name, from the late 18th century to the mid 19th. Frilly shirts were popular, but any look was possible as long as it was unusual. Hairstyles included mullets, wedges and quiffs.

The most recognisable outfits of the period would be those associated with the popular synthpop bands of the time, making this a potential group costume idea too. The bands mentioned above, during their early years before they moved to away from the New Romantic style to more conventional suits and outfits, are suitable for inspiration, particularly Spandau Ballet who were one of the most successful groups from the New Romantic period.

Culture Club’s Boy George with his very female image is a style that will definitely work for both sexes – he may have been a man, but he definitely resembled a woman once he was wearing an outfit. Boy George also kept his image for longer than most.