PHOTOS: Breakfast goes 80s!

There are many ways to do the 80s and surprise, surprise…none of them have to involve neon.

Yes neon and lycra were the biggest 80s fashion faux pas but for this year’s KIA 80s Rewind Festival why not try to do things a little differently?

Here’s how to look hot in four easy steps.

First Step: Do your research. Use that Google machine and type in some of your favourite stars from the period for style tips and inspiration. There’s loads of under rated stars that we tend to forget about. Will Smith in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Don Johnson in Miami Vice. Princess Diana, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Brooke Shields. These looks are totally do-able for the non OTT amongst us. Don’t let the spandex and shoulder pads scare you out of a good dress up. Leave, MC Hammer, David Bowie and Freddy Mercury to the braver folk.

(Above: Natarah channels Whitney Houston. The line between Whitney and Dianna Ross is a thin one. We kept Natarah in the 80s by keeping her elegant  in black but with a touch of 80s colour in her earrings. The big sunnies are the perfect touch for Whitney as by then she well in the clutches of nasty narcotics; big black sunnies hide a multitude of sins) 

Second Step: Once you’ve settled on a star or look you’re going for you’ll need to find the key pieces that will make up your look. For example, Princess Diana will need a crown and a short blonde wig. The Dolly Parton look calls for a pair of seriously stuffed brassieres and a sequin dress. Too often people get so fixated on looking exactly the part of their character that it takes out all the fun of playing dress up. The main objective is to get into character with a few essential pieces and make do with what you have hiding in the back of your closet.

If you are one of those people that need to take it next level then at this point you will need the help of a costume hire facility. Imagination are located in Glenwood and have a wide array of items for hire (031 202 9999). The One Stop Party Shop, either on the Berea or in Umhlanga, also has costumes to buy (031 566 5091). Then there is The Playhouse Production Company Costume Department that hire out pieces.

(Above: Darren and Kevlar Kev go all out and get into character. Prince is known for his well-groomed sexy self. He always wears a tailored suit and loves colour, ruffles and embellishments. He also loves make-up, especially eyeliner. We used some elements and left out the super tight sex panther pants for Darren's sanity. Bowie would love to cause a stir performing in heels and women's tights. Kevlar Kev was game in gold and cream metallic tiger leggings. Paired with a silver shimmer blouse and a faux fur overcoat he was almost there. We added some infamous Bowie face paint and like Gordon Ramsay says: 'Done'.)  

(Above: Gabriel does Mr T. Do not try this look if you are a skinny Caucasian male, it won't work. A bulky black leather jacket, plus a good old leopard print vest and loads of fake gold neck chains. Throw on a pair of sunnies and Gabriel was MR T even minus the Mohawk.) 

Third Step: Try on your proposed ensemble a day or two before the event. Preferably with someone who will laugh with you, not at you. This rules out ALL teenagers. This will give you time to abort any serious wardrobe malfunctions and alter any glitches. A second opinion and a friend’s accessory box are vital at this point. 

Fourth Step: Put it all together, grab your mates and get ready to pump up the jam!