Dirty Dancing Style Guide

by Caelan


Dirty Dancing didn’t only make household names out of Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze (R.I.P.) but it was also an iconic teen love story that made water dancing, Keds and summer camp seem cool.

This movie was iconic not only in the mom-jeans hall of fame, but it also became essential when talking about 80’s fashion, so today I’m bringing baby out of the wardrobe corner and into 2014. So without further ado, here’s how to incorporate 80’s fashion into your wardrobe without looking like the lady who sells Christmas sweaters on QVC or Sally Jesse Raphael.

When a glistening, older hunk asks you to dance with him you need to be ready AND classically cool. This outfit is one part mom jean-capri’s, one part tied up white t-shirt, one part simple gold watch and 12 parts hair mousse. Now I know you millennials might be thinking, “WTF is hair mousse?” Well, it’s that stuff people use to keep their curly hair crunchy, fluffy and amazing. Trust me girl, you need it.

While most of these clothing items are available at your local thrift store (which gives you a bit more authenticity) here are some links to buy the items:

 

 

Now this outfit is essential for dance practice and/or to segue into something more romantic, but this outfit consists of: one part basic white tank (but it’s 2014, let’s rock the sideboob) one part peach chiffon skirt so you can swirl around and look like a cupcake, one part “baby” pink lipstick, 14 parts bronzer because, yes, and three parts Evian mist spray, because you’re about to get real glisten-y real fast.

Here’s where to find these basic items:

 

 

This is your classic everyday summer outfit. One part leotard (for mobility reasons), one part denim booty shorts, one part brown leather belt, and six parts Keds because those babies get worn out faster than my VCR did from me playing the VHS of Dirty Dancing over and over again as a kid. (Let’s just say the whole illegal abortion thing totally went over my head.) 

Here are the items:

 

 

And lastly THE outfit. The outfit where you will be taken out of the corner and all your wildest dirty dancing dreams will come true! This outfit consists of one part perfect pink dress, two parts gold dance shoes, two parts signature lashes, one part dramatic lift and no corners are in this equation.

Find these items:

 

  • Dress: Modcloth $104.99
  • Shoes: Jimmy Choo $795 (did not realize how expensive these were when I made this polyvore, any sparkley gold shoes will do the trick)
  • Mascara: NYX $33 (also ANY drugstore mascara will work)

 

Now, I hope I facilitated someone having the time of their lives in these spectacular threads. Be sure to join BUST and YEAH! to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the film and enter for a chance to win a Google Chromecast for your TV! 

 

Photos: Polyvore and Clothes on Film

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