Respectable Street's Ninth '80s Prom Will Take You Back to a Better Time

There’s no better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend than by wearing enough pink to make Andie Walsh blush. Fish out your mom’s shoulder pads from deep inside her closet and start growing out that mullet, because the ‘80s Prom is back at Respectable Street for its ninth year this Sunday night.

When you arrive, take sweet pictures with your prom date at the balloon archway that you can send home to Mom. Get transported back to your high school gym as four DJs spin ‘80s tracks inside and out on the back patio. There will be spiked punch for everyone, and the huge dance floor will have more than enough room for you and your arm candy to cut “Footloose.”  It wouldn’t be prom without the crowning of king and queen, so make sure to don your finest powder-blue tux and poofiest ruffles to win the coveted best-dressed award. If you’re having trouble finding some authentic ‘80s fashion in your house, Goodwill and other thrift stores are sure to be treasure-troves of ugly clothing. “People's reimagining or just completely misunderstanding '80s fashion is always so interesting and entertaining,” says Allan Bowron, booker and promoter for Respectables. “It's like a warped museum.”

So to help you get in the '80s spirit, we came up with seven songs from that wonderful decade that you can dance to in your room as you put the finishing touches on your obnoxiously big hair. 

“Obsession” by Animotion
If this doesn’t scream “I want to lose my virginity on prom night” to your date, nothing will.

“Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol
For those people flying solo, this will be a perfect jam for you to tap to your neon-green sneakers to.

“Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung
Let this British duo tell you how to shake it on the dance floor. And take a moment to appreciate those emotional sweaters. 

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
Everyone will be dying to test out his or her choreographed dance moves to this classic. You won't be able to move like Kevin Bacon, but you can still eat bacon as a drunk 2 a.m. snack, so that's pretty cool.

“If You Leave” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
What would prom be without the pivotal ending song from Pretty in Pink? Molly Ringwald, where are you?!

“Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer
Use this song as a chance to tell your date what you really think of her. And also to show her your sweet air-guitar moves.

“Purple Rain” by Prince
After too many glasses of spiked punch, this soulful ballad will be a great end to a sloppy night and a prime opportunity to snag a smooch.

Now is the perfect time to talk to that cutie you’ve been eyeing from across the room. Don’t be shy! Just be like, Girl, you remind me of my Rubik's Cube. 'Cause I don't understand you at all. By I wanna put my fingers all up on you until we solve the problem.

The Ninth-Annual ‘80s Prom. Sunday, May 24, 9 p.m. Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. No cover.