Let’s play a little game. When I say “Testa”, you say _____. When I say “Pass The Dutchie,” you say? And when I say, “What’s the time,” you say what? If you answered any of these correctly, you may be a good candidate for The Outfits of Radwood ’25. Correct answers include: “Rossa”, “‘Pon the Left Hand Side”, and “It’s Time To Get Ill!” Like duh..
Here’s a quick Radwood primer: a bunch of people get together under the premise of celebrating 80s and 90s cars. The music is period correct. The crowd is not the standard Converse-Sweatin’-With-The-Oldies bunch—most are under 40, a good percentage are women, and they come in a rainbow of backgrounds and persuasions. It’s a place where kids can ask, “You had WHAT back then?” And adults can explain, “It’s called a cassette tape.” Most importantly, Radwood is packed with enough insane outfits for me to stop strangers in their tracks and beg for a photo. Let’s unpack:
Conscious Coupling At Radwood ’25
One thing that was popular at this year’s Radwood was couples in coordinated costumes. Typically, I find couples who dress alike completely revolting, but when it’s well done, it’s nothing short of Like Totally Awesome! Like this dude-worthy dream team captured in front of Mario Andretti’s Countach:
If you think that’s good, check out this pair who found his and hers parachute track sets that make them look like they’re headed to sweat it out at Club MTV:
But then there’s these guys (clutches her pearls):
Before We Get To The Dbags, Get A Load Of This!
A Few Dbags Made It To Radwood ‘25
It should be noted that not every couple came correct.
The thing about dressing in period-correct clothing is that you can’t do it halfway. You gotta go all in, head to toe, and with the biggest attitude possible. Otherwise, you end up like this couple. Are they going for dualing parachute jumpsuits? Straight off a motorcycle? Or are they just the kind of pair that practices co-dressing? If that’s not the definition of d-baggery, I don’t know what is. Also entering dbag territory due to half assing the event is this guy:
Maybe he thinks it’s ’80s wear because it’s preppy, but this Connecticut-bred queen is here to dissent. Perhaps pastel chinos and sockless penny loafers are considered costume-wear here in So Cal, but I have blood relatives for whom those clothes say “Saturday at the club 2025.” I’ll let you off with a warning this time, but next year, really go for it; otherwise, you’ll end up in dbag detention for Radwood ’26.
Speaking Of CT…
It’s worth noting that hitting Dude status doesn’t always require a full costume. Sometimes you need to tell us that you get it. Like this Dude whose Saab t-shirt says it all.
Or this bumper sticker, that should genuinely be slapped on the forehead of all the Valley Bros ripping their self-described “M car”s through the mall parking lot like they’ve run out of Dior Sauvage.
How To Double Down On Dude
Take one, vaguely obscure, yet fully awesome 80s or 90s vehicle:
Add a person born roughly in the N Sync-era and add a fearless fit. Presto! It’s wonderful.
Best In Show?
This is the worst part. I’m torn between this outstanding mother-daughter duo, complete with the side pony, some blinding bling, and smiles that say—we genuinely love this. Full disclosure: I did accept a bribe from the adorable daughter because who says no to THAT face? She gave me a 90s-themed slap bracelet. And no, you can’t have it.
OR:
Three bros who look like they’re leads in the “Stranger Things: Reunion Tour.” Neon? Delightful. Fanny pack? Fantastic! Boom box? Baller!
Which is your favorite?
Let me know by voting on my socials, you know, all the ones that say @motorheadmama. The winner gets a big hug from me at Radwood ’26.