'80s Halloween Costume Ideas That Are Totally Rad

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Looking back through the decades, it's easy to see why the 1980s is filled with fun and festive Halloween costume ideas. Whether you lived through the period or consider the decade to be "vintage," you're sure to find plenty of inspiration from pivotal cultural moments of the colorful era. And, because fashion trends always come back full circle, you might be able to find the makings of a fabulous costume in your very own closet.

For music lovers, '80s pop stars like Madonna and Prince ruled. May we suggest a royal purple outfit to channel Prince or copying one of Madonna's infamous looks with a black bustier, black fingerless gloves, and piles of necklaces? Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and other blockbusters introduced us to characters that inspire countless fun looks, from Ferris Bueller's Day Off costumes to Marty McFly of Back to the Future fame. Hilarious '80s sitcoms spark ideas for TV show Halloween costumes, such as Full House costumes for kids, women, and guys alike. And it wouldn't be a complete list without cultural icons like painter Bob Ross (have a little friend dress up as a "America's favorite paint instructor")!

Even if you decide an '80s costume is not your cup of tea, picking a decade for inspiration is an easy and super fun way to celebrate Halloween, so check out our galleries for '50s Halloween costumes, '70s Halloween costumes, and '90s Halloween costumes too. In the meantime, hold on to your leg warmers 'cause we're setting this time machine back forty years for you to discover a 1980s costume for any Halloween occasion!

Are you craving more Halloween holiday content? Visit our gallery of 100+ GENIUS HALLOWEEN IDEAS FOR 2023 to find plenty of costume ideas (for kids, adults, and pets!), party recipes, games, scary movie roundups, and much more!

'80s Soap Star Costume

Add some high drama to any affair with this glamorous 80s costume that highlights the style of soap opera fashion! Pair the look with big hair and high heels.

Unisex Adult Ghostbusters '80s Costume

Show that you're not afraid of ghosts with this Ghostbusters ensemble. It includes a khaki jumpsuit, screen printed proton pack, and an attached wand!

Kids Ghostbusters '80s Costume

Dress up your little ones like the Ghostbusters dream team too. Each costume comes with a khaki jumpsuit, proton pack, and an attached wand!

'80s Macho Man Wrestling Costume

Dress up like the ultimate 80s showman with this star embellished wrestling outfit. It includes top, trousers, wrist cuffs, and bandana with hair too!

'80s Child's Rockstar Costume

The easy-to-dress-up costume is full of retro flair! It's reminiscent of 80s pop star style and can be dressed up with colorful jewelry and crimped hair.

'80s Prince Costume

Throw it back to the '80s this fall with a crowd-pleasing tribute to pop icon Prince. Must-haves include a frilly shirt, boots, curled hair piled high on your head, and, of course, a long purple jacket.

I Love the '80s Costume

This one's for the real-deal '80s-lover who just can't pick one person or character to emulate. A true head-to-toe look from earrings to leg warmers, this costume has everything you need for Valley girl vibes.

'80s Cassette Tape Costume

Keep this simple with this fun one piece tunic that dresses you up like the most popular music format of the 80s—the cassette tape.

80's Rock Star Costume

Get your kid ready to rock out like all of the hair metal bands of the 1980s with this cool outfit! It includes a mesh top, printed tank, zebra pants, waist belt, and two bandanas.

The Little Mermaid Costume

Take things back to the original Little Mermaid (circa 1989) with this adorable child's costume. The festive 80s costume comes a mermaid dress, red wig, and a headband.

'80s Pop Culture Costume

Bring some eccentric pop star appeal to the scene with this 80s costume that looks perfect for the Culture Club! It comes with a shirt, black waistcoat, and a hat with an attached wig.

'80s Prom Dress Costume

Let the good times roll with this metallic blue and pink party dress! The ensemble comes with a metallic pink scrunchie that looks great in a variety of hairstyles and consider adding white satin gloves too.

DIY Bob Ross Costume

Even if you didn't grow up in the '80s, you're likely familiar with "The Joy of Painting" show, hosted by beloved painter Bob Ross. If you already have a pair of jeans and a blue button down shirt hanging in your closet, all you need to do is add a wig and paint palette (make one out of cardboard like the one seen here) and you're all set. This is a fun costume for any age. Ask a friend to join you as a "happy little tree"!

Get the tutorial at C.R.A.F.T.

Top Gun Costume

Unless you lived under a rock, every male in the '80s fantasized about being Maverick at one time or another. Wear this jacket with a white tee, jeans, and a pair of aviator sunglasses for a truly classic Top Gun costume.

'80s Rocker Costume

Show your love for rock n' roll with this edgy ensemble. It includes a jacket, dress, and a chain belt. Amp up the look with layered chains, half finger gloves, and a full face of electric glam makeup!

'80s Exercise Instructor Costume

Add some flair to party season with this flamboyant fitness outfit that evokes the style of the 80s favorite health instructor!

Push It Pop Star Costume

This throwback outfit has the stylish sensibilities of Salt-N-Pepa from the 1986 Push It video and features a unitard and jacket! Add pair of gold earrings and a chain to finish the ensemble!

Flashdance Halloween Costume

This off-the-shoulder gray sweatshirt mini dress + leg warmer combo will have you singing "What a Feelin' " all night long!

'80s Prom Date Costume

Bring the heat with this white tuxedo, metallic pink cummerbund, and bowtie decked outfit. This quintessential 80s costume pairs well with a satin flower boutonniere and cool shades.

'80s Jazzercise Costume

Jazzercise was all the rage in the '80s! To get the look, all you need to do is layer a leotard over a bright pair of tights and throw on some slouch socks and sneakers. Or, pick up a ready-made option, like the workout costume you can buy here.

'80s Fitness Instructor Costume

This 1980s-inspired exercise instructor outfit while turn heads at your next period costume party. And don't forget to pair it with a wig that packs lots of volume!

'80s Madonna Costume

The key pieces for pulling off this iconic Madonna look are lacy leggings, a short tutu-style skirt, and white gloves. If you don't want to tease your hair to the max, pick up a wig like this one to finish off the costume.

Ferris Bueller '80s Costume

Celebrate everyone's favorite school-skipper with this head-to-toe look. Add a pair of black sunglasses and everyone will be singing "Danke Schoen" when you walk into the party!

Buy the matching Sloane Peterson costume and Cameron Frye jersey for a super fun group look.

Buttercup Costume

Love The Princess Bride? To dress like Buttercup, all you need is a red dress and a flowing blonde wig.

DIY Stevie Nicks '80s Costume

Channel your inner witchy woman this Halloween with a boho dress and booties. Throw on a fringe shawl and pile on the jewelry to further the Stevie Nicks vibes. Get a group together and all go as members of Fleetwood Mac!

Care Bears Costume

Caring is what counts—but, sometimes, so is a group costume that's easy to pull off at the last minute. Added bonus: these Care Bear onesies will keep you cozy while trick-or-treating in colder climates.

See more at @whatmomslove.

SHOP CARE BEAR ONESIES

'80s Hip Hop Costume

This Run-D.M.C.-inspired look comes with an inflatable boom box and thick gold chain. Slide on a pair of fresh adidas to complete the outfit!

Little Mermaid Costumes

The original movie was an instant Disney classic when it premiered in 1989, and kids today still love it. With so many favorite characters to re-create—not to mention the new live-action version set to come out in 2023—the movie is perfect fodder for a large family with several kiddos (and even the dog!).

Get the tutorial at The Overwhelmed Mommy.

SHOP LITTLE MERMAID COSTUMES

DIY Marty McFly Costume

If you have jeans and a denim vest in your wardrobe, you're half way to a Marty McFly costume. Add a red puffer vest and a hoverboard, and you're practically Back to the Future already.

SHOP PUFFER VESTS

DIY Star Wars Costume

The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi premiered in the early '80s and defined the decade. Thanks to subsequent movies and TV shows, love for the franchise has not faded. Like the original films, this family costume is an instant classic.

Get the tutorial at Say Yes.

SHOP STAR WARS COSTUMES

DIY Ghostbusters Costume

With a brand-new movie due out later this year, there's sure to be a renewed interest in the 1984 original. This fun movie costume idea is easy to DIY, even at the last minute.

See more at @arejay5.

DIY Baby Costume

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner!" All you need to wear to channel Baby from Dirty Dancing is a pair of high-waisted denim shorts, a coral-hued bodysuit or fitted tank, and a pair of white sneakers. And don't forget the watermelon—it's what completes the look!

Get the tutorial at The Homesteady.

SHOP DENIM SHORTS

DIY Beetlejuice Costume

Can't find a Beetlejuice-esque suit? No problem! Go for a striped dress or pair a striped blazer with black or white jeans. Really in a bind? Try sticking black tape on white clothes. Detailed hair and makeup is a must if you really want to nail the look.

SHOP STRIPED BLAZER SETS

DIY Heathers Group Costume

Channel the classic '80s movie Heathers this Halloween and have your clique dress in their preppiest schoolgirl attire. Carry around a croquet set to drive home the look.

Get the tutorial at Camille Styles.

SHOP PLAID SKIRTS

DIY Strawberry Shortcake Costume

Calling all crews with a sweet tooth! With this fun group costume, everyone can dress as their favorite flavor—and you can raid each other's closets to mix and match the perfect costumes.

See more at @audrey_pond.

SHOP STRAWBERRY DRESSES

DIY Ghostbusters Costume

Get your ghost-busting crew in gear with this clever group costume idea. Use this DIY Ghostbusters tutorial to transform plain jumpsuits into matching Halloween-ready costumes.

Get the tutorial at Brit + Co.

SHOP TAN JUMPSUITS

DIY Smurf Costume

Sure, you could paint your whole body blue, but why do that when a pair of solid PJs will do the trick? (This DIY costume idea works for any age!)

Get the tutorial at Little Hiccups and hat pattern at Instructables!

The Shining Twins DIY Costume

You can't really pull off this costume alone, so recruit a friend to be your twin this Halloween. Don frilly matching dresses, knee socks, and Mary Janes. If you don't have similar hairstyles, we'd suggest buying matching wigs.

Get the tutorial at Brit + Co.

SHOP MARY JANES

DIY Cassette Tape Costume

Press "play" on your crafty side with this DIY cassette tape costume. All you need is a cardboard box and some general craft supplies, black clothes for the base, and old-school headphones to complete the look.

Get the tutorial at C.R.A.F.T.

SHOP CRAFT PAINT

DIY 1980 Camp Crystal Lake Counselor Costume

Is there anything more frightening than imagining being a camper at Camp Crystal Lake, the fictional kids' camp in the horror flick Friday the 13th? This tee even has the word "counselor" printed on the back. Talk about appropriate for Halloween! Plus, add an extra touch with this Crystal Lake trucker hat.

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