These '80s Halloween Costume Ideas Will Fill Your Heart With Nostalgia

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Halloween is the time of the year when you can be literally anything that you want to be. You can dress up as characters from your favorite shows like Stranger Things, recreate looks inspired by your favorite celebrities, or pay homage to your favorite decade. ~Nowstalgia~ reigns supreme during spooky szn with the Roaring Twenties, '70s disco, and Y2K eras making comebacks, but there's nothing like a '80s Halloween costume to serve true throwback vibes.

The era known best for teased hair, leg warmers, and cut-off sweatshirts, 1980s Halloween costumes are always an undisputed hit. Spooky outfits inspired by films like Beetlejuice allow you to serve a spot-on dupe that everyone will recognize, but you can take things a few steps further with theatrical makeup tutorials that will scare the most seasoned horror movie buff. You don't just have to stick to remakes and reboots for inspo —'80s Halloween costumes also pay homage to iconic pop culture moments like neon workout tights and SO. MUCH. denim on denim.

'80s Halloween costumes are super fun and easy to create, so get ready for your family, friends, and strangers to call out song lyrics, scream movie quotes, and gush about how obsessed they are with your costume after you check out this list of the best '80s Halloween costume ideas.

'80s Barbie and Ken from "Barbie"

This costume is both totally '80s and completely 2023 in the best way possible. Grab a partner and recreate Barbie and Ken's neon skating outfits complete with a fanny pack and high-cut bodysuit.

Monokini Zipper Front High Waist Thong One Piece

Retro Roller Skates

Outdoor Sports Elbow Knee Pads Set

Beetlejuice and Lydia from "Beetlejuice"

This Tim Burton classic plays nonstop the entire month of October, so you should have plenty of chances to nail the inspo. If not, just reference Bella Hadid and The Weeknd's version of this costume, because they nailed it.

Women's Beetle Bride '80s Halloween Costume

Spirit Halloween Women's Beetlejuice Suit Costume

Salt-N-Pepa

Alexa, play "Push It," by Salt-N-Pepa. This iconic group deserves our recognition 365 days a year, but let's face it: those spandex-and-leather outfits were made for Halloween.

Plus Size Push it Pop Star Costume

"The Breakfast Club" Cast

Just pick any John Hughes movie and you've got basically an entire lifetime worth of '80s Halloween costume ideas. This film is perfect for a group of five looking for a great squad look.

V-Neck Chiffon Blouse

Ankle Length Ruffle Hem Elastic Waist Midi Skirt

The Breakfast Club Men's John Bender Costume

Madonna

You can't talk about '80s style without bringing up the queen herself, Madonna. Her lace-and-tulle "Like a Virgin" album cover is a 2022 Halloween costume just waiting to happen.

Like a Virgin Costume

Ferris from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

Yeah, there are a lot of John Hughes movies on this list. Recreate this iconic scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" just by hitting up your local thrift store, or scoop up this option from Amazon below.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Movie Costume

Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite is an icon for anyone who grew up in the '80s — and her kitschy outfit is just as trendy today.

Rainbow Brite Costume

Kate, Billy, and Gizmo from "Gremlins"

If you're looking for a clever couples costume that can also accommodate your fur baby, this is it, sis. Gremlins is a classic Halloween movie that makes a great costume.

Zip-Front Jacket

Moss Please Recycle Backpack

Gizmo Plush

Kiss

It doesn't get more classic '80s than a good old-fashioned hair band. With their extravagant costumes and iconic face paint, Kiss is easily the most costume-worthy of all.

KISS Spaceman Costume

The "Stranger Things" Cast

I know, I know. Stranger Things isn't *actually* from the '80s, but it does take place during that period — and the costumes are iconic. From Eleven to Will, all members from our favorite Dungeons & Dragons crew have got killer style. Below, find the exact match of Max's blue zip-up jacket from Stranger Things 4, but if you're looking to dress up as another character, look no further — we've rounded up the best ways to DIY all of their looks here.

Stranger Things Max Hoodie

Koss KPH7 Portable Headphone

The "Saved by the Bell" Cast

When it comes to Halloween planning, consider yourself saved by the bell. Zack, Kelly, Slater, Lisa, Jessie, and Screech were probably a huge part of your childhood, no matter when you were born.

Kelly Kapowski Bayside Off The Shoulder Sweatshirt

Morris #25 Bayside Basketball Jersey

Princess Diana and Prince Charles

This might have been one of the biggest moments of the 1980s – and I do mean that literally. Look at those puff sleeves and that massive veil! You can definitely replicate a similar look at any vintage store, or snag this detachable tulle skirt from Amazon and wear it over a white mini dress.

Long Bridal Floor Length Gown in Ivory

Prince Costume

Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Basically all you need to throw it back to the '80s is a wild vintage windbreaker. Find a mural to pose in front of to replicate this exact photo for your Halloween Instagram.

Retro Neon Windbreaker

Elliott and E.T. from "E.T."

An iconic '80s costume idea that requires very little effort – just snag Elliott's famous red hoodie and wrap your bestie or bae in a blanket. Super easy.

Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirt

The Twins from "The Shining"

This scene will never not be creepy – thus, making it the perfect costume idea for those who *actually* want to be scary come Halloween.

The Shining Grady Twins Costume

Summer and Casey from "Baywatch"

This '80s Halloween costume would be perfect for a costume-meets-pool party. (There should really be more of those...)

Women's Athletic One Piece Swimsuit

Marty and Doc Brown from "Back to the Future"

If you've got a puffer vest and a denim jacket, you're in business. There truly is no more iconic duo when it comes to 1980s pop culture.

Amazon Essentials Puffer Vest

Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket

Lab Coat

Whitney Houston in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"

Pick a look from Whitney's epic music video, so you'll have an excuse to scream-sing "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" at every single party you go to.

Rib-Knit Solid Bodycon Dress

Beaded Corfu Earring

The "Heathers" Cast

No, Heathers isn't just a play from Riverdale. This movie was an '80s classic and almost every scene has a look worthy of your '22 Halloween costume.

Heathers The Musical Veronica Sawyer Dress

Heathers The Musical Heather Duke Dress

Freddie Mercury

Every time Freddie stepped onto the stage, he wore show-stopping fashions for future generations to replicate for years to come. One of his easiest to make and most memorable is the white tank and studs outfit from the 1985 Live Aid concert.

Sleeveless Full Tank Top

Women's Premium 501 Skinny

Punk Studded Belt

Uhura and Kirk from "Star Trek"

Even if you're not big on the Star Trek fandom, you can still appreciate their costumes. I mean, Uhura was fabulous, even in outer space.

Captain Officer Duty Dress

Star Trek Gold Star Fleet Uniform Shirt

Joel from "Risky Business"

Tom Cruise's iconic Risky Business dance scene outfit crops up almost every Halloween, because it's just so easy to make. Throw on an oversized button-up, tube socks, and a pair of Ray-Bans.

Oxford Shirt

The "Family Matters" Cast

So. Much. '80s. Fashion. The Family Matters cast served up hella style and some truly retro hairdos in this famed tv show.

Fashion Suspender

Long Sleeve Polo Shirt

Levi's Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans

Westley and Buttercup from "The Princess Bride"

No, this isn't just an excuse to wear a pretty crown and intricate wedding dress (yes it is). The Princess Bride gets a spot on this list, because it truly is a classic.

Princess Bride Westley Costume

Princess Bride Buttercup Costume

N.W.A.

This might be one of the easiest and best costumes of the 1980s. Rep the greats in T-shirts and jeans, then add flat-bills and chains to your entire crew. Bonus points if you grow out an '80s-inspired mullet.

N.W.A. Eazy E Vintage Flat Bill Cap

Big Chunky Chain Necklace

Johnny and Baby from "Dirty Dancing"

Nobody puts Baby in a corner, but we will steal her outfits. You probably already own everything required to duplicate this look, now you just need a Patrick Swayze to complete it.

Basic Solid Tank Top in Black

Men's Skinny-Fit Stretch Jean

The Way-Short Shirt

9" Mid Rise Denim Bermuda Shorts

The "Ghostbusters" Cast

Egon, Ray, Peter, Winston – the ultimate '80s squad. You can buy lookalike costumes for the entire crew at basically any party store.

Ghostbusters with Inflatable Backpack

The "Golden Girls" Cast

Look at those shoulder pads! Those earrings! That sass! This foursome makes for the ultimate crew costume. (Dibs on Blanche.)

The Golden Girls Blanche Costume

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi's look is best described as a dress-up box explosion. Just drape beads, shawls, scarves, pins, and pearls all over yourself – then go really heavy on the eye makeup.

Pearl Strand Pendant Necklace

Plus Size Notched Lapel Double Breasted Long Coat

Andie from "Pretty in Pink"

Basically any combination of pink, pearls, and floral print will have you looking like Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink.

Classic Black Wool Fedora Hat

Esperanza Black and Pink Floral Print Midi Dress

Womens Casual Blazer

Prince

Prince basically wrote the soundtrack to the 1980s. If you happen to have a bedazzled purple suit, you can easily recreate his most famous look: a plum jacket and big hair, made famous by the hit "Purple Rain."

Velvet Sequin Pants

Jane Fonda

Let's get physical! This '80s Halloween costume is perfect for when you've got a workout at 7pm and a party at 8pm.

Retro 80s/90s Metallic Bodysuit

Leg Warmers

Duckie from "Pretty in Pink"

Yes, we already discussed Pretty in Pink, but Duckie's looks are just too good to pass up. Honestly, I'd wear that blazer any day of the week.

Double Breasted Blazer

Round Retro Sunglasses

Gigi Pip Monroe Rancher Hat

Elton John

Sir Elton John is a Halloween favorite, mostly because you get to wear fun sunglasses to take on his persona. If you want to pay tribute to the literal knight of pop, rock some of his technicolor outfits from the '80s.

Oversize Square Sparkling Sunglasses

Hulk Hogan

The WWE was huge in the 1980s – almost as big as Hulk Hogan's biceps. Rep the most famous wrestler of all in a pair of comfy Lululemon leggings and cowboy boots.

Hulk Hogan Hulkamania T-Shirt

Fluorescent Sports Tights

Rubik's Cube

Before there were fidget spinners, there was the Rubik's Cube. Only the biggest fans need apply to this costume.

Rubik's Cube Costume Dress

"Star Wars"

You don't need to go to a galaxy far, far away to have fun this Halloween. The Star Wars franchise has endless costume options from the original 1977 film to the most recent Disney+ show, Andor.

Princess Leia Cosplay Costume

Luke Skywalker Adult Costume

Deluxe Darth Vader Adult Sized Costume

Pac-Man Video Game

You couldn't enter an arcade in the '80s without seeing the little hungry ball munching around a maze. Choose to go as the hero Mr. Pac-Man or his arch-nemesis — Blinky.

Inflatable Pac-Man Costume

Blinky Ghost Costume - Pac-Man

"Top Gun"

Top Gun: Maverick has us reminiscing about the OG Top Gun which came out in 1986. "Ride into the Danger Zone" in these super fly costumes.

Flight Suit Costume

Top Gun Flight Dress With Interchangeable Name Badges

Black Gold Aviator Sunglasses

The Smurfs

The lovable blue buddies first made their way onto TV screens in the '80s, quickly becoming a favorite children's cartoon and toy. Bonus points if you fully commit to the lewk with aqua bodypaint.

The Smurfs Women's Smurfette Costume

The Smurfs Adult Smurf Costume

The Smurfs Rubber Nose & Makeup Kit

Cassette Tape

Before Spotify playlists, mix tapes were the hottest way to customize your music ~experience~. Hit play — err, purchase — to get a jammin' Halloween costume.

Mix Tape Costume

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