The '80s were a heyday of pop culture icons, which is why it's such a popular source of Halloween costume fodder. But if you've spent every Halloween since 1991 dressed up as Madonna or Michael Jackson from that Pepsi commercial, it's time to change up your throwback outfits a bit. We're getting in the spirit of Halloween even if it may look a little different this year (virtual Halloween, anyone?) with these 37 Halloween costumes from this rad decade.
David Bowie and Prince: These two megastars are worth a trip to DIY land. (via Brit + Co)
The Breakfast Club: If you came of age in the '80s, than you're sure to have grown up with this motley crew of high school misfits. (via Brit + Co)
'80s Andre Agassi + Tennis Ball: This sporty couple's costume is really cute even sans bump. It's time to ace that virtual costume contest, y'all. (via Brit + Co)
The Shining Twins: Get creepy with your BFF and reenact this cult classic. (via Brit + Co)
GLOW: You're destined to have a *knockout* Halloween when you dress up as this dynamic '80s-inspired cast. We're always in it to win it! (via Brit + Co)
Princess Peach and Toad: Even if you didn't waste countless hours playing Super Mario on your Nintendo, we can all agree this costume duo is cute AF. (via Brit + Co)
The Princess Bride: As far as group costumes go, all you need is a giant, someone who does amazing accents, and a pirate to make up your clique. (via Brit + Co)
Marty McFly: If our calculations are correct, this Back to the Future costume is the coolest thing ever. Not to mention it's easy to recreate. (via Brit + Co)
Hall and Oates: Wait, what? Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co)
Operation + Surgeon: Bringing this classic board game to life delivers on comfort, a hint of sexy, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. (via Brit + Co)
Sexy Marge Simpson: Mama Simpson never looked so fly. (via Brit + Co)
Treasure Trolls: Using wigs, a ton of hairspray and nude dresses, you can be a Treasure Troll in no time flat. (via Brit + Co)
Saved By The Bell: Who's the Zack to your Kelly? (via Brit + Co)
Fraggle Rock: Throw your cares away! Why? You've found your costume. (via Brit + Co)
Adam and Barbara Maitland from Beetlejuice: Before they met the man himself, they were just two recently deceased humans navigating the afterlife. (via Brit + Co)
Jem: You're going to want to collect pink everything starting now. Go solo or jam with the Holograms! (via Brit + Co)
Young Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: We still love these iconic twins, but how *cute* were they in their Full House days?! (via Brit + Co)
Ariel and Eric from The Little Mermaid: This idea is straight out of 1989 and never gets old. “Under the sea, under the sea! Darling, it’s better, down where it’s wetter!” (via Brit + Co)
Jessica Rabbit: Create the silhouette of Jessica’s signature dress by layering a sequined tube top with a sweetheart neckline on top of a maxi skirt. Smokin’! (via Brit + Co)
Twins: Let's journey back to 1988 when the world accepted the idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito could be… twins? Wait, WHAT? (via Brit + Co)
Princess Leia: Skip the double hair buns for the classic look from Star Wars (via Brit + Co)
Army Toy Soldiers: “Don’t worry, boy. I’ve got your back.” (via Brit + Co)
Ghostbuster and Marshmallow Man: For those of you who have no desire to DIY but still want a legit getup, look no further than these ’80s-inspired pre-made costumes. (via Brit + Co)
Waldo and Wenda: You can never go wrong with classic picture book characters like these two. But can you pick them out of the party crowd? (via Brit + Co)
Lisa Frank and a Unicorn: Be sure to hit up online thrift stores now for the makings of this costume. Is it just us, or does this make you want to listen to “Pony" by Ginuwine? (via Brit + Co)
Top Gun: Shop around for an army green, khaki, or navy jumpsuit or a dress like the one we found. You can order a batch of movie-inspired patches on Amazon. Once you've got those, you can turn basically anything into a Top Gun costume. (via Brit + Co)
The Labyrinth: ICYMI, David Bowie stars in this fantastical movie from the '80s. It's creepy, strange, and beautiful all at the same time. And a pretty great Halloween costume idea too. (via Brit + Co)
Ring Pop: Nothing represents an '80s kid like this colorful lollipop jewelry. (via Studio DIY)
Phases of the Moon: What's more '80s than a galactic two-piece suit?! (via Brit + Co)
Ursula: Poor unfortunate souls! This bewitching sea witch is legendary, and it’s time to pay homage to her awesomeness with this epic Halloween look.
(via Brit + Co)
Baywatch Babes: Prepare to save the shoreline with your amazing team *and* whistleblowing skills. (via Brit + Co)
Return of the Jedi Ewoks: Early Star Wars gave us the Ewoks, and we are forever thankful. (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Shortcake: This ’80s classic can be played down with a pair of white sneakers or sexified by wearing a pair of T-strap pumps. (via Brit + Co)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga! Throw together green tights, turtleneck leotards, and spray-painted shells with a pair of gladiator sandals. Then celebrate this awesome costume’s success with plenty of pizza after a night of trick or treating. (via Brit + Co)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: This playful group costume is comfortable and very school-appropriate. (via Brit + Co)
Axl and Slash: Welcome to the jungle, baby. (via Brit + Co)
Carmen Sandiego: Don't put your summer maxis away just yet — you're going to need one to channel your favorite mystery gal from the '80s. (Photo via Brit + Co)
What are some of the most unique '80s costumes you've seen? Share with us @BritandCo!
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations
From Your Site Articles
- 6 Genius DIY Mom and Baby Halloween Costumes - Brit + Co ›
- The 32 Best Baby Halloween Costume Ideas Ever - Brit + Co ›
- 24 Halloween Costumes Inspired by Fave School Movies and Shows ›
- 16 Costume Ideas to Rock a Wig This Halloween - Brit + Co ›
- 100 #TBT Halloween Costume Ideas for Folks Who Love a Throwback ›
- 120 Creative DIY Couples Costume Ideas for Halloween - Brit + Co ›
- 30+ Halloween Costumes Perfect for People Who Love the '80s ... ›
- 5 Family Halloween Costumes Inspired by Classic '80s Movies - Brit ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
More From Halloween Costumes
Fall is right around the corner, and we're getting amped up for our next session of Selfmade, Brit + Co's 10-week interactive startup school. Designed to help you create a new business or grow your existing one, this course is personally led by Brit + Co founder Brit Morin and co-founder Anjelika Temple, and supported by more than a dozen of the top female entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors in the country. Students receive personalized coaching on everything from how to get out of your comfort zone to how to scale your business, and everything in between. And now, thanks to Office Depot, even more of you can join the course!
For the fall session, we're thrilled to team up with Office Depot to grant 200 FREE scholarship seats to the course. Scholarships are open to US residents, focusing on women of color, women from underserved and underrepresented communities, and women in need of support to help them trail-blaze. After all, we firmly believe that your support system is a huge part of how you achieve greatness, and we are here to cheer all of you on.
To nominate yourself or someone you know for a scholarship, head to our nomination form right here. The deadline for scholarship nominations is September 27th — it's time to take the leap!
Beyond the scholarship, Office Depot is all about helping you accomplish more. Whether it be the start phase, growth phase or keep businesses going phase, Office Depot offers a full suite of business solutions, including services and products, to help you work from anywhere, organize and save time and help build your brand.
So what are you waiting for? Take a chance on yourself and get yourself one step closer to truly being selfmade. Learn more about the Selfmade program, apply for a scholarship and prepare to be inspired :)