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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 '80s outfits a bit. Here, 37 Halloween costumes to inspire you to delve back into this generously rad decade.
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Ghostbuster Group: Bring the Ghostbuster game strong with your all girl squad — 'cuz after all, it's 2017! (via Brit + Co)
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Bob Ross and Happy Little Tree: If you grew up with painting pro Bob Ross telling you how to paint “happy little trees,” then you’ll probably feel a bit nostalgic with this one. The costume can be a solo act or a group effort if you have a happy little tree or two. (via C.R.A.F.T)
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E.T.: You can go the usual E.T. costume route with a red hoodie and a bicycle basket, or you can really make an impact with a full E.T. suit that's gonna make everyone want to phone home... and talk about the crazy E.T. they just saw. (via Costume Works)
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The Shining Twins: Get super creepy with your BFF and reenact this cult classic. (via Brit + Co)
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Lisa Frank: This simple DIY will give you plenty of time to trade rainbow kitten stickers with your besties. (via Studio DIY)
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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)
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School Picture Day: Complete with accurate 1st grader smiles, this girl knows how to stay in character. She also knows her way around a laser backdrop. (via Moth)
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David Bowie and Prince: These two mega stars are worth a trip to DIY land. (via Brit + Co)
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Rainbow Brite + the Color Kids: Of course, we couldn't forget the most colorful '80s costume of them all. (via AC Paradise)
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Pee-Wee Herman ($25+): It's been far too long since you last watched Pee-Wee's Playhouse, hasn't it? You'll have a blast re-living his quirkiest moments on Halloween night.
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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)
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Weekend at Bernie's: If you win a costume contest this year, we'd like a shoutout in your acceptance speech. (via Garment District)
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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)
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Ghostbusters & Stay Puft Marshmallow Man: The littlest character is the cutest possible partner-in-crime for Halloween night! (via The Design Inspiration)
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Madonna ($47+): We are so smitten with this recreation of Madonna's most classic look, and if you're a fan of the era, we know you'll love it, too. Go crazy with a gold leotard, faux leather tights, and don't forget the beauty mark.
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The Fresh Prince and Carlton: If you still think of Will Smith as the Fresh Prince, than you're definitely an '80s child. (via Imgur)
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Zoltar: This amazingly accurate Zoltar booth costume from Big was built around a working Segway. Be careful it doesn't turn you 15 again, because whoa. (via Makezine)
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Adam and Barbara Maitland from Beetlejuice: Before they met the man himelf, they were just two recently deceased humans navigating the afterlife. (via Instructables
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Ghostbuster Ghost: Why be a 'buster when you can be the ghost? Haunting is so much more fun. (via College Humor)
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Young Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: We still love these iconic twins but how *cute* are they in their Full House days?! (via Brit + Co)
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She-Ra: We used to run around our backyard pretending to be the Princess of Power... so dibs on this one. (via He Man)
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Treasure Trolls: Using wigs, a ton of hairspray and nude American Apparel dresses, you can be a Treasure Troll in no time flat. (via American Apparel)
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Salt-N-Pepa: Those jackets are incredibly accurate, and where can we get them?! (via Refinery29)
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Jem: You're going to want to collect pink everything starting now. Go solo or jam with the Holograms! (Brit + Co)
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Clue: Camille Styles threw a Clue-themed, whodunnit dinner party where everyone dressed to the nines, but you could also go authentic and model your characters after the hilarious '80s film. (via Camille Styles)
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Princess Bride ($46): As far as group costumes go, there are quite a few options if you happen to have a giant, someone that does amazing accents and a dread pirate among your clique.
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Freddie Mercury: Katy Perry, you fox. Who said celebs didn't have a great sense of humor? (via Lovelyish)
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Bill and Ted: If you haven't seen Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, go watch it RN. There is no reason not to channel this cult classic, and every reason to dress up as a young Keanu Reeves this Halloween. (via Costume Works)
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Rosie the Maid from The Jetsons ($26): Boxy robot meets sexy maid in this twist on this Jetsons classic.
What are some of the most unique ’80s costumes you’ve seen? Tweet us @BritandCo!
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