From John Hughes classics and slasher flicks to comic book heroes and more.
45 Hilarious ’80s Halloween Costumes To Rock This Year

The '80s were a golden era of pop culture, which is why '80s Halloween costumes never go out of style. From John Hughes classics and slasher flicks to comic book heroes and modern-day nods like Stranger Things, there's something for everyone.
And if you’ve been channeling Madonna or Prince since 1991, it might be time to switch things up. These fresh throwback ideas will get you in the Halloween spirit — whether you're hitting a party or staying in with candy and a Halloween movies marathon.
No matter your plans, these '80s costume ideas are the perfect way to pay tribute to the raddest decade. Want to try a different era too? Don’t miss our '90s costumes and 2000s costumes!
Throw It Back: The Best '80s Costumes for Your Halloween Party
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Stranger Things
Stranger Things may not be from the '80s, but it is set in the decade. This great-for-group costume lets you pick you favorite character and channel them. (via Brit + Co)
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'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)
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Barbie
Okay, Barbie is not expressly '80s, but that does seem to be her heyday, and the costume above feels very Miami Vice meets a Jane Fonda workout video. (via Brit + Co)
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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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80s Track Suits
Channel retro hip hop in a bold '80s tracksuit this Halloween. Think neon colors, zip-ups, and major attitude — perfect for parties, dancing, or trick-or-treating in style.
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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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The Princess Bride
As far as group costumes go, all you need is a giant, someone who looks amazing with a mustache, and a pirate to make up your clique. (via Brit + Co)
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Hall and Oates
Wait, what? Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co)
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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)
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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)
From TV Shows To Movies, These '80s Halloween Costumes Got You Covered
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Sexy Marge Simpson
The Simpsons technically launched in 1989—just in time to count as an '80s icon. And honestly? Mama Marge has never looked so fly. (via Brit + Co)
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Treasure Trolls
Using wigs, a ton of hairspray and nude dresses, you can be a Treasure Troll in no time flat. (via Brit + Co)
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Ghostbusters
Grab your friend group, and a few tan jumpsuits, and you have an instantly recognizable, super easy costume. Grab some reflective tape for the uniform detail, but for the Ghostbusters logo, feel free to attach a paper cutout ;). (via Brit + Co)
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Totally Killer
This new murder movie makes for the perfect weekend watch, but it's also a very '80s Halloween costume idea. Bold makeup, shoulder pads, and lots of pearls will turn you into Olivia Holt's Pam, or you can give yourself a blowout and wear her gym uniform instead!
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Stranger Things, Full Cast
Hype up the teen spirit by dressing as Nancy, Barb, Jonathan, and Steve too! (via Brit + Co)
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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)
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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)
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Baywatch Babes
Prepare to save the shoreline with your amazing team AND whistleblowing skills. (via Brit + Co)
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Jem
You're going to want to collect pink everything starting now. Go solo or jam with the Holograms! (via Brit + Co)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Princess Leia
Skip the double hair buns for the classic look from Star Wars (via Brit + Co)
The Coolest Part? These Are '80s Themed Outfits You Can DIY
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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)
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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)
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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)
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The Little Mermaid's Ursula
This iconic Disney villain makes for a great costume because it's fun, colorful, and easily recognizable. Whether you're going to a more low-key party where you can wear jeans and a tee or you're going all-out with octopus legs, this makeup look is out of this world. Pair with other characters under the sea for the ultimate group costume! (via Brit + Co)
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Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman might have come out in 2017, but Lynda Carter's TV show of the same name hit our screens in the late 1970s, making this a perfect '80s Halloween costume. (via Brit + Co)
These '80s Costume Ideas Are Totally Rad
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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)
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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)
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E.T. '80s Halloween Costume
This 'fit takes the cake for easiest Halloween costume ever! While it's originally a maternity costume, you can definitely make it your own, no matter what stage of life you're at. (via Brit + Co)
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Return of the Jedi Ewoks Ewoks
Early Star Wars gave us the Ewoks, and we are forever thankful. (via Brit + Co)
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80s Hair Band
Rock out this Halloween in an '80s hair band look — think big curls, leather, lace, and enough glam to headline your own power ballad.
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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)
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Alvin and the Chipmunks
This playful group costume is comfortable and very school-appropriate. (via Brit + Co)
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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)
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Ring Pop
Nothing represents an '80s kid like this colorful lollipop jewelry. (via Studio DIY)
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80s Prom Date
Grab your date and go full '80s prom: big hair, ruffled tuxes, poofy dresses, and corsages. It’s nostalgic, adorable, and totally rad for Halloween.
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
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