100 Nostalgic Halloween Costume Ideas For Anyone Who Loves A Good Throwback!

Halloween is almost upon us, and there's no need to panic if you haven't started planning your costume. We've got you covered with 100 (!!) Halloween costumes that are perfect for those looking for something a little bit nostalgic this year. From the '20s to the 2000s, we've got something for every single one of you Bettys, Barneys, and Beanie Babies.
Solo Throwback Costumes
Red Fraggle
One of the leading faces from the kooky '80s TV series can surely help bring back the nostalgia this Halloween. It's sure to put a BIG muppet-style smile on your face in this getup. (via Brit + Co)
Pippi Longstocking
Remember this chick? This nine-year-old had superhuman strength, and completely insane pig tails. (via Brit + Co)
Carmen Sandiego
This intercontinental style icon will always be relevant. To create the look, it's all about making sure you've got a few key elements (like that red hat with yellow trim!) covered. (via Brit + Co)
Lisa Turtle
We kind of think of this one as a hybrid between Lisa Turtle and Kelly Kapowski — the volume and sunny attitude is all Kelly, and the incredible vest and gold lame mini dress has Lisa written all over it. (via Brit + Co)
Wednesday Addams
Go goth with this adorable Wednesday Addams get up. This costume calls for the most layers — black tights, a collared shirt, and a tight cardigan — which will certainly help keep you cozy. Channel your inner troublemaker and start perfecting that straight-faced, vapid stare. (via Brit + Co)
Cookie Monster
An all-time classic and the best possible outfit for the gal who wants to have an excuse to pretty much wear a snuggie out for the evening. (via Brit + Co)
Treasure Troll
Inspired by our girl Misty's costume from Halloween last year, this is probably our favorite maternity costume idea EVER but takes a bold pregnant mama to pull it off. (Thanks for being willing to humor us all, Brit!) (via Brit + Co)
Juno
Next, we've got everyone's favorite pregnant teen, Juno! Channel a little bit of attitude and apathy, grab an empty Slurpee cup, and you are well on your way. (via Brit + Co)
Holly Golightly
And I said, what about, Breakfast at Tiffany's? #deepbluesomethingFTW (via Brit + Co)
Jem
Clearly, we are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must! (via Brit + Co)
Energizer Bunny
Bring the energy to your next Halloween party because this bunny’s got ups. (via Brit + Co)
Firefox
Home Improvement‘s Wilson
If you have a bucket hat and an old flannel lying around, all this costume requires are a few popsicle sticks from the craft store (or a sneaky trip to the doctor's office) and a little bit of glue. Folks may get confused if you swap the makeshift fence for a drink, but pop it up in front of your face and all those JTT lovers will instantly recognize/adore you. (via Uproxx)
Hanson Teen Beat Cover
Ghostbuster
Mary Poppins
Lucille Ball
Ace Ventura
School Picture Day
Complete with an accurate 1st grader smile, this girl knows how to stay in character. She also knows her way around a laser backdrop. (via Moth)
Bjork at the 2001 Academy Awards
Steve Urkel
Ghostbusters
Why be a ‘buster when you can be the ghost? Haunting is so much more fun. (via College Humor)
Group Throwback Costumes
Wet Hot American Summer
What do you want to bet you and your friends own everything you need to pull this one off together?(via Brit + Co)
Baywatch
Prepare to save the shoreline with your amazing team *and* whistleblowing skills. (via Brit + Co)
Spice Girls
Though we're all about bringing back Sporty, Scary, Baby, Posh and Ginger, go the clever route and simply dress up as your favorite spices. (via Brit + Co)
Gilmore Girls
Who's the Lorelai to your Rory? Choose carefully and then pick your main men too. (via Brit + Co)
Saved by the Bell
Channel your inner Slater, Kelly, Zach, and Jessie with some sweet threads straight out of the late '80s. Just don't forget the old-school cell phone with an antenna bigger than your head. (via Brit + Co)
Cast of The Breakfast Club
This unlikely crew of five is one of the most celebrated high school groups in movie history. A few key accessories and some '80s outfits will make this one a cinch. (via Brit + Co)
Mean Girls
Mini skirts? Check! Long locks? Check! Pink, pink and more pink? Check! With your outfits put together, you'll just need a Burn Book to complete the costume. (via Brit + Co)
TLC
What about your friends? Going for early TLC style, this trio of besties knows what's up in the neon style department. (via Brit + Co)
Mad Men Women
Our very own Miss Misty has the perfect hair and makeup tutorials for you to master the Mad Men look. All you need is a '50s or '60s vintage frock. (via Brit + Co)
Heather Chandler, McNamara and Duke
Rainbow Brite + the Color Kids
Mario Kart
The race is on! Mario costumes can be a little tired, but this group punches it up with an amazing Mario Kart version. Or you could try a Dr. Mario or Mario Tennis angle, too!
She-Ra and Her Crew
Addams Family
Tetris
Clue
Cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls are absolutely timeless, and dressing like them is a total blast. Load up on the blush, ladies! (via Instagram)
Couples Throwback Costumes
Hall and Oates
Wait, what? Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co)
Wayne and Garth
Can you say…. schwiiiing? Leave it to Brit + Co editor Kate Puhala to make dressing up as Wayne Campbell actually look chic. The underbite-based smile that Garth is sporting really seals the deal. (via Brit + Co)
David Bowie and Prince
It wasn't enough to simply be a rock star or a musician — both Bowie and Prince took the role of artist VERY seriously. (Brit + Co)
Pacman and Ghosts
John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Channel your inner rockstars by becoming these two this Halloween. (via Brit + Co)
Cruella De Vil and a Dalmatian
Who doesn't love Cruella and her 100 Dalmatians? Grab your favorite black dress and old white clothes that you don't need anymore to create this couple's costume. (via Brit + Co)
Twins
Journey with us back to 1988, when a world accepted the idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito could be… twins? Wait, WHAT? Khakis, penny loafers (or moccasins) and matching blazers make this look, but it's those '80s patterned short sleeve button downs on the inside that take it to the next level. Oh, and I happen to be playing the role of Danny DeVito in this costume ;) (via Brit + Co)
The Simple Life
Have you ever wanted to do an early 2000s costume so badly?! The real question is, who will dress as Tink? (via Brit + Co)
Finn and Rey from Star Wars
Ham it up all night pretending to fight off Stormtroopers with Adam from Girls (errr… Kylo Ren). May the force be with you! (via Brit + Co)
Lizzie McGuire and Miranda Sanchez
"You'll never figure out who you really are if you are trying to be someone else." (via Brit + Co)
Arnold and Gerald
Our '90s hearts have gone all aflutter. Become everyone's favorite football head with just a little construction paper and a pair of scissors. (via Twisted Sifter)
Bob Ross and Happy Little Tree
The Bundys
Will and Carlton
Dylan and Brenda from 90210
Sonny and Cher
Daria and Jane
Serena + Blair
The Mask
Double Dare Contestants
Scooby Doo
Add more characters to your Mystery Incorporated crew. Shaggy Rogers, anyone? (via Instagram)
Patti Mayonnaise and Doug Funny
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love
Whether the dog represents Frances Bean is still TBD, but this is one of our all-time favorite costumes. And guess what? It was actually one of the entries to our costume contest way back in 2012!
Baby & Kid Throwback Costumes
The Lion King
What's better than paying homage to one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, The Lion King? (via Brit+Co)
Morton Salt Girl
All you need for this one is a trip to the grocery store for a cheap umbrella and some salt. (via Brit + Co)
Sandy + John
Looking to match your little man while you hit the 'hood going door to door? Jeans and Converse will save the day, and the jacket is likely needed anyway. (via Brit + Co)
Princess Peach and Toad
You can totally be a couple with your mini! This throwback is the best. (via Brit + Co)
Little Lebowski
From Lebowski to little Lebowski! Your little dude might not know that his costume is based on one of the best movie characters ever, but he'll enjoy all the attention from the other cool parents. (via Skirt As Top)
I Love Lucy
Oscar the Grouch
Ace Ventura
Mini Jersey Shore
Baby Prince
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
Risky Business
Grab some shades and a button-down shirt and you're in business! (via Instagram)
Care Bear
The best part of this? The costume was made from an actual Care Bear stuffed animal. Brilliant. (via Instructables)
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
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