The '80s were a heyday of pop culture icons, which is why 80s costume ideas are always en vogue. There's something for everyone: a plethora of John Hughes movies, iconic slashers, comic book characters, and even more recent shows like Stranger Things.
And 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. These costumes will help you get in the spooky spirit, regardless of whether you're heading to a party or spending the night handing out candy and watching your favorite Halloween movies. No matter what your plans are, these '80s Halloween costumes will definitely honor this rad decade. Want to try out a different decade too? Check out our '90s costumes and 2000s costumes!
Rock Any Halloween Party With These 80s Costume Ideas
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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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These two megastars are worth a trip to DIY land. (via Brit + Co)
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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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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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Get creepy with your BFF and reenact this cult classic. (via Brit + Co)
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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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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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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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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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Wait, what? Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co)
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Mama Simpson never looked so fly. (via Brit + Co)
From TV Shows To Music Stars, These '80s Halloween Costumes Got You Covered
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Bringing this classic board game to life delivers on comfort, a hint of sexy, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. (via Brit + Co)
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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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Who's the Zack to your Kelly? (via Brit + Co)
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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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Hype up the teen spirit by dressing as Nancy, Barb, Jonathan, and Steve too! (via Brit + Co)
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Throw your cares away! Why? You've found your costume. (via Brit + Co)
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Before they met the man himself, they were just two recently deceased humans navigating the afterlife. (via Brit + Co)
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We still love these iconic twins, but how CUTE were they in their Full House days?! (via Brit + Co)
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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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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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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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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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“Don't worry, boy. I've got your back." (via Brit + Co)
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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What's more '80s than a galactic two-piece suit?! (via Brit + Co)
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Prepare to save the shoreline with your amazing team AND whistleblowing skills. (via Brit + Co)
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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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Early Star Wars gave us the Ewoks, and we are forever thankful. (via Brit + Co)
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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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This playful group costume is comfortable and very school-appropriate. (via Brit + Co)
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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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Welcome to the jungle, baby. (via Brit + Co)
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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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Nothing represents an '80s kid like this colorful lollipop jewelry. (via Studio DIY)
What are some of the most unique '80s group costumes you've seen? Share with us on Twitterand check out our email newsletter for more Halloween inspo ahead of spooky season.
This article has been updated from a previous post.
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