45 Best '80s Costumes Ideas for a Throwback Halloween Look
They’re totally tubular.
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The '80s brought us some truly iconic moments in fashion and pop culture. If you weren't alive to experience the big hair, shoulder pads, and rainbow-hued workout Spandex 'fits that rocked the era, Halloween is the perfect time to channel the maximalist decade. Whether you're the procrastinator who's looking for cheap costumes you can DIY or the person who loves to go all out with their Halloween makeup and outfits (the more elaborate, the better!), we've gathered the best '80s Halloween costumes from our fave celebs to inspire your throwback look for this year.
Despite so many '90s fashion trends making major comebacks, rest assured, the '80s have just as many trends that have resurfaced lately, too. So go ahead, raid your parents' closets, or scour a thrift store to find everything you need to recreate the best outfits, trends, celebrity moments, movies, and TV shows from the decade. From iconic movies to the biggest pop culture moments, here are 45 of the greatest '80s costume ideas for couples, groups, or just you to recreate this Halloween.
'80s Prom Queen
While we're patiently awaiting the comeback of extra large sleeves and even bigger hair, channel your inner '80s It girl by grabbing your mom's old prom dress or hitting up the local thrift stores.
Madonna
The '80s, of course, marked the rise of Madonna. Take your pick from the vast range of the pop icon's most memorable early looks, like this one from "Like a Virgin."
Princess Diana
Here's an easy costume to pull together last minute: Princess Di. Considering the style icon is majorly influencing current fashion trends over four decades later, it's a cinch to ace: grab some bike shorts, dad sneakers, and a crewneck sweatshirt for instant Di energy.
Rollerblader Barbie & Ken
The odds that we're gonna make this Barbie look one of our Halloween costumes this year is v high. Guess it's time to grab a colorful leotard and start practice rollerskating (yikes).
Westley and Buttercup from The Princess Bride
Who doesn't love the excuse to dress up as a pretty princess and/or her shining knight in armor (or should we say mask?). This is the perfect couple's costume if you're a fan of the 1987 film.
Eddie and Chrissy from Stranger Things
The misunderstood leader of the Hellfire Club and the beloved cheerleader—two characters from Season 4 of Stranger Things (set in the '80s...duh) that really stole the show (and our hearts 😭).
Eleven from Stranger Things
Think we could mention Stranger Things without mentioning Eleven? Think again. Just don't forget your Eggo Waffles.
Vecna and Max from Stranger Things
Okay, one more dedicated to Stranger Things. Sorry, not sorry. But how could we possibly pass up this costume from the show's latest season and iconic scene as Kate Bush plays in the background.
Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown from Back to the Future
Hop in the DeLorean cause it's time to take a blast to the past. Grab a red vest and have a friend dress up as a mad scientist to complete this dynamic duo costume from Back to the Future.
Risky Business
Yes! Risky Business came out in 1983, so you can totally slip into an oversized button down and long socks to create an easy '80s Halloween costume.
Pretty in Pink
Recreate the memorable prom scene from the classic film Pretty in Pink.
Alexis and Crystal from Dynasty
Dynasty was one of the quintessential soaps of the '80s with some of the most over-the-top catfights and shoulder pads to grace TV. To recreate these two leading ladies, don't be afraid of some major bling.
Twin Girls from The Shining
"Come and play with us, Danny" is sure to creep everyone out this Halloween. Grab your bestie and replicate this look from the '80s horror film The Shining.
Lydia and Beetlejuice from Beetlejuice
Bella Hadid and The Weeknd nailed this gothic look from the classic Tim Burton film that's sure to be on repeat all October long.
Chucky
The '80s were a great time for classic horror movies. Case in point: the beginning of the Chucky franchise. Dolls still creep us out til this day.
Janet and Micheal Jackson
Beyoncé and Blue paid homage to the Jackson siblings by recreating Janet's look from "Rhythm Nation"that premiered in 1989 and Micheal Jackson's iconic red jacket and bedazzled glove look.
Baby from Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts Baby in a corner. Especially not for Halloween! This costume is super easy to throw together and you may even have all the pieces waiting in your closet already.
'9 to 5' Dolly Parton
Even though she's the queen of country, she made working that "9 to 5" a little bit more bearable when she dropped the iconic track in 1980. Grab your biggest blonde wig and even bigger...you know what.
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Sure, the live-action film just dropped, but did you know that the OG came out in 1989?! For the ultimate mermaid look, pair a green sequined skirt with a bandeau swimsuit top and a long red wig.
Prince
You'll have your Halloween party guests collectively singing "Purple Rain" all night long when you show up dressed as the iconic musician.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
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