One concept that never goes out of style when it comes to Halloween costume ideas is nostalgia. And what better way to get scary sartorial inspiration than to rummage around in the fabulously garish 1980s?
In terms of pop culture and fashion, the 1980s gave us some genuinely classic moments. If you missed the maximalist decade’s big hair, shoulder pads, and rainbow-hued exercise Spandex suits, Halloween is the ideal moment to channel it.
Here are our picks of the best ’80s Halloween costumes inspired by celebs and icons of that era to inspire your throwback look this year – whether you’re seeking low-cost costumes you can make yourself, or want to go all out with fierce Halloween makeup and clothing:
Prom Queen
Grab your mom’s old prom dress or visit your neighbourhood resale shops to unleash your inner ’80s It girl while we wait anxiously for the return of big hair and extra-large sleeves.
Madonna
@sotoexplores Okay last one….👀😇💩#80saesthetic #80scostume #madonnacostume #80sbirthday
Naturally, Madonna’s ascent peaked in the 1980s. Choose from a wide selection of the pop icon’s most legendary early appearances, like this one from “Like a Virgin.”
Princess Diana
@chimkhennuggets Princess of people hearts 👑 #foryoupage #fyp #ladydiana #ladydianaspencer #princessofwales #thecrown #theroyalfamily #princessdiana #diana #princessofpeople
Princess Diana would make a simple last-minute outfit. Grab a pair of cycle shorts, some dad sneakers and a crewneck sweatshirt for immediate Diana energy. Given that the style icon continues to have a significant influence on modern fashion trends more than four decades later, it’s easy to nail.
Rollerblade Barbie & Ken
We have a good chance of dressing up as this Barbie look for Halloween this year. I suppose it’s time to put on a bright leotard and start rollerskating (yikes).
The Princess Bride Duo
@themaggiehill this is the best thing ive ever made. you should do it. #filmtok #EndlessJourney #halloween #costumeideas #princessbride #MadeWithKeurigContest
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Who doesn’t enjoy the opportunity to dress up as a lovely princess and/or her dashing knight in sparkling armour? If you like the 1987 movie, this is the ideal couple’s outfit.
Back To The Future
@addisonbirkmire October 26 1985- the first time travel of #BacktotheFuture #martymcfly #halloweencostume #80s
It’s time to travel back in time, so get in the DeLorean. To complete this Back to the Future dynamic duo costume, grab a red vest and ask a pal to dress as a mad scientist.
The Breakfast Club
You must have grown up with this eclectic group of high school misfits if you were born in the 1980s.
Glow
When you dress as this dynamic cast from the 1980s for Halloween, you’re guaranteed to have a knockout time. We constantly have our eye on the prize!
Beetlejuice
This gothic aesthetic from the timeless Tim Burton movie, which Bella Hadid and The Weeknd perfected, will undoubtedly be played repeatedly during the entire month of October.
The Little Mermaid
Although the live-action movie just came out, did you know that the original was released in 1989? Put on a long red wig, a bandeau swimsuit top and a green sequined skirt for the ultimate mermaid look.
Dynasty
One of the classic 1980s soap operas, Dynasty featured some of the most outrageous catfights and shoulder pads ever seen on television. Don’t be afraid of some serious bling if you want to recreate these two leading ladies.
The Simpsons
@siananmakeup DAY 19/31 💛 Marge Simpson 👀 #halloween #halloweenmakeup #halloweencostume #marge #simpsonmakeup #simpsons
Can you believe The Simpsons debuted in the 1980s? Even today, references to the yellow family are still widely recognized in popular culture.
Jessica Rabbit
Few figures from the 1980s animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit are as readily recognizable as Jessica Rabbit. Wear a red strapless dress, purple gloves, a red wig, and dramatic purple eye makeup to pull it off.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If you’ve got a gang of four people, dressing up as Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo from TMNT will make you popular with all the kids born in the ’80s and ’90s.
Stranger Things
Two characters from Season 4 of Stranger Things, which takes place in the 1980s, absolutely captured the show and our hearts: the misunderstood Hellfire Club commander and the adored cheerleader.
Did you think we could leave Eleven out? Think again. Just remember to pack some Eggo Waffles.<>
