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When it comes to creative Halloween costume ideas, there’s one theme that will never get old: nostalgia. And what better decade to fill you with good memories of yesteryear than the 1980s? The decade was defined by plenty of memorable pop culture moments, iconic trends, and instantly recognizable fashion. In other words: tons of fodder for the best ’80s costume ideas for Halloween!
When you think of the ’80s, you might first think of bright neon clothing, high-waisted leggings, and leotards galore. While these trends make excellent additions to any ’80s costume, there are tons of other ways to throw it back to your favorite decade. For one, you can take your pick of countless iconic characters from the decade’s most popular TV shows and movies, from Dirty Dancing’s Baby (played by Jennifer Grey) to Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen) from Saved by the Bell. Or you can dress up as one of the many legendary ’80s singers (Madonna or Prince, anyone?). Even your favorite toy or game from the decade (like Pacman or a Rubik’s cube!) would make for a fun get-up.
And if you’re looking to take on Halloween with a crew this year, don’t worry: There are also plenty of creative group Halloween costume ideas, including best friend Halloween costumes and trio Halloween costumes. So, if you find yourself longing for the days where MTV actually played music videos or reminiscing on childhood memories of playing with Cabbage Patch dolls, check out our list of the best ’80s Halloween costume ideas below—and get ready to relive your favorite decade.
Our top picks:
Keep scrolling for some of the best ’80s costumes you can order online for Halloween 2023.
If there’s one look we want to steal from the recent Barbie movie, it’s Margot Robbie’s neon rollerskating get-up that looks straight out of the ’80s. Luckily, this Halloween costume lets you transform into Rollerskating Barbie with a colorful onesie and matching visor, knee pads, elbow pads, fanny pack, and even a set of neon hoop earrings. (And of course, your Ken will need his own matching outfit!)
If you spent hours playing Super Mario Bros on your Nintendo back in the ’80s, this costume is definitely for you. The adorable set comes with everything you need to transform into Princess Peach, including her signature pink dress, a gold crown headband, and a pair of long white gloves.
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If your love of the classic 1986 film Top Gun came flying back after watching the most recent movie sequel, this is the perfect costume to suit up in this Halloween. Just don’t forget to grab the Goose to your Maverick (a.k.a. your best pal)!
We can’t forget Waldo from the legendary ’80s puzzle books. While it’s always a challenge to spot him within the pages, it’s actually easy to dress up as the beloved character: All you need is a candy-cane striped sweater, a matching hat, and circular spectacles.
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Going for a disguise that’s completely spooky? Call up one of your friends and dress up as the hauntingly scary Grady Twins from the 1980 horror film, The Shining. This kit makes the whole getup easy to assemble; it comes with the dress, a headband, and knee-high socks. The only thing you’ll need to perfect is their iconic line: “Come play with us, Danny.”
There’s no way to talk about the ’80s without talking about the music from that era when all the beats came from a small box, a.k.a. the cassette. So, if you and your partner or bestie are music lovers, celebrate the day by dressing up as mixtapes. You can also add your own neon shirt and leggings to jazz up the costume look even more.
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Break out the neon sweatbands, leg warmers, and leopard print leggings—and start cranking up Let’s Get Physical by Olivia Newton-John. This totally rad ’80s workout costume will let you relive those good old Jazzercise days!
Was Karate Kid was one of your favorite movie franchises back in the ’80s? Get ready for some martial arts action with this Halloween costume, which comes complete with a black tunic, black karate pants, a black Cobra Kai headband, and of course, a black belt.
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It’s everyone’s favorite grumpy, lasagna-loving, Monday-hating cat! If Garfield was your favorite comic strip back in the ’80s, now you can transform into the beloved feline yourself with this adorable, super-plush costume.
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If Beetlejuice is the one creepy movie you watch again and again, you just have to dress up as the crazed trickster this Halloween. When people yell his name three times, make sure you pop out in this pinstriped getup and yell, “It’s showtime!”
You can’t have Beetlejuice without Lydia! Dress up as everyone’s favorite gothic icon in that terrifying red wedding dress. Not only will it be the scariest costume at the party, but it’ll blow away the competition in a room full of vampires.
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If we had to credit someone with making the color purple an all-time favorite of ours, it would definitely be Prince. And now you can pretend to be the pop singer in this costume of his iconic Purple Rain outfit. Complete with a mid-length purple jacket, ruffle dickie top, and pants, it’s perfect for any pop-themed Halloween costume party.
The love story between Buttercup and Westley just goes to show that if you find a partner who will always do “as you wish,” you’ve found an absolute keeper—especially if he’ll agree to dress up with you in this couples costume. Shop this long dress and add a blonde wig for an adventurous Halloween evening.
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Is there any other character more iconic than Princess Leia? There are plenty of her looks to replicate (like her legendary metal bikini outfit), but if you’re looking for something more classic, you can’t go wrong with her signature, all-white snowsuit from the 1980 film, The Empire Strikes Back.
Get ready for your own day off this Halloween with this costume inspired by the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The set includes Ferris’s signature leather jacket and patterned sweater vest. Just don’t forget to grab your Cameron and Sloane before hitting the town!
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Now you can prowl through the streets on Halloween night just like the TMNT squad, and take down the Shredder in this jumpsuit. Featuring a turtle shell decal on the back, yellow turtle stomach, and lime green sleeves—it’s the perfect costume for showing off your ninja moves.
Grab your torch, crack the whip, and get ready to transform into your favorite adventurer from the iconic ’80s franchise. This Indiana Jones-inspired costume comes not only with a jacket and trousers but also Indiana’s signature hat and messenger bag.
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Pay tribute to the legendary pop princess by channeling her “Like A Virgin” days in this white getup. The costume comes with everything you need to make Madonna proud, from the dress to the fingerless gloves. All you have to do is nail that rebel attitude and red lip.
Dress up as your favorite cheerleader at Bayside High School that’s known for her positive attitude and killer style. There’s nothing Kelly Kapowski couldn’t pull off and channeling that cool girl energy with a crop top, short skirt, and sneaks is the way to do it. Oh, and don’t forget that feathered hair style!