55 Best '80s Halloween Costumes to Go Back to the Future
Flash back to the totally tubular decade.
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If you're anything like Ree Drummond, you're probably obsessed with all things from the 1980s―you know, the best decade ever! This October, go back in time with one of these best '80s Halloween costumes and remember why you loved those John Hughes movies, amazing tunes, and the days when you teased your hair to your heart's content. You can pay homage to your favorite '80s movies or TV characters by dressing up as the fierce ladies of The Golden Girls, Marty McFly from Back to the Future, or Baby from Dirty Dancing.
Get your friends and relatives in on the '80s action with plenty of fun group and family Halloween costumes, including a Princess Bride or Star Wars trio. Or try a best friend Halloween costume inspired by Heathers! And if you want an excuse to play your favorite '80s songs all night long, consider dressing up as one of the decade's biggest musical stars, like Madonna. Take it from The Pioneer Woman herself, "Throw on some '80s music... it makes everybody happy!"
The '80s were full of bold styles and bright colors, which means that not only will you serve up a fresh dose of nostalgia with these costumes, but they'll also look totally choice in all of your Instagram photos. Choose from easy DIY Halloween costumes or a store-bought option if you're looking for good last-minute Halloween costumes. Either way, this roundup of '80s ideas will give you the totally tubular transformation you want!
These costume ideas are just as rad:
Ring Pop Costume
Ring Pops hit a sweet spot in the '80s and continue to be a nostalgic favorite! You can turn yourself into any flavor you want with some simple supplies like cardboard and hot glue.
Sebastian the Crab Costume
The new The Little Mermaid movie may be super popular right now, but the original came out in 1989! Go under the sea this Halloween by going as one of the most iconic cartoon characters, Sebastian.
Get the tutorial at Tabitha Sewer.
Run DMC Costumes
It's tricky to rock a rhyme, but it's not tricky to dress up as Run DMC! Just grab a lot of Adidas and some fun gold chains. A boombox finishes off the whole look.
See more at Living Pretty on a Penny.
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Costume
One of the most iconic characters from the original Ghostbusters is the puffy, fluffy marshmallow man that comes to life. Thankfully, you an create this much cuter version that won't crush everything in its path.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
'80s Prom Costumes
Head to your local thrift shop and we bet you'll find a totally rad prom dress from one of the poofiest decades. Splurge on a crimper and some very bright makeup, and you're ready to be crowned prom queen!
See more at Twist Me Pretty.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Costume
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started off as a comic book series and TV series in the '80s. You can make this easy kids costume with green footie pajamas and felt details. Turtle power!
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
Here's one bride who definitely didn't wear white on her wedding day. Pay tribute to the iconic look from the 1988 hit Beetlejuice by keeping it simple with a stunning store-bought dress.
Mario and Luigi Costume
"It's-a me, Mario!" Grab your best bud and dress up as Mario and Luigi this Halloween. All you'll need are T-shirts and overalls from you own closet and a few store-bought (or DIY) accessories.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
'Kiki's Delivery Service' Costume
Fans of the 1989 cult classic fantasy film Kiki's Delivery Service will love this couples costume. It features Kiki and her friend Tombo and their flying broom and machine!
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Troll Costume
Troll dolls were huge in the '80s and '90s so this look will work well for either decade. This costume is all about the hair, so get ready to do a lot of teasing and spraying with the temporary color spray of choice. Or just grab a wig. And don't forget your belly button jewel!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Ree's a huge fan of William Zabka, who played bad boy Johnny in both the original Karate Kid movie and the show Cobra Kai. This costume makes it so easy to transform into his character, and you can order it with or without the blonde wig.
Ariel Costume
If you're a fan of The Little Mermaid cartoon, grab a red wig and DIY this day dress to transform into the human Ariel just like she did. Don't forget to add Flounder!
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Eleven from 'Stranger Things'
If you need a last-minute costume idea, throw on a pair of high tops and grab a box of Eggos to turn into the character Eleven from Stranger Things. Anyone who's a fan of the show will instantly get it!
Get the tutorial at Vida Fashionista.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Two of the three films from the original Star Wars trilogy debuted in the '80s, but an Obi-Wan costume is a classic choice no matter the decade! If you've got some basic sewing skills, you can make a custom robe just like his. We love the pool noodle lightsaber, too. 😂
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Push it real good in this awesome find. Salt-N-Pepa had such an iconic look when they burst onto the hip-hop scene in the '80s, and this getup will be instantly recognizable. Just know that people will be singing Salt-N-Pepa's greatest hits to you all night!
Where's Waldo Family Costume
It's all the fun of the classic '80s Waldo search but in costume form! This one is cute, easy, fast—and you can wear the pieces with your normal wardrobe.
See more at Lovely Indeed.
Rocker and Cassette Tape Costume
For this fun look, just grab some trendy '80s leggings and accessories, upcycle a few cardboard boxes, and you'll be ready to rock! Well, right after you explain to the kiddos what a cassette tape is. 😂
See more at The Craft Patch.
Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Your little one will be the sweetest pick from the patch this Halloween in this adorable Strawberry Shortcake costume. The beloved cartoon may have gotten its start in the '80s but we're still awwwing over her signature apron dress, hat, and striped leggings.
See more at Brightly Living.
Rubik's Cube Costume
Your costume conundrum will be easily solved with this fun choice! The popular '80s toy makes for a unique, simple, and wallet-friendly choice this Halloween.
See more at Made Everyday.
Freddy Krueger Costume
Bring the nightmare to your street this October with this creepy costume from the popular '80s slasher film. Just find a striped top, DIY or buy a glove, throw on a hat, and you're ready to play the part.
See more at New Dress A Day.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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