If you’ve been telling me how hard it is to find a costume, I hear you! Staying spooky and stylish for Halloween isn’t always easy, so I’m always on the lookout for ideas that deliver on both fronts.
Enter the 80s, one of this season’s standout themes. It’s creepy, iconic, and comes in just about every movie and celebrity style you can imagine.
Read on to see my favorite 80s costumes that will keep you looking scary and fabulous.
1. Ghostbusters
Source: @reematkhalid
If you’re looking for a family costume idea, this one is such a home run. I personally love this concept of two Ghostbusters with a little baby ghost.
It’s such a fun idea and these costumes would be a total hit at any Halloween event. You can easily buy Ghostbusters costumes online, which makes this look a breeze to try as a family or even go solo.
2. Dirty Dancing Costume
Source: @antiquesugar
Okay, who doesn’t love Dirty Dancing? This next costume idea is inspired by the movie and it’s just so simple. The look is based on Baby, and it’s a really fun concept that everyone is guaranteed to love.
You could totally try this one or go for the iconic dress from the final dance scene. This could also be an amazing couples costume if you have your other half dress as Patrick Swayze.
3. Gremlins Costume
Source: @darthmitsy
This next idea is for all the movie fans out there. Anyone who loves Gremlins will immediately recognize the cute little Gizmo and the gremlin that was fed after midnight.
I think this is such an amazing costume idea, and you can recreate this with similar clothing you might already own and some Gremlin toys.
If you’re hoping for a group costume, there are plenty of other characters and lots of Gremlins you could base outfits on.
4. 80’s Workout Outfit Costume
Source: @laurentrivison
If you’re on the hunt for 80s Halloween costumes that are simple to create, a blast to wear, and perfect for your whole squad, this is a fool-proof choice.
As you can see, this group is rocking neon workout gear. This look is so much fun and it is something you definitely would have seen in the 80s. Of course, you can wear this as a solo costume, too.
5. Wendy and Jack Torrance
Source: @lini_hdz
The Shining is one of the most terrifying movies ever, so I just had to include it on my list of the best 80s Halloween costumes. These two are dressed as Wendy and Jack Torrance.
Costumes like this are pretty easy to put together since you just have to find similar clothes, but it’s a look that most people will recognize right away. You could recreate this or try other scary characters from the movie, like the twins.
6. Madonna
Source: @elettracoppolino
First up on my list is an idea inspired by the one and only 80s icon Madonna. This costume is based on one of her popular looks, and it’s both stylish and so fun.
Something like this is a great choice for those who want to dress up but also keep that cool-girl vibe. A similar costume is pretty easy to recreate. Give this one a try, or choose one of her other amazing 80s outfits.
7. Beetlejuice Barbara Costume
Source: @shoplastrites
For all the fans of the movie Beetlejuice, this next costume is for you. This outfit is based on the character Barbara Maitland when she is wearing the wedding dress in the film.
I’m obsessed with this one because the costume is creepy, but you also get to rock an 80s wedding dress. How fun is that?
You could even do this as a group or a couple’s costume and include other characters.