51 Rad 80s Costume Ideas to Rock Your 2025 Party
The 80s are long gone, but 80s costume ideas have never gone out of fashion. Whether you need a totally tubular Halloween costume or you’re looking for fun summer party themes, we’ve put together a list of gnarly costumes for any occasion.
Putting together a retro look after years of stashing away leg warmers and neon can feel intimidating. Fortunately, once you know the basics, it’s easy to nail the style. Channel your inner Madonna, gear up like Marty McFly or bring back Jazzercise with these spunky, colorful outfits that make dressing up all‑around awesome.
Jump to Section
- 80s Costume Ideas for Women
- 80s Costume Ideas for Guys
- 80s Party Costume Ideas
- Last-Minute 80s Costume Ideas
- 80s Costume Ideas for Couples
- Adult 80s Costume Ideas
- 80s Movie Costume Ideas
- 80s Costume Ideas for Kids
- 80s Costume Ideas FAQ
80s Costume Ideas for Women
1. Alex Owens from Flashdance
Time to break out the leg warmers! Pair them with an oversized grey sweater and pink pointed-toe heels. A colorful wig and lots of jewelry could be fun accessories if you want to bring in some Cyndi Lauper vibes.
Don’t let the look just be for show — practice your dance moves at dance classes in the Bay Area, dance classes in Chicago, dance classes in Las Vegas or dance classes near you.
2. Madonna
No list of 80s costume ideas would be complete without Madonna. Dress like the Queen of Pop in her heyday with black lace leggings, a cropped jacket, a black tutu and a big bow headpiece.
3. Jazzercise Outfit
If you’re looking for 80s costume ideas for women that are easy to DIY, it doesn’t get much simpler than a Jazzercise outfit. All you need are leg warmers, tights, shorts, wristbands, a leotard and a crop top. The colors are up to you, but the more neon, the better.
4. Salt-N-Pepa
An early MTV icon, Salt-N-Pepa is a great choice if you want to feel fly with your 80s costume ideas. You can find their iconic warm-up jackets and necklaces online, so you’ll just need a black unitard and red boots.
5. Baby From Dirty Dancing
You can’t beat 80s costume ideas that look fancy but come together in a pinch. With a pink cocktail dress, a white belt for the waist and a curly blonde wig, you’ll look just like Baby. If only impressive dance moves were that easy to DIY!
6. Whitney Houston
80s costume ideas like this will have you feeling ready to dance with somebody. You just need a poofy, off-the-shoulder dress and you’re set to go.
7. Joan Jett
Heads will turn when you walk into the party dressed like one of the biggest female rock icons of the 80s. This costume comes together in a snap with a black wig, black tank top, studded choker and a motorcycle jacket.
8. Strawberry Shortcake
A pink gingham dress, green striped socks, a pink wig and stick-on freckles are all you need for 80s costume ideas that channel this nostalgic symbol.
80s Costume Ideas for Guys
9. Rock Star
The 80s were all about rock and roll, so a rocker is only fitting for 80s costume ideas. All you need are zebra-print pants, a teased mullet wig, and an inflatable guitar to bring the look to life. You can channel icons like Axl Rose or even glam rockers like David Bowie or Bret Michaels. Rock on!
10. Marty McFly From Back to the Future
80s costume ideas inspired by famous movies are always fun, and this one is so easy to pull off with a zip-up vest, a checkered shirt and a skateboard.
11. Prince
With a purple trench coat and a ruffled white shirt with a high neckline, you can pay tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the generation.
12. Hip-Hop Artist
Channel your inner rapper with a tracksuit, fake gold chain, bucket hat and sneakers. Carry around a boombox or Walkman for the most authentic look — just don’t be surprised if people ask to hear a few bars.
13. Freddy Krueger
If you want to spook everyone at the party, throw on a tattered red and green sweater and go as Freddy Krueger. You’ll have to buy the mask and gloves, but they’re easy to find either online or at a party store.
14. Michael Jackson
Embody the King of Pop with a white shirt under a red leather jacket, aviator sunglasses, a black fedora and a single sequined glove.
15. Karate Kid
You can bring this costume together in a flash if you happen to have a karate uniform somewhere. If not, you can buy or thrift one without breaking the bank.
16. David Bowie
Looking for 80s costume ideas that make a statement? Starman is the way to go. You’ll be the life of the party with a red mullet wig, flamboyant makeup, animal print and lots of accessories.
80s Party Costume Ideas
17. Prom Queen
Does your mom have her old prom dress lying around somewhere? If not, this is still one of the easiest 80s party costume ideas. Tease your hair, find a colorful dress with puffy sleeves and lots of ruffles and finish with some bold makeup.
If you’re planning an 80s theme party, wear your prom queen dresses to paint and sip classes in Atlanta, paint and sip classes in Boston, paint and sip classes in Miami or in a city near you.
18. The Smurfs
Bring this classic 80s cartoon back to life with a long-sleeved blue shirt, a red or white hat, and either red, white, or blue pants (depending on which Smurf you’re channeling). Whether you're going for Papa Smurf, Smurfette, or Brainy Smurf, this costume is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.
19. Where’s Waldo?
Unlike in the books, you’ll definitely stand out in the crowd with a red-striped shirt and hat — but that’s the point of 80s costume ideas, isn’t it?
20. Super Mario Bros.
The fact that Super Mario Bros. debuted on vintage 80s Nintendo systems and still exists today, proving its timeless appeal. Choose your favorite character — Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or even Bowser — and either buy the costume or DIY it yourself. If you're looking for 80s costume ideas for a group, this is perfect. The whole gang can unite to take on Bowser and save the Mushroom Kingdom.
21. Army Toy Soldiers
You’ll look exactly like the classic toy soldiers with army hats, green bodysuits and camouflage jackets. Spray-paint your entire outfit green for the most realistic look.
22. Jem
Whether you’re going solo or have your Holograms with you, all-pink 80s costume ideas never disappoint.
Last-Minute 80s Costume Ideas
23. Cassette Tape
Cassette tape 80s costume ideas are surprisingly abundant online and guaranteed to grab attention. Channel the nostalgia of the 80s by dressing up as a cassette tape, complete with retro designs and vibrant colors, to stand out in any costume party.
24. Elliot and E.T.
This one’s for the dog owners out there. Throw on a red hoodie, wrap your dog in a blanket and hop on a bike to recreate one of the most legendary 80s movies. Whether you need last-minute 80s costume ideas for females or males, this is a keeper.
25. Rubik’s Cube
Before kids had smartphones to bury their heads in all day long, Rubik’s cubes were the hottest trend sweeping the nation. You can find Rubik’s Cube 80s costume ideas that are surprisingly stylish, featuring a multicolored skirt resembling the popular toy.
26. Pretty in Pink
If you’re going as Andie, any pink outfit will do. For Duckie 80s costume ideas, wear flamboyant colors that clash, paired with a brown blazer for that signature quirky look.
27. Troop Beverly Hills
You can be a wilderness girl in no time with a green beret, a tan blouse and skirt, and a green scarf. Simple 80s costume ideas don’t get easier than this.
28. Tracksuit
The tracksuit was another 80s workout clothing trend that nobody seems eager to bring back, but it’s fun for 80s costume ideas. Find one with geometric print to really capture the 80s style.
80s Costume Ideas for Couples
29. Pac-Man and Pac-Woman
This has to be one of the cutest 80s costume ideas for couples. Use felt or cardboard to cut out the Pac-Man and Pac-Woman shapes and attach them to your outfits with glue.
30. Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz
Get red formal wear for both of you, plus white face paint, thick eyeliner and a green wig for whoever is going as Beetlejuice.
31. Operation
Put a sexy spin on this classic board game. One of you will be the surgeon while the other wears a nude bodysuit with taped-on felt shapes of various objects to be “removed.”
32. Goose and Maverick from Top Gun
All you need are coveralls and flight patches to become one of the most iconic duos of all time. You can buy the costumes online, or they’re super easy to make yourself.
33. Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit
A sparkly red dress for her and red suspenders (with bunny ears, of course) for him are all you need to recreate one of the most iconic 80s costume ideas.
34. Westley and Buttercup From The Princess Bride
One of the most showstopping 80s costume ideas for couples, this look is perfect whether you buy or DIY it. She’ll need a flowing red dress, a gold belt, and a circlet headband, while he’s good to go with an all-black outfit and a sword. It also doubles as a great option for Renaissance Faire costume ideas.
Adult 80s Costume Ideas
35. The Shining Twins
Grab a friend and put a creepy twist on your adult 80s costume ideas with black flats, knee-high white socks and gray denim dresses with pink belts.
36. Batman
Be the hero of the party with 80s costume ideas like Batman. Bonus points if you have someone to go with you as The Joker!
37. Marge Simpson
Have a green dress and a blue wig? Then you’re well on your way to creating one of the most iconic adult 80s costume ideas.
38. Ring Pop
With poster board, foam core, adhesive vinyl and a few other materials, you can turn yourself into a giant ring pop. This is definitely one of the most creative 80s costume ideas out there.
39. Poltergeist
This costume is especially fun for Halloween. You need fuzzy slippers, a white robe or nightgown and a poster of a TV set for a look so spot-on, it’s scary.
40. Devo
Do your best interpretation of the “Whip It” singers with red dome hats and a monochromatic outfit. You can either buy the hats or make them with foam or cardboard.
80s Movie Costume Ideas
41. The Breakfast Club
If you need 80s party costume ideas for a group, look no further. Let everyone choose their character and bring this cult classic back into the mainstream.
42. Princess Leia From Return of the Jedi
Princess Leia is a timeless choice for 80s movie costume ideas. Be sure to add her signature accessories, like the armband, choker and, of course, those iconic space buns.
43. Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? Make your own Slimer uniform with brown coveralls and a backpack, and complete the look with a Ghostbusters decal and a proton pack, both of which you can find online.
44. Ferris Bueller
You won’t want to miss the party with 80s costume ideas this cool. Show up in style with a faux leather jacket, printed sweater vest, and suede shoes for the perfect throwback look.
45. Indiana Jones
With a faux snakeskin jacket, a button-up shirt, a pair of dungarees, combat boots and the all-important fedora, you can be one of the most iconic movie characters of the decade in no time.
46. Ariel From The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid was the only Disney film of the 80s, so it’s a natural choice for 80s movie costume ideas. Making your own mermaid costume can be fun if you want a DIY project, but you can also buy it.
80s Costume Ideas for Kids
47. Troll Doll
80s costume ideas for kids should be fun, and Trolls definitely fit the bill — and with the recent movie adaptation, they’ll recognize the characters and get excited to dress like them. You just need a brightly-colored wig to bring the iconic dolls to life.
48. Care Bears
Kids today may not know about Care Bears, but they still make cute costumes (especially if you go as a family). Let the kiddos pick a bear and use felt to make the decals.
49. Cabbage Patch Kids
A yarn wig is all it takes to create one of the most adorable 80s costume ideas for kids. Dress them in denim overalls with a long-sleeved shirt underneath to complete the look.
50. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
With green footie pajamas, felt and a few other simple materials, your kids will have the coolest costume on the block.
51. Stranger Things
While Stranger Things is a modern TV series, it’s set in the 80s, and kids love it. The costumes are also easy to make since the characters wear relatively plain outfits.
80s Costume Ideas FAQs
What To Wear to an 80s-Themed Party?
When planning your outfit for an 80s-themed party, decide if you want to embody a famous musician or movie character from the era or if you'd rather embrace the bold style of the 80s. Pop icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna are always a hit, or you can keep it simple by rocking neon colors or channeling your inner rock star.
How To Make a Quick 80s Outfit?
The easiest way to make a quick 80s outfit is to think about general fashion trends from the decade instead of dressing like a specific person or character. Things like bold colors, geometric prints, tracksuits and sunglasses were all very popular.
How To Dress a Girl for 80s Day?
When it comes to dressing a girl for 80s day, think neon. From leg warmers to tutus to oversized sweaters, bright and bold colors are a must. Fingerless gloves can be a fun accessory if your kid is going for a rock or pop star look.
Dressing up in the style of a past decade is a fun way to revisit old trends and pay homage to the iconic figures and characters who shaped modern culture. 80s pop culture left a lasting mark on fashion, and now you’ve got plenty of inspiration to create a bold, loud, and gnarly look. What’s next? A 90s theme party, perhaps?
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