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You know you’re getting old when you pull out the line “they just don’t make X like they used to”. I’m at that point because I believe “they just don’t make movies like they did in the 80’s”. The 80’s produced some of the most iconic movies of all time (or at least iconic to those of us who were alive then). Go back to the future with these 80’s Halloween costumes inspired by some of the best flicks the decade had to offer.
80’s Halloween Costumes
Back To The Future
Back to the Future is one of the most popular time-travel movies of all time. Embrace your inner nerd and dress up as the lovable and goofy Marty McFly from Back to the Future.
The puffer vest and the classic Nikes are the main components in this 80’s costume. Add a denim jacket, a plaid shirt, suspenders, and aviators to complete the look.
This costume isn’t just for men. Ladies can get in on the fun too!
Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts Baby in a corner. If your guy is reluctant to go all in on a couple’s Halloween costume, it doesn’t get much easier than Baby and Johnny from Dirty Dancing.
If you’re going for simple and easy, copy Baby’s shorts and white shirt look. Add a pair of white Keds and you’ll have the time of your life.
Johnny’s look is just as easy – black t-shirt, black pants, black shoes.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Ferris Bueller is the ultimate bad boy and can be the inspiration for an epic 80’s Halloween costume. He was a hipster before hipster was even a thing.
The unique jacket and vest are hard to come by but luckily Amazon sells them as a package deal. Costume only includes the jacket and vest but take it to the next level with Ferris’s other “special” accessories.
The Breakfast Club – Claire
Poor little rich girl Claire is the inspiration for this 80’s Halloween costume. For a couple’s costume, have your guy throw on a denim jacket, trenchcoat, and motorcycle boots and go as Bender.
Recreate Claire’s preppy look with a long skirt, boots, a pink shirt, belt, and scarf.
Pretty in Pink
Pretty in Pink is probably my all-time favorite 80’s movie. I used to listen to “If You Leave” by OMD on repeat in high school.
Andie’s style throughout the movie is what we call “thrift store chic”. Most Pretty in Pink costumes for Andie will involve the prom dress she wore at the end. But Alex summed it up best. “She worked on that damn dress throughout the whole movie and then it ended up being ugly as hell.” Well said, daughter of mine. Create an awesome Andie costume inspired by her quirky style instead. Check out your local thrift stores for some of these pieces too. After all, that’s where Andie shopped, right?
Duckie also had a pretty unique style. He was working a slightly less-hip Ferris Bueller vibe. Recreate Duckie’s look with a porkpie hat, a cool bolo tie, some snazzy shoes, and a blazer and vest. You also scour the thrift stores for this costume too. Goodwill usually has a ton of blazers and vests for guys in very interesting patterns.
- Blazer
- Vest
- Shoes
- Bolo tie
- Porkpie hat (what an odd name for a hat…)
- Round sunglasses
Say Anything
I’d be willing to bet that the thing most people remember about Say Anything is John Cusack serenading his lady with a boombox that’s playing “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel.
Is there anything that tugs at your heartstrings more than an underachiever pursuing, and then winning, a girl that’s way out of his league? I think not. Recreate Lloyd’s slacker look with a trenchcoat, track pants, high tops, and of course, the requisite boombox. Did you know you can still buy those?? Bonus points if you can find Peter Gabriel’s “So” album on cassette.
Diane’s most recognizable look is the outfit she wore to the graduation party. It’s easily created with a simple white dress, a shawl, and the distinctive flower in your hair.
If you’re feeling a little nostalgic for the good old days of the 80’s, you’re not alone. The 80’s are making a comeback in a big way. Everything from Stranger Things to Stephen King’s IT is embracing the vibe of the 80’s. Go retro and trendy at the same time with an 80’s Halloween costume inspired by all the teen angst that 80’s movies were known for.
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