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16 February 2024 | Posted in:  Halloween |

Most Popular Halloween Costumes For Every Decade

Finding the perfect Halloween costume can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options to choose from - scary, cute, creative, and more - the choices can feel endless!

When you’re feeling stuck finding the perfect outfit, you can’t go wrong with a decade's theme. Travel back in time with fun, nostalgic outfits that perfectly capture different eras. Let’s explore the most popular Halloween costumes for every decade so you can see a century’s worth of inspiration.

1920s Costumes

Transport yourself to the roaring 20s with a classic gangster or flapper Halloween costume this year. You’d fit in at a Gatsby-themed party with a snazzy gangster suit or perfectly fringed flapper dress. And don’t forget about the accessories! From fedoras and feathers and pearls and suspenders, you can completely embody these popular 1920s costumes.

1930s/1940s Costumes

A decade later, the height of Hollywood glamour stepped on the scene. Be inspired by classic red carpet stars in a sequin gown and fur stole. Or, have some more fun as a pin-up girl with the perfect finger waves. And men can get in touch with your devious side by embodying a classic 1940s gangster in a zoot suit. 

Of course, the 1940s were also the time of WW2. Find classic military-inspired Halloween costumes like officer uniforms, aviator uniforms, or naval fits. For a finishing touch, you can’t go wrong with the perfect retro wig or newsie cap.

1950s Costumes

When it comes to Halloween costumes by decade, the 50s has some of the most iconic fits. Think of classic films like Grease, beloved shows like I Love Lucy, and movie stars like Marilyn Monroe.

When it comes to 1950s Halloween costumes, try a poodle skirt or dressing up as one of your favourite Grease characters. Men can give their best Elvis impersonation or look stylish as a T-Bird in all black. Plus, Danny and Sandy make the perfect themed couples costume for this decade.

1960s/1970s Costumes

When it comes to 60s and 70s costumes, these outfits are unmatched. These decades were all about flower power, peace, and, of course, disco. Channel your inner go-go dancer on the dance floor in a classic 60s costume like a mod chic mini dress in a bold and bright print. Men and women alike can rock psychedelic tie dye patterns that will stand out as you dance the night away under a disco ball.

Or, be inspired by 70s costumes with an equal amount of flair. These 70s Halloween costumes will make you feel like you’re in Saturday Night Fever. Of course, no 1970s costume is complete without accessories. From kitsch jewellery to platform shoes, you can make your 70s disco costume completely your own.

Image of a woman dressed in 60s and 70s style outfit drinking a milkshake

1980s Costumes

For the next decade, it’s time to swap your peace sign for some leg warmers. 80s Halloween costumes are all about lace leggings, fluro and neon spandex tights, fishnet gloves, ra-ra skirts, big hair bows and rad leg warmers.

Just think of your favourite retro movie, pop star, or rock band for some inspiration for your 80s costume. Of course, the hair is what really makes your 80s costume stand out. With the right wig, you don’t have to commit to a big chop. Choose from mullets, curls, neon wigs and more that can help you embody your favourite 80s singers or personalities. 

1990s Costumes

The 1990s were a huge mix of hip-hop, grunge, pop stars and movie stars. Just think of all your favourite cartoons or TV characters you grew up with! The best 90s costumes range from everything from rappers and pop stars to iconic TV and movie characters.

Be inspired by your most-loved TV shows like Rugrats, Baywatch, and Power Rangers. Or, go another route with your 90s Halloween costume as your favourite rapper or singer. Even get a group together and become the Spice Girls for your night out on the town with your girlfriends!

You also can’t go wrong with a classic 90s costume inspired by the style trends of the decade. Channel your inner grunge with fake piercings, fake tattoos and your fave band shirt. Or, be comfy in iconic baggy overalls with 1 leg up and 1 down… you know the look!

2000s Costumes

Finally, we can’t forget some Y2K fashion. Grab your butterfly clips, crop tops, and baggy jeans to become your fave early 2000s Disney Channel character. 2000s costumes are perfect for making pop culture references or even group fits. Consider dressing up like Lizzie McGuire or Paris Hilton or get your friends together to be the Cheetah Girls.

Guys can dress like their favourite rappers or singers with iconic baggy jeans and frosted tips.


No matter which decade you want to dress for, Heaven Costumes has the perfect Halloween costumes for every era. Shop our themed Halloween costumes today!