’90s-Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas That Are a Total Blast From the Past

October 21, 2023
3 mins read
Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

When it comes to thinking up the perfect Halloween costume, you usually want to go for something that isn’t going to be worn by a handful of other people at the same party. That’s exactly why you should start by throwing it back to the ’90s for costume inspiration!

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One of the best 1990s options we’ve seen so far has been Target’s version of Golden Girls costumes, which features outfits to dress as Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, or Sophia for a price tag of $78 each. Last year, (and not surprisingly) the retailer sold out of those costumes almost immediately! No, you can still snag a couple of select costumes.

Related: 25 Cheap, Easy DIY Halloween Decorations to Get Your Ghoul On 

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But don’t worry: even if you had your heart set on dressing as one of the Golden Girls and now feel like you can’t, there are plenty of other ’90s costumes out there that are just as impressive. Prefer big hair and shoulder pads? We’ve got you covered with ’80s-inspired costumes too.

How can you find the best ’90s Halloween costume?

Many stores are selling 1990s costume options, and you can also go the DIY route and make your own costume. Don’t forget to check reselling apps like Mercari or even Etsy for costume ideas. DIY bits and pieces of your 90s-inspired costume or go all out and buy the coolest one out there. 

Related: 17 Creative DIY Halloween Costumes for Women

’90s Costume Ideas

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Fashion Nova

Dress in an almost perfect replica of Vivian’s most iconic outfit from 1990’s Pretty Woman and impress everyone. Just don’t wear this dress without the thigh-high boots or it won’t be complete!

Pretty Lady 3 Piece Costume Set – Blue/combo, $48.99, Fashion Nova

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Instagram/@wthect0r

Steve Urkel is another costume that’s pretty easy to put together on your own. Just don’t forget to say “Did I do that?” all night long. 

Photo courtesy @wthect0r

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

HalloweenCostumes.com

If you want to dress up as a funny character everyone will laugh at, you can’t go wrong with Ace Ventura. Walk around with a goofy grin on your face, and definitely be sure to gel your hair just right.

Ace Ventura Costume with Wig, $59.99 – $69.99, HalloweenCostumes.com 

Related: 15 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes for Men

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Reddit/lisamancinerh

If you grew up in the ’90s or had kids in the ’90s, then you probably know and love Nickelodeon’s Rugrats. She might have been the biggest bully in the playground, but she was also strangely lovable, and this costume is adorable. 

Photo courtesy of Reddit user u/lisamancinerh

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Instagram/@vanessaxcamille

The Spice Girls are one of the most iconic girl groups of all time, and they deserve recognition every day, especially on Halloween. Get a group of friends together to dress as each wild personality, or just dress as your favorite Spice Girl on your own. 

Photo courtesy of @vanessaxcamille 

Related: Halloween Trivia

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Spirit Halloween

Hocus Pocus has been so popular recently that it’s almost easy to forget it was a ’90s movie. Dressing up as Sara Sanderson is the ideal way to celebrate Halloween. If you have two friends who also want to get in on it, have them dress as the other two Sanderson sisters, Winifred and Mary!

Adult Sara Sanderson Costume, $129.99, Spirit Halloween

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

HalloweenCostumes.com

If you were a fan of Saved By The Bell, you’re more than familiar with Kelly Kapowski, the popular girl with the best ’90s style. If you don’t want to buy the full costume, Kelly’s look is easy enough to copy on your own! 

Saved By The Bell Kelly Kapowski Costume, $34.99, HalloweenCostumes.com

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

HalloweenCostumes.com

There are a few ways to do a Forrest Gump costume, but this one is fun and stands out more. The beard really completes the whole look! 

Running Forrest Gump Costume, $59.99, HalloweenCostumes.com

Related: DIY Halloween Decorations

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Instagram/@valeriecosplay

Dressing as Mrs. Frizzle is a really cute costume, especially if you’re a teacher or looking for something very kid-friendly. Of course, the look is not complete without a pet lizard on your shoulder (preferably fake). 

Photo courtesy of @valeriecosplay

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Amazon

Who could forget about the Power Rangers? This costume is not only really cool and on point, but it’s also very warm, which is a nice bonus. 

Disguise Saban Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Pink Ranger Sassy Bodysuit Costume, $52 – $84.99, Amazon

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Instagram/@myeverydaylifestyle

Rachel doesn’t have a specific outfit on Friends, but everyone will know who you are if you wear a Central Perk apron and carry around a mug of coffee. 

Photo courtesy of @myeverydaylifestyle 

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Instagram/@diamond_strawberry

As if! Clueless has to be one of the best ’90s movies ever made, which is really saying something, so you can’t go wrong with a Dionne costume (and you can have your BFF dress up as Cher). Start with a plaid skirt and blazer and don’t forget the knee socks! Add a fabulous hat and you’ll be “rollin’ with the homies” in no time.

Photo courtesy of @diamond_strawberry

Throw it back to the 90s for your costume that's all that and a bag of chips.

Instagram/@magically.kellie

One of the first iconic DCOMs to hit our TVs back in the 90s, Zenon Girl of The 21st Century featured a girl just like us, except with way cooler gadgets (at the time). And a space station address. Zetus Lapetus!

Photo courtesy of @magically.kellie

Next up, Heidi Klum Halloween Costumes, Ranked


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