So many classic comedies can be traced back to the late, great John Hughes. He either wrote, directed, or produced some of the funniest and most relatable movies of the '80s and early '90s. This Halloween [1], celebrate the genius filmmaker by dressing up as one of his iconic characters. These ideas are perfect if you're going solo (Ferris Bueller) or with a group (The Breakfast Club) to your seasonal festivity of choice this year. Take a look through, and don't forget to check out all our Halloween costume ideas [2]!
The Griswolds From Vacation
- What to wear: See if your parents still have some geeky suburban '80s clothes you can borrow.
- How to act: Like you're about to go on a big trip! Clark and Ellen are excited, but Audrey and Rusty . . . not so much.
Samantha Baker From Sixteen Candles
- What to wear: Go with the light pink bridesmaid dress. It's the most recognizable look from the movie, and it's just so retro. Extra points for the floral crown.
- How to act: Like your whole family forgot your birthday and your crazy sister just got married. Make your boyfriend go with you as Jake Ryan if he's into it.
Kevin McCallister From Home Alone
- What to wear: Winter clothes! Red sweater and scarf, tan jacket, Christmas beanie, and for effect, hold a toothbrush and some aftershave.
- How to act: Recite lines from that old movie Kevin watches in Home Alone. (Trivia: it's not actually a real movie, but you can find the quotes of the footage, which was created for Home Alone.) Now get outta here, ya filthy animal.
Harry and Marv From Home Alone
- What to wear: Big jackets, crazy hair for Marv, and a black beanie for Harry. Most importantly, those gloves with the fingers cut off.
- How to act: You're either the Wet Bandits or the Sticky Bandits, depending on which movie you're aiming for. Turn some sinks on, act dumb, and steal some trinkets. (Return them later, obviously.)
Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron From Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- What to wear: Ferris wears a white shirt, a leopard vest, and a leather jacket over jeans. The key to Sloane is that white fringed leather jacket, and Cameron needs a Detroit Red Wings jersey and khakis.
- How to act: Ferris is carefree, Sloane just loves Ferris, and Cameron is sick and cranky.
Buzz From Home Alone
- What to wear: Black zipper sweater and a ridiculously '90s buzz cut. That's literally the most important part.
- How to act: Like a total jerk.
The Geeks From Sixteen Candles
- What to wear: Go all out with geeky '80s clothes, electronic gear strapped to your head, and maybe even some fake braces for the night.
- How to act: Like you just paid five bucks to see a pair of ladies' panties in the bathroom at the school dance.
Uncle Buck
- What to wear: A long gray scarf, a classic trench coat with a matching fedora, a cigar, and a screwdriver.
- How to act: This is a fun one. Ask people if they've seen a fella named "Bug" and flash your screwdriver at them. Bring a bowling ball if you have one.
Neal and Del From Planes, Trains & Automobiles
- What to wear: For Neal, go with a gray business suit with a red tie, gray hair, and a black suitcase. For Del, an obnoxious mustache is the key, with a blue Windbreaker, brown pants, and red mittens.
- How to act: If you're Neal, you're annoyed by Del. If you're Del, you just want a buddy!
Lisa From Weird Science
- What to wear: This costume is only for the boldly confident, because you'll just need a pair of blue underwear and a white, long-sleeved crop top. Big hair is a necessity.
- How to act: You're the perfect woman. So good luck with that.
Gary and the Geeks From Weird Science
- What to wear: You'll need a couple friends to wear gray tanks tops and ridiculous hair.
- How to act: Like you created the perfect woman and she just walked out of your closet.
The Newton Family From Beethoven
- What to wear: Typical early '90s suburban fare. Sweaters, headbands, floral shirts for the girls, striped button-downs for the boys. The most important touch? Have a friend dress in a Saint Bernard suit.
- How to act: If you're part of the family, ask everyone if they've seen your dog. If you are the dog, slobber everywhere, and eat everything.
Economics Teacher From Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- What to wear: A light brown suit with a blue shirt and giant glasses.
- How to act: All you have to do is say "Bueller?" over and over. That's it.
Principal Ed Rooney From Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- What to wear: A dirty gray suit with a dark red tie and a mustache.
- How to act: Like you're looking for Ferris Bueller, duh.
The Breakfast Club
- What to wear: Bender needs gray pants, a red flannel, a jean jacket, and sunglasses. For Andrew, put on white sneakers, a blue letterman jacket, and jeans. Claire wears a pink shirt with a long brown skirt and boots. Brian needs a black sweater, khakis, and sneakers. For Allison, go with all black and gray, covering your whole body.
- How to act: Depends on your character — Bender is a jerk; Andrew is a conflicted pretty boy; Claire is stuck-up; Brian is a geek; and Allison is a hermit. But . . . they're all so much more that that.
John Hughes Halloween Costumes
