Easy '80s Workout Costumes That Are Both Comfy and Nostalgic
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Not sure what to be this Halloween? Take our advice and turn to the classic (but by no means boring) '80s workout costume. If you have any workout clothes lying around, it's easy enough to pull off, and spooky season should be spent enjoying haunted houses, scaring your friends, and eating bat-shaped Reese's peanut butter cups ā not stressing over your 'fit.
The '80s workout getup, after all, is an iconic look. It makes an easy last-minute Halloween costume, and is also the perfect choice if you just want to wear something comfy and stretchy to ring in All Hallows' Eve. The colorful, nostalgic eyesore of spandex represents one of the easiest low-effort costumes to pull off, and it's just so damn fun to wear. You'll be ready to take on anything this Halloween, whether it's miles on your feet trick-or-treating or a Halloween party dance-off.
To inspire your '80s workout outfit, we have a colorful lineup of inspiration from those neon-clad, leg-warmer-wearing, Jazzercise glory days that will leave you feeling super confident about your costume this year. Get ready to channel your inner Jane Fonda, rollerblade Barbie, or even '80s suburban mom Karen Wheeler from "Stranger Things." Then it's as simple as raiding your closet (or your mom's!), hitting the thrift store, or breaking out your cutest matching workout set. Ready to break a sweat?
ā Additional reporting by Christina Stiehl and Melissa Santoyo
Don't Forget the '80s Hair
A classic '80s perm or sideways ponytail is essential for this costume. And if you can't handle that much hairspray, try a wig instead. If you're looking for inspiration for either, check out Karen's hair on "Stranger Things."
Try a Tracksuit
Looking for a more modest (but no-less-fabulous) option in the realm of '80s workout fashion? Try wearing a tracksuit. Many of these can be found online through secondhand retailers like Poshmark.
Coordinate Your Colors
For this simple '80s workout costume, try matching your ankle warmers with your leotard, or, for a more elevated ensemble, try colorblocking instead. Colorblocking is a trend where you'd wear two contrasting blocks of color ā almost like it's so bad, it's right.
Stand Out With Colorful Makeup
The perfect addition to any '80s workout costume? A neon eyeshadow look and bright pink lip to match. Pack on those vibrant shades, and get ready to dance the night away.
Grab Your Besties or Partner to Match Costumes
The only thing better than one '80s jazzercise instructor is two. With costumes as vibrant as these, you and your partner or BFF are sure to turn heads on Halloween. Alternatively, '80s workout clothes make for a fast and easy group costume, too.
Try a Neon Onesie and Ankle Warmers
If you have a workout onesie or bodysuit like this one, it makes for the perfect '80s workout costume base. Just add accessories, like sweatbands, leg warmers, and retro sneakers.
Go on Roller Skates
Ramp up the "wow" factor on your '80s workout outfit with fun props or funky footwear, like roller skates or a boom box. Fun fact: you can even buy the exact pair of neon rollerblades worn in "Barbie."
Layer On Some Outerwear and a Fanny Pack
Including a colorful track jacket or even a cropped sweatshirt to your '80s workout Halloween costume will keep you warm and looking good. A fanny pack serves as the perfect functional accessory to hold your phone, keys, and wallet.
Accessorize With Workout Equipment
Fun workout props ā like this colorful dumbbell or a set of wrist or ankle weights ā add a little extra detail to an already-stellar '80s workout costume.
Add a Statement Headband Instead
If you're really not in the mood for any complicated updos or hairspray escapades, a bright headband or sweatband will do the trick.
Wear a Belt and Tights
Styling a typical '80s workout costume with a colorful belt makes for a fun deviation on an otherwise pretty standard getup. If you're wearing a bodysuit, try layering it over your brightest leggings or colored or patterned tights.
Opt For Colorful Animal Print
The '80s was not the time for subtlety, so when in doubt, neon and animal print should be your go-to.
Channel Richard Simmons
If you want to take your Halloween costume a step further, try dressing up like a specific '80s workout instructor, like Richard Simmons or Jane Fonda.
Layer Bike Shorts Under a Leotard
Put your favorite bike shorts to good use this Halloween with a slight variation on the standard '80s aerobics outfit. Just layer a one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit on top for a look that's both comfortable and stylish.
Get In on "Barbieween"
If you want to get in on the "Barbie" craze this year but love the idea of an '80s workout outfit, this costume is the perfect mix. Pointed-toe heels and a big pink scrunchie take this workout Halloween costume out of the aerobics studio and into a Barbie box.
Put Running Shorts on Top
If you'd like a little more coverage compared to wearing leggings or a bodysuit, try layering looser workout shorts like running shorts over your ensemble.
Zombie-fy It
If you love the '80s workout costume look but can't resist making it creepy, go as the zombie or dead version of an aerobics instructor; just add fake blood and ghoulish makeup.