Throwback Thursday
Bring the ultimate social media hashtag to life with retro style.
A Throwback Thursday (or #TBT) costume is all about channeling nostalgia, whether for school spirit week, a themed party, or Halloween. This look typically features iconic fashion trends from past decades, such as vibrant 80s workout gear, 90s grunge, or classic school photos. It is a highly customizable costume that lets you showcase your favorite retro aesthetic with humor and style.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $15–50
Try it on
See yourself as Throwback Thursday
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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40 Throwback Thursday costume ideas
Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.
Barbie and Ken Costume
Step into a neon world as the ultimate, fashion-forward plastic duo.
Ken Costume
Bring the ultimate Kenergy with this iconic Western look.
Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Bring sweet 1980s nostalgia to life with this classic berry look.
Pimp Costume
Bring the ultimate 1970s swagger with velvet, animal print, and gold.
Jennifer Check Costume
Channel horror's favorite Y2K queen with this killer pink heart look.
Happy Gilmore Costume
Channel your inner hockey-player-turned-golfer with this easy, hilarious 90s comedy look.
Kim Possible Costume
Call me, beep me, if you want to reach me.
Han Solo and Princess Leia Costume
The galaxy's most iconic sci-fi power couple, direct from A New Hope.
Power Rangers Costume
It's morphin time! Suit up as your favorite classic color-coded hero.
Fight Club Costume
Embrace the chaos with the ultimate anti-establishment 90s style.
The Wizard of Oz Costume
Step behind the curtain with the ultimate vintage Wizard of Oz look.
White Chicks Costume
Hold my poodle! Recreate the ultimate early-2000s undercover look.
Indiana Jones Costume
Grab your fedora and whip for the ultimate adventure-ready look.
Clyde Barrow Costume
Channel the classic 1930s outlaw style with this dapper gangster look.
Tyler Durden Costume
Embrace the chaos with the ultimate anti-establishment 90s look.
Top Gun Costume
Feel the need for speed in an iconic military flight suit.
Lola Bunny Costume
Channel your inner Tune Squad MVP with this iconic 90s look.
Playboy Bunny Costume
A timeless, glamorous costume featuring a sleek bodysuit and iconic bunny ears.
Bugs and Lola Bunny Costume
The ultimate 90s cartoon power couple's court-ready look.
Betty Boop Costume
Bring the iconic 1930s animated flapper to life with classic sass.
Jessica Rabbit Costume
Unleash your inner cartoon bombshell with this classic, head-turning look.
Rocky Horror Costume
Bring Frank-N-Furter's golden creation to life with this bold, classic look.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Costume
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure with these iconic cult-classic looks.
Austin Powers Costume
Unleash your inner international man of mystery with ultimate retro style.
Hippie Costume
Channel the Summer of Love with retro fringe, flares, and tie-dye.
Frogger Costume
Hop into retro arcade style with this classic green frog look.
Patrick Bateman Costume
Embody the chilling, meticulously groomed corporate killer from American Psycho.
Marty McFly Costume
Travel back to 1985 with the ultimate layered retro look.
Grease Costume
Rule Rydell High in iconic fifties style.
G.I. Soldier Costume
Honor history with the classic olive drab World War II uniform.
Greaser Costume
Channel 1950s rebel attitude with leather, denim, and slicked-back hair.
Showgirl Costume
Bring the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to life.
Dumb and Dumber Tuxedos Costume
The ultimate buddy costume in vibrant orange and powder blue.
Dumb and Dumber Costume
Step out in iconic 90s style with orange and blue tuxedos.
Flapper Costume
Bring the Roaring '20s to life with fringe, feathers, and pearls.
Steez Costume
Bring effortless retro mountain style to your next costume party.
Michael Jackson Costume
Moonwalk into the spotlight with the ultimate King of Pop look.
School Girl Costume
Master the preppy, classic classroom look with easy wardrobe essentials.
Ms. Frizzle Costume
Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy in style!
Peaky Blinders Costume
Channel the gritty 1920s style of Birmingham's most notorious gang.
What you need for a Throwback Thursday costume
Retro graphic tee or windbreaker
A bright, neon-colored 80s windbreaker or a vintage 90s band t-shirt.
DIY: Use an old oversized t-shirt and cut the collar for an off-the-shoulder 80s look.
High-waisted jeans or track pants
Acid-wash denim, colorful track pants, or classic stirrup leggings.
DIY: Roll up the cuffs of any straight-leg jeans you already own.
Neon sweatbands or scrunchies
Bright pink, green, or yellow terrycloth wristbands and a matching headband.
DIY: Cut the top off an old colorful sock to make a quick DIY hair scrunchie.
Cardboard hashtag frame
A hand-held cutout designed to look like an Instagram post with '#TBT' written at the bottom.
DIY: Cut a square window out of white poster board, write '#TBT' in bold black marker, and hold it up for photos.
How to put it together
- 1
Select your target decade, such as the colorful 1980s or the grunge-fueled 1990s.
- 2
Put on your base layer, matching a bright graphic top with high-waisted denim or athletic pants.
- 3
Layer on a vintage-style windbreaker, track jacket, or flannel shirt tied around the waist.
- 4
Accessorize with era-appropriate items like chunky white sneakers, neon jewelry, or a fanny pack.
- 5
Style your hair in a high side-ponytail, crimped waves, or a messy middle part.
- 6
Carry your DIY cardboard Instagram frame to instantly communicate the 'Throwback Thursday' theme.
Makeup & hair
Go for bright blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick for an 80s vibe, or keep it matte and neutral for a 90s look. Style hair with maximum volume, using hairspray for a high side-ponytail or a messy blowout.
Throwback Thursday for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses in 80s neon fitness gear while the other wears 90s grunge flannel.
- group
- Coordinate a group where each person represents a different decade, from the 50s sock hop to 2000s low-rise fashion.
- kids
- Dress kids in miniature versions of their parents' actual childhood outfits from old family photos.
- Plus size
- Oversized vintage windbreakers and high-waisted stretch track pants offer a comfortable, authentic retro fit.
- pet
- A simple neon dog bandana or a miniature retro sweatband set for a sporty throwback look.
Tips
- Check local thrift stores first, as they are goldmines for authentic, budget-friendly vintage clothing.
- Keep the cardboard hashtag frame lightweight so it is easy to carry around at a party.
- Wear comfortable sneakers, as retro athletic shoes fit the theme perfectly and keep you comfortable all night.
- Take photos holding your DIY frame to make your social media posts look like a real-life throwback post.
Throwback Thursday costume FAQ
- What is a Throwback Thursday costume?
- It is a costume inspired by retro fashion trends from past decades, often mimicking old school photos or popular internet #TBT posts.
- How do I make a quick DIY Throwback Thursday outfit?
- Combine a colorful windbreaker or flannel shirt with high-waisted jeans, add a fanny pack, and carry a cardboard frame with '#TBT' written on it.
- What decades are best for a throwback theme?
- The 1980s and 1990s are the most popular choices because of their highly recognizable fashion trends, bright colors, and fun accessories.
Did you know? The hashtag #TBT or #ThrowbackThursday started on social media in the mid-2000s and quickly became one of the most popular weekly trends for sharing nostalgic photos.