Costume Advice
NERDS, ACADEMICS
Here’s a detailed, head-to-toe guide on how to play a nerd or academic/studious character in a mystery party — whether you're going for the lovable geek, the overly literal know-it-all, or the socially awkward genius. This will cover costume ideas, DIY hacks, hair and makeup, accessories, and roleplaying tips that will help you nail the part using mostly what you already own.

Here are a couple of QR codes for great costume stores.
And here is a link directly to nerd costumes at Halloweencostumes.com

TYPES OF MURDER MYSTERY PARTY CHARACTERS
You're likely to have been assigned one of the following character roles to play:
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Academic & Science Nerds
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English Nanny
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Tech & Gaming Geeks
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Bookish/Classic Nerds
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Fantasy & Fandom Geeks
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Socially Awkward Geniuses
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The Mathlete MVP
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Niche & Quirky Nerds
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School Principal
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College Student
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Librarian
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Bookstore clerk
Classic Aesthetic
Think socially awkward brilliance — overly formal or outdated fashion choices, mismatched layers, and total disregard for what's "cool."
THE COSTUME: Closet Staples You Might Already Have
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Button-down shirt (especially plaid, pastel, or white)
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Sweater vest or cardigan — add elbow patches for flair (cut ovals from old fabric and stitch/glue them on)
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High-waisted pants or too-short trousers — bonus if they're flood pants that show your socks
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Suspenders — or make faux ones with ribbon, duct tape, or even shoelaces
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Knee-length skirt with tights for a nerdy girl vibe
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Socks pulled way up — wear them over leggings for extra quirk
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Bow tie or necktie — tie it sloppily for awkward charm
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Blazer or lab coat if your nerd is more science-y
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Backpack with books
DIY Touches
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Add tape to your glasses (real or fake) — white electrical tape, masking tape, or even paper
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Pocket protector — create one with a small envelope or cut one from plastic and tape it into your shirt pocket
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Name tag with scientific or obscure credentials like “Hello, I’m Dr. Brian, PhD in Quantum Dice Theory”
HAIR & MAKEUP: From Adorably Awkward to Full-On Geek Chic
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Greasy or slicked down with gel or water for a dorky vibe
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Pigtails or braids with scrunchies for a sweet school nerd
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Unbrushed or frizzy — just backcomb lightly and hairspray
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Parted way too far to one side or even in the middle for symmetry-obsessed characters
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For extra nerdiness: add pencils, rulers, or a calculator into a bun or ponytail
Makeup Ideas (Optional)
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Exaggerated undereye circles — lightly shade with gray or brown eye shadow
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Rosy cheeks — nerds tend to blush from awkward social encounters!
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Pimples/freckles — draw them with eyeliner or lip liner for realism
ACCESSORIES: Go Overboard (That’s the Point)
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Fake or real glasses (taped optional)
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Calculators, rulers, or mini notebooks sticking out of pockets
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Binder or clipboard labeled “Case Notes” or “Alibi Logs”
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Dungeons & Dragons dice, flash cards, or Rubik's cube
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A backpack overloaded with books
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Oversized headphones around the neck (retro Walkman? even better)
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Lanyard with fake ID — make it from cardboard and string
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Wristwatch calculator or Apple Watch with a spreadsheet on display
CHARACTER & ROLEPLAYING TIPS
Voice & Speech
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Talk fast and precisely, especially when sharing obscure facts
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Overuse phrases like:
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“Actually…”
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“Statistically speaking…”
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“According to my research…”
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Use big words out of context (“That’s a spurious correlation at best!”)
Behavioral Quirks
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Avoid eye contact or stare too long
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Laugh at your own jokes — no one else will
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Misunderstand sarcasm — take things very literally
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Be overly concerned with logic, rules, and evidence
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Constantly jot notes or analyze suspects with a “deductive chart.”
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Get excited over “trivial” clues others overlook
Bonus Touches
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Pre-write a few lines to deliver with dramatic nerdiness (e.g., “Statistical probability suggests a 78% chance it was the butler.”)
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Create a “Suspect Flowchart” to carry around and update with sticky notes
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Speak in acronyms — even for made-up terms: “This is a T.I.P. — Tactical Investigation Procedure!”