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Costume Advice

ACCESSORIZING A COSTUME

Firefly_A woman with blonde hair and a green sequin dress is holding a wig, a magnifying g

PROPS AND ACCESSORIES FOR A MURDER MYSTERY PARTY: 

GENERAL RULE: Props Tell the Story

A prop should:

  • Hint at your backstory, but should not appear as a clue to the mystery, as that could be confusing.

  • Accentuate your costume - all props and accessories should reflect your character's look. If it doesn't add to your 'story,' skip it. 

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MUST-HAVE BASICS (That Work for Any Character)
  • A clue notebook – even if you’re not the detective, pretend you’re secretly recording gossip

  • Eyeglasses with no lenses – for that academic or eccentric flair

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 UNEXPECTED ACCESSORIES THAT SLAY (Pun Intended)

For Detectives, Investigators, or Nosy Neighbors:

  • Mini magnifying glass on a chain

  • Outdated technology: flip phone, beeper, walkie-talkie

  • Finger print powder kit (you can fake this with black eyeshadow + cotton swab)

  • Invisible ink pen and decoder sheet

 

For Aristocrats, Glamorous Guests, or Heiresses:

  • Fan with a secret note taped inside

  • Brooch that opens to reveal a photo of something creepy/spooky/peculiar

  • Champagne flute — filled with glitter, poison label optional

  • Opera glasses — even if it’s a backyard BBQ mystery

  • Garter flask or purse flask — bonus if you label it “truth serum”

 

For Scientists, Doctors, or Creepy Pharmacists:

  • Test tube necklace (food dye + water = potion vibes)

  • Clipboard of “Autopsy Notes”

  • Prescription pad with ominous scribbles

  • Name tag that says "Definitely Not a Mad Scientist"

 

For Butlers, Maids, or Cooks:

  • Polishing cloth with blood smears

  • Spatula labeled “murder weapon?”

  • Feather duster with something hidden inside

  • Apron embroidered with “The Sauce is a Lie”

  • Serving tray with one cracked teacup

 

For Gothic, Paranormal, or Fantasy Settings:

  • Crystal ball (snow globe with glitter counts!)

  • Fang marks drawn on your neck or wrists

  • Old key or locket that “should have stayed buried”

  • Book of Shadows or fake spellbook with ridiculous titles

  • Stuffed raven, rubber bat, or a pet rock named “Murder Mittens”

 

BONUS TIPS FOR COSTUME DRAMA

  • Use scent — wear oddly strong perfume/cologne that becomes part of your character

  • Bring a pump bottle mister so you can add some sweat to your look while being interrogated.

You're likely to have been assigned one of the following character roles to play:
  • Tomb Raider

  • Archaeologist

  • Professor - Ancient History

  • Hunter

  • Anthropologist

  • Tour Guides

Classic Aesthetic

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THE COSTUME: Closet Staples You Might Already Have
  • Khaki or cargo pants or shorts

  • Button-up shirt (white, tan, olive, or chambray)

  • Leather or canvas belt with a pouch or canteen

  • Lace-up boots, hiking shoes, or desert boots

  • Blazer or light trench coat for professor types

  • Long skirt with tucked-in blouse for 1930s academia flair

  • Utility vest, if you're leaning rugged

DIY Touches
  • Aged effects – Lightly smear shirt or pants with tea or diluted paint for a dusty, well-traveled look

  • Prop a "journal" – Old notebook + twine = your expedition log

  • Make a faux relic – Wrap a rock in foil, spray with bronze, and label it "The Amulet of Xoth"

  • Add patches or stitching to clothes to suggest past adventures

 
HAIR & MAKEUP:
  • Women: Braids, ponytails, or a messy bun with strands escaping — practical, windswept

  • Men: Slicked back, slightly disheveled, or tousled under a fedora

Makeup Ideas (Optional)
  • Light contouring to add definition or the appearance of dirt

  • Smudge a little brown eyeshadow for a “dusty explorer” cheek

  • Dark eyeliner for dramatic adventurer eyes (especially for Lara-style looks)

  • Subtle bruises or scars for a “been through something” vibe — use purples, browns, and reds

 
ACCESSORIES: 
  • Fake or real glasses (round or librarian-style for scholars)

  • Leather satchel or messenger bag

  • Faux relics – scrolls, daggers, amulets

  • Map rolled and tied with string

  • Compass, rope, or a magnifying glass

  • Hat – wide-brimmed fedora, pith helmet, or explorer bucket hat

  • Camera or binoculars slung around neck for tour guides or wildlife observers

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CHARACTER & ROLEPLAYING TIPS
Voice & Speech
  • Speak with confidence and curiosity

  • Toss in words like: “specimen,” “artifacts,” “site integrity,” or “carbon dating”

  • Give mini-lectures on meaningless topics: “Ah, this statue was clearly inspired by third-dynasty symbolism. Note the posture…”

Behavioral Quirks
  • Avoid eye contact while thinking aloud

  • Gently tap your chin while solving puzzles or observing a scene

  • Correct people with charming arrogance: “Actually, that’s Mesopotamian, not Egyptian.”

  • Pause to write notes in your "field journal"

 Bonus Touches
  • Prewrite a field journal page with mysterious scribbles

  • Create a map or clue on aged paper to dramatically pull from your bag

  • Have a signature line, like:

  • “I didn’t come all this way for nothing.”

  • “History leaves breadcrumbs — and I follow them all.”

  • “Touch that relic, and I’ll have to document your fingerprints.”

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© 2006. My Mystery Party, LLC. All rights reserved. Games created by Dr. Bon Blossman.

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