Unleash the mystery. Live the story.
Costume Advice
ACCESSORIZING A COSTUME
PROPS AND ACCESSORIES FOR A MURDER MYSTERY PARTY:
GENERAL RULE: Props Tell the Story
A prop should:
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Hint at your backstory, but should not appear as a clue to the mystery, as that could be confusing.
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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)
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A clue notebook – even if you’re not the detective, pretend you’re secretly recording gossip
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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:
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Mini magnifying glass on a chain
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Outdated technology: flip phone, beeper, walkie-talkie
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Finger print powder kit (you can fake this with black eyeshadow + cotton swab)
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Invisible ink pen and decoder sheet
For Aristocrats, Glamorous Guests, or Heiresses:
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Fan with a secret note taped inside
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Brooch that opens to reveal a photo of something creepy/spooky/peculiar
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Champagne flute — filled with glitter, poison label optional
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Opera glasses — even if it’s a backyard BBQ mystery
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Garter flask or purse flask — bonus if you label it “truth serum”
For Scientists, Doctors, or Creepy Pharmacists:
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Test tube necklace (food dye + water = potion vibes)
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Clipboard of “Autopsy Notes”
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Prescription pad with ominous scribbles
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Name tag that says "Definitely Not a Mad Scientist"
For Butlers, Maids, or Cooks:
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Polishing cloth with blood smears
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Spatula labeled “murder weapon?”
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Feather duster with something hidden inside
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Apron embroidered with “The Sauce is a Lie”
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Serving tray with one cracked teacup
For Gothic, Paranormal, or Fantasy Settings:
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Crystal ball (snow globe with glitter counts!)
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Fang marks drawn on your neck or wrists
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Old key or locket that “should have stayed buried”
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Book of Shadows or fake spellbook with ridiculous titles
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Stuffed raven, rubber bat, or a pet rock named “Murder Mittens”
BONUS TIPS FOR COSTUME DRAMA
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Use scent — wear oddly strong perfume/cologne that becomes part of your character
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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:
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Tomb Raider
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Archaeologist
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Professor - Ancient History
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Hunter
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Anthropologist
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Tour Guides
Classic Aesthetic
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THE COSTUME: Closet Staples You Might Already Have
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Khaki or cargo pants or shorts
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Button-up shirt (white, tan, olive, or chambray)
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Leather or canvas belt with a pouch or canteen
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Lace-up boots, hiking shoes, or desert boots
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Blazer or light trench coat for professor types
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Long skirt with tucked-in blouse for 1930s academia flair
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Utility vest, if you're leaning rugged
DIY Touches
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Aged effects – Lightly smear shirt or pants with tea or diluted paint for a dusty, well-traveled look
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Prop a "journal" – Old notebook + twine = your expedition log
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Make a faux relic – Wrap a rock in foil, spray with bronze, and label it "The Amulet of Xoth"
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Add patches or stitching to clothes to suggest past adventures
HAIR & MAKEUP:
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Women: Braids, ponytails, or a messy bun with strands escaping — practical, windswept
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Men: Slicked back, slightly disheveled, or tousled under a fedora
Makeup Ideas (Optional)
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Light contouring to add definition or the appearance of dirt
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Smudge a little brown eyeshadow for a “dusty explorer” cheek
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Dark eyeliner for dramatic adventurer eyes (especially for Lara-style looks)
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Subtle bruises or scars for a “been through something” vibe — use purples, browns, and reds
ACCESSORIES:
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Fake or real glasses (round or librarian-style for scholars)
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Leather satchel or messenger bag
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Faux relics – scrolls, daggers, amulets
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Map rolled and tied with string
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Compass, rope, or a magnifying glass
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Hat – wide-brimmed fedora, pith helmet, or explorer bucket hat
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Camera or binoculars slung around neck for tour guides or wildlife observers
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CHARACTER & ROLEPLAYING TIPS
Voice & Speech
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Speak with confidence and curiosity
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Toss in words like: “specimen,” “artifacts,” “site integrity,” or “carbon dating”
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Give mini-lectures on meaningless topics: “Ah, this statue was clearly inspired by third-dynasty symbolism. Note the posture…”
Behavioral Quirks
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Avoid eye contact while thinking aloud
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Gently tap your chin while solving puzzles or observing a scene
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Correct people with charming arrogance: “Actually, that’s Mesopotamian, not Egyptian.”
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Pause to write notes in your "field journal"
Bonus Touches
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Prewrite a field journal page with mysterious scribbles
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Create a map or clue on aged paper to dramatically pull from your bag
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Have a signature line, like:
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“I didn’t come all this way for nothing.”
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“History leaves breadcrumbs — and I follow them all.”
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“Touch that relic, and I’ll have to document your fingerprints.”