Classic Aesthetic

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The 1920s man was either suited up like a stock market prince, moonlighting as a bootlegger, or dancing in suspenders at a jazz club. You don’t need to be Jay Gatsby—you just need to look like you borrowed his tailor.

Essential Elements:

• Three-piece suit in black, navy, gray, or pinstripe

• High-waisted trousers with cuffs

• Dress shirt with detachable collar or club collar

• Tie or bow tie, preferably narrow or art deco pattern

• Oxford or wingtip shoes

Optional Add-Ons:

• Vest/waistcoat for a true 1920s silhouette

• Suspenders (braces)

• Fedora, boater, or newsboy cap

• Pocket watch or chain

• Spats (white shoe covers over black shoes)

• Cigarette case, flask, or fake cigar

• Fake mustache or slicked-back hair with pomade

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1930s – Gangsters & Gentlemen

Look:

• Double-breasted suit in gray, brown, or pinstripe

• Wide lapels, suspenders, and high-waisted trousers

• Fedora hat and leather dress shoes

• Slicked-back hair or side part
  Character Vibe:
  Mafia boss, crooked politician, or bootlegging accountant who definitely knows where the bodies are. Walk slow. Talk like you’re hiding a revolver and a grudge.

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1950s – Greasers, Squares & Crooners

Look:

• Leather or bomber jacket, white T-shirt, and jeans (Greasers)

• Or: button-up tucked into slacks with a cardigan (Squares)

• Pompadour or slick hair with gel

• Converse, boots, or loafers
  Character Vibe:
  You're either the rebel with a switchblade comb or the clean-cut guy trying to keep your carhop girlfriend out of trouble. Bonus: snap your fingers dramatically.

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1960s – Mod, Beatnik, or Psychedelic Dude

Look:

• Black turtleneck and slim slacks (Beatnik)

• Bright patterned shirt with tight pants (Mod)

• Or: fringe vest, peace sign jewelry, and round sunglasses (Hippie)

• Desert boots or sandals
  Character Vibe:
  Speak in poetry, question the establishment, or act like you just wandered off a tour bus from Woodstock. Ideal for conspiracy theorists or “accidental prophets.”

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1970s – Disco Kings & Sleazy Detectives

Look:

• Flared pants, polyester shirt with huge collar, and gold chains

• Leisure suit in mustard, teal, or anything that hurts to look at

• Big sunglasses and platform shoes

• Mustache optional but encouraged
  Character Vibe:
  You’re either here to boogie, solve crimes, or both. Strut everywhere, finger gun everyone, and say “jive turkey” once before being gently asked to stop.

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1980s – Yuppies, Rockstars & Movie Villains

Look:

• Shoulder pads, pastel suit jacket with sleeves rolled up (Miami Vice-style)

• Or: band tee, ripped jeans, fingerless gloves (Hair Metal)

• Or: neon windbreaker and mullet (Total disaster. Total vibe.)

• Sneakers, loafers, or cowboy boots, depending on archetype
  Character Vibe:
  Greedy stockbroker with a fake Rolex? Out-of-control rock god? Karate dojo owner? Yes. All of it. Say “rad” and “totally” as punctuation.

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1990s – Grunge, Boy Bands & Middle Management

Look:

• Flannel over a graphic tee with ripped jeans (Grunge)

• Or: shiny tracksuit or windbreaker set (Boy Band/Athleisure)

• Or: pleated khakis and a tucked polo (Dad-Core)

• Sneakers, Doc Martens, or chunky white shoes
  Character Vibe:
  Either you're brooding in the corner writing tragic song lyrics, or you're breakdancing badly and saying “as if” like it’s a threat. Bonus points for bleached tips or a pager you keep checking like you’re very important.

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Tips for Roleplaying Through the Decades:

• Speak with slang from your era. (“Dollface,” “Groovy,” “No duh,” etc.)

• Make pop culture references your character would understand but no one else would.

• Accuse people of being time travelers or “government plants” if your decade allows it.

• Drink era-appropriate drinks. (1930s? Whiskey. 1990s? Capri Sun... ironically.)

• Treat modern objects like forbidden tech or alien artifacts.

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Time is relative. Style is eternal. And in a mystery party? Every decade hides its own dark secrets—just beneath the shoulder pads and sideburns.