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Costume Advice

ONCE UPON A CRIME COSTUMES

Charming, Cursed, or Just Plain Creepy?

In this whimsical corner of the mystery world, you’ll find heroes, villains, and magical misfits straight out of a storybook — but don't expect a happily ever after. These characters may have stepped out of a fairytale, but someone in the enchanted realm has turned a page... and written in murder. Whether you're playing a grumpy dwarf, a wicked stepmother, or a suspiciously perfect prince, this guide will help you style, accessorize, and embody a fairytale figure with a suspicious twist.

EXAMPLES OF ONCE UPON A CRIME COSTUMES

What You Might Already Have in Your Closet:

  • Long flowy dresses, capes, or old bridesmaid gowns (princesses or witches)

  • Button-up shirt, vest, boots, or cloak (huntsman, prince, peasant)

  • Apron, puff sleeves, or gingham (storybook villagers or Goldilocks)

  • Faux fur, ear headbands, or animal print (wolf, bear, pig)

  • Tights or leggings, tunics, and belts (fairytale-style adventurer)

  • Shiny heels, costume jewelry, or anything that looks magical

  • Old costume pieces — tiaras, fairy wings, velvet cloaks

 

Hair & Makeup Tips:

  • Princesses: Braided crowns, loose curls, or sleeping-beauty waves. Rosy cheeks, shimmering eyeshadow, bold lashes.

  • Villains: Slicked-back buns, wild volume, or horned headbands. Dark liner, sharp contour, and red lips.

  • Creatures: Messy hair with leaves or twigs, or slick hair with a glimmering sheen. Face paint, drawn whiskers, or animal nose.

  • Royalty: Coiffed and polished with gold accents, glitter roots, or gems on the temples.

  • Add glitter, fake lashes, freckles, or high-drama brows depending on your chosen vibe.

 

Accessories & Props:

  • Poison apple, mirror compact, or faux magic wand

  • A “curse scroll,” glowing pendant, or enchanted item

  • Toy sword, dagger, or jeweled scepter

  • Fake frog, toy goose, or enchanted rose

  • Muffin basket (Red Riding Hood), broomstick (witch), or spinning wheel printout

  • Fairy wings, tiara, crown, or magic dust vial

  • Book of spells or fairytale rulebook with a ripped-out page

 

Behaviors, Voice, and Quirks:

  • Princesses: Speak with breathy optimism or suspicious sweetness. “I just know everything will work out — unless it’s cursed again…”

  • Villains: Slow, dramatic tone. Pause mid-sentence for suspense. Use phrases like “They never should have crossed me” or “Revenge tastes sweeter than apples.”

  • Peasants/Side Characters: Nervous energy, overly eager to help. Constantly curtsy or bow. Blurt out gossip accidentally.

  • Talking Animals: Overly animated. Use your paws, snout, or tail to gesture. Refer to yourself in third person.

  • Enchanted Beings: Floaty movements. Refer to fate, prophecies, and “what the stars foretold.”

  • Quirks: Re-enact dramatic moments from your “story,” interrupt others with rhymes, look nervously into mirrors, or declare “This isn’t how my tale was supposed to go!”

 

In the world of enchanted forests, magical kingdoms, and talking objects, anyone could be the villain in disguise. Whether you're spinning straw into gold or rewriting your destiny with a dagger in hand, your storybook character is ready to uncover — or commit — a once-upon-a-time crime.

SPECIFIC FAIRYTALE ROLES - TIPS, TRICKS, HOW TO ACT THE PART

👸 Princess (Classic Fairytale Princess)

What’s in Your Closet:
Flowy dress, pastel skirt, lace blouse, flats or sparkly shoes. Shawl or cardigan for royal flair.

DIY Options:
Paper tiara wrapped in foil, ribbon sash, glittered shoes, cardboard wand decorated with stickers.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft glam, rosy cheeks, sparkly eyeshadow, glossy lips. Hair in curls, braids, or a neat half-up style.

How to Act:
Curtsy often. Speak politely and dramatically. Gasp at minor inconveniences. Compliment everyone as if you’re starring in a Disney musical.

Funny Phrases:
“Oh my stars!”
“Where are my woodland creatures when I need them?”
“I demand… tea.”

Props:
Flower bouquet, “royal decree,” glittery wand, plush woodland animal.

🤴 Prince (Charming, Noble, Slightly Clueless)

What’s in Your Closet:
Dress shirt, vest or blazer, boots, fitted pants, belt as a sash.

DIY Options:
Cardboard sword, cape made from a blanket, paper crown spray-painted gold.

Makeup & Hair:
Clean, heroic look; gel the hair into “storybook swoop” or make it messy-dramatic.

How to Act:
Strike heroic poses. Compliment strangers loudly. Pat people on the shoulder with royal encouragement.

Funny Phrases:
“I shall save the day! …Right after I locate my horse.”
“Fear not! …Probably.”
“It is I — obviously.”

Props:
Plastic sword, scroll, faux rose, gloves.

🧙 Fairy Godmother (Sparkly Chaos Wizard Aunt)

What’s in Your Closet:
Glittery dress, shawl, pastel cardigan, long skirt.

DIY Options:
Cardboard wand with tinfoil star, glitter mist spray (water + glitter hairspray), sparkly scarf cape.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft shimmer, pastel eyeshadow, bold lashes, whimsical curls or updo with sparkly pins.

How to Act:
Wave wand dramatically. Make sound effects for spells. Offer unsolicited magical advice.

Funny Phrases:
“Sweetie, you need a makeover — bibbidi bobbidi now.”
“Your wish is… negotiable.”
“I don’t grant refunds, only wishes.”

Props:
Wand, glitter spray, spellbook (notebook), wings (optional).

🍎 Evil Queen (Glamorous, Moody, Dramatic Villain)

What’s in Your Closet:
Dark dress, cape, gloves, bold jewelry.

DIY Options:
Foil crown, red plastic apple, cape made from a curtain.

Makeup & Hair:
Smoky eyes, sharp brows, dramatic contour, deep lipstick. Hair in sleek bun or voluminous waves.

How to Act:
Look disgusted 90% of the time. Speak slowly and ominously. Laugh theatrically.

Funny Phrases:
“Who dares disturb my peaceful wrath?”
“I’m not bossy. I’m the Queen.”
“Mirror, mirror… compliment me.”

Props:
Apple, mirror, potion bottle, spellbook.

🧚 Pixie (Tinker-Bell Style Mischief)

What’s in Your Closet:
Short dress, green or pastel top + skirt, leggings or tights.

DIY Options:
Cardboard wings, glitter hairspray, tiny bell anklet.

Makeup & Hair:
Bright blush, shimmer highlight, gem stickers, messy bun or high pony.

How to Act:
Flick your hands like sprinkling pixie dust. Be fast, chaotic, and slightly judgmental but adorable.

Funny Phrases:
“Sorry, I don’t speak human.”
“I sparkle naturally, it’s a condition.”
“Pixie dust fixes everything!”

Props:
Wings, tiny pouch of “pixie dust” (glitter), leaf fan.

🧌 Troll / Ogre (Comedy Version)

What’s in Your Closet:
Ragged clothes, mismatched layers, earth tones.

DIY Options:
Cardboard club, fake moss, dirt smudges, rocks glued to clothing.

Makeup & Hair:
Green or brown face paint, bushy brows, smudges. Hair messy and wild.

How to Act:
Be loud. Be proud. Be slightly confused. Mispronounce long words.

Funny Phrases:
“HUNGRY. Always hungry.”
“I smell… adventure. Or cheese.”
“Who wants a hug?! No? You sure?”

Props:
Club, faux bones, satchel of “treasures” (trash).

🧝‍♂️ Elf (Mystical, Graceful, A Little Smug)

What’s in Your Closet:
Earth-tone shirt, leggings, boots, long cardigan or tunic.

DIY Options:
Paper pointy ears, cardboard bow, leaf crown.

Makeup & Hair:
Sharp eyeliner, shimmer, braided hair, metallic accents.

How to Act:
Speak ethereally. Move like a floating woodland creature. Judge mortals gently.

Funny Phrases:
“I sense… vibes.”
“Do mortals always walk this loudly?”
“Allow me to translate that into Elvish for you.”

Props:
Bow + arrows (toy), leaf crown, jewel pendant.

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid (Land-Walking Edition)

What’s in Your Closet:
Shiny top, maxi skirt, flowy fabrics, sequins, pearls.

DIY Options:
Scale pattern drawn on leggings (fishnet pressed over skin + shimmer powder), shell crown, sequin sash.

Makeup & Hair:
Shimmery scales, glitter lips, beach waves, pearls or shells pinned in hair. Add some comedy and glue some plastic sea creatures to your wig for that just emerged from the ocean look. 

How to Act:
Flip your hair constantly. Act confused by human objects. Call everything “treasure.”

Funny Phrases:
“I belong in the ocean. Or at least near a humidifier.”
“Legs are overrated.”
“Where’s the nearest saltwater?”

Props:
Shell purse, comb, trident (toy), treasure pouch.

🐺 Big Bad Wolf (Slick, Charming, Questionably Dangerous)

What’s in Your Closet:
Gray or black clothing, fur-lined jacket or vest, boots.

DIY Options:
Paper wolf ears, faux fur trim, face paint for whiskers.

Makeup & Hair:
Wolf nose, whiskers, smoky eyes, tousled hair.

How to Act:
Smirk a lot. Speak in sly, dramatic tones. Sniff people suspiciously.

Funny Phrases:
“My teeth? All the better to compliment you with.”
“Don’t worry, I only eat volunteers.”
“I’m not stalking — I’m observing.”

Props:
Basket of “stolen” goodies, fur scarf, tail.

❤️ Red Riding Hood

What’s in Your Closet:
Red hoodie or red cardigan + dress or skirt, boots, basket.

DIY Options:
Cape made from a red blanket or tablecloth. Basket lined with a dish towel.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft pink cheeks, simple eyeliner, braided or loose waves. Optional “I just ran through the woods” windblown look.

How to Act:
Be sweet… but suspicious. Glance around like something’s following you. Talk to strangers even though you really shouldn’t.

Funny Sayings:
“I swear that bush just moved.”
“Grandma, what big boundaries you have.”
“Sorry, I don’t share snacks. The wolf took them.”

Props:
Basket with fake bread or flowers, “map to Grandma’s house,” fake wolf pawprint.

🧹 Wicked Witch

What’s in Your Closet:
Black dress, black hat, boots, long coat or shawl.

DIY Options:
Cone hat from cardboard, broomstick from a stick and twine.

Makeup & Hair:
Green or pale foundation, sharp contour, dark lips, wild messy hair or sleek evil bun.

How to Act:
Cackle dramatically. Point at people and mutter fake spells. Stir imaginary cauldrons.

Funny Sayings:
“Relax… I only curse on weekends.”
“I’d hex you, but I’m on a break.”
“My flying broom is in the shop.”

Props:
Broom, potion bottle, spellbook, fake black cat.

👗 Cinderella

What’s in Your Closet:
Blue dress, soft blouse + skirt, flats, sparkly jewelry.

DIY Options:
Tulle skirt, glitter shoes (mod-podge + glitter), cardboard “glass slipper.”

Makeup & Hair:
Soft glam, pastel eyeshadow, highlighter, hair in a neat bun or elegant ponytail.

How to Act:
Be kind, graceful, and slightly stressed about chores. Curtsy often. Lose things constantly.

Funny Sayings:
“I swear I had BOTH shoes earlier.”
“Is it midnight yet? I’m not emotionally prepared.”
“Sorry I’m late — my life is a pumpkin.”

Props:
“Glass slipper,” broom, mouse plushies, pumpkin purse.

🐻 Belle (Beauty) or The Beast

Belle – The Book-Loving Heroine

What’s in Your Closet:
Yellow or blue dress, apron, flats.

DIY Options:
Stack of fake books, ribbon hair bow.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft glam, rosy cheeks, brown eyeliner. Hair half-up with curls.

How to Act:
Read everything. Get distracted mid-conversation by imaginary books. Defend beasts and talk to enchanted furniture.

Funny Sayings:
“I don’t judge books by their covers… but people? Sometimes.”
“Is this snack enchanted? Just checking.”
“I love you… and literature.”

Props:
Book stack, teacup plush, rose in jar.

Beast – The Grumpy Softie

What’s in Your Closet:
Brown jacket or vest, boots, dark pants.

DIY Options:
Faux fur pieces, face paint for fangs and brows, cardboard horns.

Makeup & Hair:
Messy hair, contour for “beastly” jawline, fur accents.

How to Act:
Growl dramatically. Huff at small talk. Be secretly gentle and defensive about emotions.

Funny Sayings:
“Sorry, I roar when I’m hungry.”
“I’m not grumpy. I’m… rugged.”
“Don’t touch the rose. Seriously.”

Props:
Rose under jar, fur gloves, enchanted mirror.

🧒 Peter Pan

What’s in Your Closet:
Green shirt, leggings or pants, boots.

DIY Options:
Green felt hat with red feather, cardboard dagger.

Makeup & Hair:
Youthful blush, tousled hair, smudge of dirt for “lost boy” energy.

How to Act:
Never grow up. Literally. Prank everyone. Stand with hands on hips like a cartoon hero.

Funny Sayings:
“I refuse to pay taxes because I refuse to age.”
“Second star to the right and straight on ’til Starbucks.”
“Are you lost? Good. Join us!”

Props:
Toy dagger, pouch of “pixie dust,” tiny map of Neverland.

🌼 Rapunzel

What’s in Your Closet:
Purple dress, pastel top + skirt, soft cardigan.

DIY Options:
Long braid made from yarn. Flowers for hair.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft pinks, highlighter, freckles. Long hair or yarn braid clipped in.

How to Act:
Be excited about everything. Touch things like you’ve never seen them. Talk about “leaving the tower.”

Funny Sayings:
“I’ve been inside too long — EVERYTHING is amazing.”
“My hair has its own gravitational pull.”
“Do you need directions? I… don’t.”

Props:
Frying pan (toy), lantern, flower crown.

🧶 Rumpelstiltskin

What’s in Your Closet:
Earth-tone shirt, vest, boots, messy layers.

DIY Options:
Straw glued to jewelry or props, fake gold coins.

Makeup & Hair:
Wild hair, dark circles, mischievous grin, exaggerated cheek contour.

How to Act:
Talk in riddles. Rub your hands together. Whisper bargains into the void. Cackle softly.

Funny Sayings:
“I can spin straw into gold… but I charge extra.”
“Guess my name — or just Venmo me.”
“I make deals. BAD deals.”

Props:
Pile of “straw,” gold coins, parchment contract.

🍎 Snow White – The Fairest, Sweetest, Slightly Too Trusting

What’s in Your Closet:
Yellow skirt, blue or red top, cardigan, flats. Add a red bow for instant recognition.

DIY Options:
Apple made from paper or foam, cape from a red blanket, forest-animal plushes.

Makeup & Hair:
Pale foundation, rose-red lips, fluttery lashes. Hair in soft curls or a short bob with a bow.

How to Act:
Speak kindly to literally everyone. Pet imaginary woodland creatures. Gasp dramatically at apples. Compliment strangers like you’re running for “Nicest Person Alive.”

Funny Sayings:
“I don’t accept apples anymore unless they come with a receipt.”
“My skincare routine? Panic and running through forests.”
“Hi ho… oh wait, wrong group!”

Props:
Apple (fake!), bird plush, basket, mirror.

🪓 The Huntsman – The Brooding Outdoorsy Hero

What’s in Your Closet:
Flannel, leather jacket or vest, dark pants, boots.

DIY Options:
Cardboard axe, pouch of “forest supplies,” faux animal-hide pieces.

Makeup & Hair:
Smudged dirt, rugged contour, tousled hair or messy ponytail.

How to Act:
Scan the room like you’re tracking something. Sigh heavily like you’ve survived a long forest monologue. Look morally conflicted at all times.

Funny Sayings:
“I track beasts… and bad decisions.”
“Do you need saving or should I come back later?”
“That apple? Suspicious. Very suspicious.”

Props:
Toy axe, rope coil, compass, forest map.

🌹 Sleeping Beauty – The Dreamy Princess Who Needs a Nap

What’s in Your Closet:
Pink dress, pastel gown, cozy cardigan if you want “just woke up from 100 years” vibes.

DIY Options:
Paper crown, rose, soft blanket cape.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft glam, rosy cheeks, glossy lips. Hair curled or brushed to look “magically perfect after sleeping forever.”

How to Act:
Yawn occasionally. Blink slowly. Fall asleep standing up. Whisper “I’m awake, I swear,” even when you're obviously not.

Funny Sayings:
“Sorry I’m late — I overslept… by a century.”
“I could nap literally right now.”
“My favorite hobby is unconsciousness.”

Props:
Pillow, rose, tiny spinning wheel, satin sleep mask.

🦇 Maleficent – The Glamorous, Elegant, Terrifying Icon

What’s in Your Closet:
Black dress or tunic, cape, boots. Dark dramatic layers.

DIY Options:
Horns from cardboard + tape + black fabric, staff made from a stick, crow plush.  Make some fairy wings out of coat hangers and black pantyhose. 

Makeup & Hair:
Sharp contour, bold brows, deep red or purple lips. Slicked-back hair or braided crown.

How to Act:
Speak slowly and dramatically. Glide rather than walk. Give sinister smirks. Deliver insults as compliments. Announce curses like you’re giving a TED Talk.

Funny Sayings:
“Oh, I don’t do mild revenge.”
“I don’t have anger issues. I have kingdom management issues.”
“Stand back — I’m feeling dramatic.”

Props:
Staff, raven, glowing orb, horned headpiece.

🐊 Captain Hook – The Dramatic Villain With Theatrical Flair

What’s in Your Closet:
Red jacket, white shirt, dark pants, boots. Add lace cuffs or scarf.

DIY Options:
Hook made from aluminum foil + cardboard, pirate hat from black paper, feather for decoration.

Makeup & Hair:
Dramatic mustache (drawn on or fake), smoky eyes, long curls or messy pirate hair.

How to Act:
Laugh villainously. Yell at imaginary pirates. Be terrified of clocks or ticking noises. Brandish your hook dramatically at least once every 3 minutes.

Funny Sayings:
“Do you hear ticking?! I swear I hear ticking.”
“I’m not dramatic — I’m nautically expressive.”
“Pan! Get back here and fight me like a child!”

Props:
Hook hand, toy sword, pirate hat, telescope.

🐇 Alice – The Curious Daydreamer

What’s in Your Closet:
Blue dress or skirt + white shirt, apron, flats or Mary Janes.

DIY Options:
Apron from a pillowcase; headband ribbon; paper “DRINK ME” label on a bottle.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft rosy cheeks, subtle eyeliner, pink lips. Hair in a neat headband, curls, or simple down style.

How to Act:
Be overly polite but constantly confused. Ask lots of questions. Peer into imaginary rabbit holes. Tilt your head and say “curiouser and curiouser!”

Funny Sayings:
“Is this… real life?”
“I give excellent confused energy.”
“Has anyone seen a rabbit with anxiety?”

Props:
Tiny teacup, bottle labeled “DRINK ME,” oversized playing card, pocket watch.

🎩 Mad Hatter – The Chaotic Tea Party Host

What’s in Your Closet:
Mismatched coat, vest, bow tie, striped shirt, funky pants.

DIY Options:
Top hat decorated with ribbons or paper; fingerless gloves; mismatched socks.

Makeup & Hair:
Colorful eyeshadow, exaggerated blush, wild hair or wig.

How to Act:
Talk in riddles. Change topics mid-sentence. Offer imaginary tea to everyone. Randomly shout “CHANGE PLACES!” Laugh for no reason.

Funny Sayings:
“It’s always tea time… emotionally.”
“I’m not mad — reality is.”
“That wasn’t the plan, but it’s the plan now.”

Props:
Oversized teacup, teapot, pocket watch, mismatched gloves.

⏱ White Rabbit – The Frantic Timekeeper

What’s in Your Closet:
White shirt, blazer or vest, bow tie, khakis or trousers.

DIY Options:
Paper bunny ears, cotton-ball tail, cardboard pocket watch.

Makeup & Hair:
Pink nose, whiskers, soft blush. Hair neat and tidy for maximum anxiety.

How to Act:
Run everywhere. Check the time constantly. Panic over imaginary deadlines. Apologize for things you didn’t do.

Funny Sayings:
“I’m late! For everything! Always!”
“I have exactly zero minutes to spare.”
“Pardon me! Coming through! So sorry!”

Props:
Pocket watch, clipboard of schedules, bunny ears, gloves.

🤴 Prince Charming – The Overly Polished Hero

What’s in Your Closet:
White or cream shirt, navy or royal jacket, dress pants, boots.

DIY Options:
Sash made from a scarf; cardboard sword; crown made from foil.

Makeup & Hair:
Clean, groomed look; princely swoop or gelled style.

How to Act:
Bow dramatically. Compliment everyone like you’re in a musical. Offer help for extremely minor tasks.

Funny Sayings:
“My jawline could rule a kingdom.”
“Fear not — I have arrived!”
“Did someone lose a shoe? I have a system.”

Props:
Toy sword, faux rose, glass slipper replica.

❤️ Little Red Riding Hood – The Innocent Adventurer

(You already have this one above, but here’s a fresh version to match the new set.)

What’s in Your Closet:
Red hoodie or cape, simple dress or top + skirt, boots.

DIY Options:
Cape from red blanket; basket lined with a dish towel.

Makeup & Hair:
Soft blush, natural makeup, braided hair or loose curls.

How to Act:
Be friendly but paranoid. Look over your shoulder. Mention Grandma frequently.

Funny Sayings:
“That wolf had one chance and blew it.”
“Going to Grandma’s — wanna walk me? I’m scared.”
“Snacks? I’ve got a whole basket.”

Props:
Basket, fake flowers, hand-drawn forest map.

🍬 Hansel – The Hungry Hero

What’s in Your Closet:
Brown pants, plaid shirt or vest, boots, suspenders optional.

DIY Options:
Crumbs glued to a pouch; gingerbread “trail”; cardboard candy.

Makeup & Hair:
Smudges for “lost in woods,” natural hair or messy style.

How to Act:
Be hungry. Always. Gasp at candy. Look traumatically betrayed by baked goods.

Funny Sayings:
“I’m not lost. I’m directionally creative.”
“Is that house… edible?”
“I trust candy more than people.”

Props:
Breadcrumb bag, fake candy, forest map (terrible looking).

🍭 Gretel – The Smart, Sassier Sibling

What’s in Your Closet:
Peasant-style top, skirt, boots, cardigan or apron.

DIY Options:
Braids with ribbons; toy candy props; “witch escape plan” notebook.

Makeup & Hair:
Rosy cheeks, freckles, braided or half-up hair.

How to Act:
Protect Hansel. Side-eye everyone. Be the problem solver. Declare sugar as a red flag.

Funny Sayings:
“I’m the responsible one. Obviously.”
“Stranger danger? I invented it.”
“No, Hansel, we don’t eat the floors.”

Props:
Basket of candy, notebook, wooden spoon (weapon of choice).

🤥 Pinocchio – The Cute but Questionably Honest Puppet

What’s in Your Closet:
Yellow shirt, red shorts, suspenders, bow tie, vest.

DIY Options:
Paper hat, cardboard nose extension, puppet strings from yarn.

Makeup & Hair:
Rosy cheeks, freckles, drawn-on wooden lines for joints.

How to Act:
Be overly honest… or overly dishonest. Touch your nose nervously. Move like a marionette.

Funny Sayings:
“I swear I’m real! Ask my nose.”
“I only lie on days ending in Y.”
“Wish upon a star? I am the star.”

Props:
Puppet strings, wooden book, long nose attachment, Jiminy Cricket plush.

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