Journalism, Reporter, Blogger

Costume Advice

SCOOP & SLANDER COSTUMES

Where headlines are hot, ethics are loose, and your mic is always live. Welcome to the buzzing world of investigative flair and front-page drama! Whether you're a pushy paparazzo, a primetime anchor with secrets, or a blogger live-streaming the chaos, this guide will help you dress the part and dish the dirt. Because in the world of murder mysteries, sometimes the press knows more than the police.

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SCOOP AND SLANDER COSTUME LOOKS

CHARACTER ROLES

Blogger – Trendy, opinionated, always posting mid-party
TV Field Reporter – On-scene drama queen/king with a plastic mic and a sense of urgency
Studio Anchor – Polished, commanding, possibly harboring scandal
Paparazzi – Loud, intrusive, camera-flashing pest… or valuable witness
Tabloid Writer – Sensationalist, dramatic, always "quoting sources"
Undercover Journalist – Casual, inconspicuous, but always listening
Political Correspondent – Slick, intense, overly serious for a party
Investigative Podcaster – Chill on the outside, obsessed on the inside

WHAT YOU MIGHT ALREADY OWN

Trench coat or peacoat
Glasses (bonus for fake “reader” style)
A crossbody bag or shoulder satchel
Button-up shirt, blazer, or neutral blazer dress
Skinny jeans or slacks
Scarf or statement tie
Headphones (for podcasters)
Cheap microphone or mini recorder toy
Press badge (easy to DIY!)

HAIR & MAKEUP

Studio Anchors

Perfectly styled hair (think hairspray helmet)
Subtle makeup with TV glow (powder + bold lips)
Earpiece optional, but powerful

Field Reporters

Slightly windblown or rumpled
Neutral makeup + bold lipstick for “camera ready” look
Clip-on mic or badge is a plus

Bloggers/Podcasters

Trendy hair, possibly dyed
Natural or quirky makeup
Always has a ring light or phone mount nearby

Tabloid or Paparazzi

No-frills look, fast and furious
Messy bun or baseball cap
Camera as your main accessory

ACCESSORIES & PROPS

Mic (fake or karaoke)
Camera or phone with fake lens
Notepad & pen (write nonsense while pretending it’s juicy intel)
Press badge or lanyard (with phrases like "EXCLUSIVE," "PRESS PASS")
Recorder toy (or phone set to record app with red screen showing)
Flashlight (for dramatic interviews in the dark)

HOW TO ACT THE ROLE

Blogger

Talks fast, asks “for the content” constantly
Snaps photos mid-conversation
Voice: chirpy, casual, just a little too loud
"This better go viral or I’m deleting everything.”
“Wait, let me just grab a boomerang of that…”
“#MurderVibesOnly.”
“I knew the vibes were off the moment I walked in.”

TV Anchor

Stands too straight, speaks too formally
Smiles like they're on camera even during chaos
Voice: deep, measured, clearly enunciated
“Sources are coming in, but we’re awaiting official confirmation.”
“That’s not speculation—it’s the truth.”
“I keep it classy, even when there’s blood on the floor.”
“Let’s go to commercial… or at least get me another coffee.”

Paparazzi

Doesn’t knock—just barges in
Constantly “clicking” their camera
Voice: shouty, invasive, often asking leading questions
“Smile! Or don’t. It’s better if you don’t.”
“You can’t hide from the lens, sweetheart.”
“I got your good side… and your alibi cracking in 4K.”
“This flash is just as bright as your shady secrets.”

Tabloid Writer

Gossips dramatically, says “allegedly” a lot
Never quotes actual sources
Voice: theatrical, hushed whispers followed by gasps
“I don’t make the news—I just twist it dramatically.”
“You won’t believe who was spotted near the crime scene… but you’ll read about it anyway.”
“I can’t print this—yet. But I’m writing it just in case.”
“Truth is optional. Drama is not.”

Field Reporter

Shouts over invisible wind
Always “going live” even when nothing’s happening
Voice: panicked but professional
“Back to you, Janice—reporting live from the scene of… whatever this is.”
“This is a developing story, and trust me, it’s weird.”
“We’re hearing unconfirmed reports of scandal, murder, and bad hors d’oeuvres.”
“If you’re just joining us, it’s chaos here.”

Podcaster

Records everything
Hums ominously between thoughts
Voice: slow, curious, TV meets true crime addict
“Recording now. Pretend I’m not here.”
“You’re live on Deadly Details: After Dark—care to share a motive?”
“This isn’t an interview. It’s a confession in progress.”
“Hold that thought—I need to add creepy background music.”

FROM THE GAME DEVELOPER:

These character roles are extremely flexible; business attire will cover most of them just fine. If you want to put your spin on your character to get a laugh or two - feel free to do so - it's a party! Therefore, if you are an author - dress up as Jane Austen or Edgar Allan Poe or a reporter, be Veronica Cornerstone or Ron Burgundy. Meteorologist? Wear a yellow rainjacket and umbrella as if you're reporting from the storm. Or, you can simply make it your own.

Reporters, anchors, meteorologists, and on-camera bloggers typically should wear solid-colored professional clothing, such as a fitted dress, blazer, or suit. Avoid prints and white clothing, as they aren't as 'camera friendly'. And no logos. Bloggers don't always follow clothing rules from the producers, so you have a bit more leeway and can be more trendy.

If you're part of a news crew (click here for the production costumes), you can essentially wear anything solid and dark. However, if you want to dress up a bit, choose a business suit or wear all-black, as that's what many film crews will wear—they don't want to get noticed if they get in the shot by accident.

For news media/tabloid roles, pick a fedora and put a card in the brim that says PRESS, or get a lanyard and make your own press pass.

Authors: Authors are usually home in pajamas or loungewear (as most work from home), so that's not very fun to dress up as. Most of the author characters will be pessimistic poets or murder mystery novelists or have some other type of macabre or morose spin, so dress up in a black suit or gown/dress and make yourself a bit Gothic with accessories, etc., if you wish.