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Costume Advice

A Heartfelt Thank You 
From all of us at My Mystery Party, we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served — and continue to serve — in the United States military.

Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy freedom, celebration, and even a little mystery.

Thank you for your service. We honor you — today and always.

With respect and appreciation,
🕵️‍♂️ The Staff at My Mystery Party

SERVICE & SWAGGER COSTUMES

A Costume Guide for Generals, Grunts, and Glory-Hungry Impostors.  This guide helps you march (or stumble) into battle-ready style, hopefully, using what you already own — no boot camp required.

SERVICE & SWAGGER LOOKS

THE GENERAL (a.k.a. The Decorated Overlord)

Vibe: Power pose, polished boots, and a résumé longer than your attention span. May or may not have ever actually seen combat.

 

 What to Wear (Closet Version)

  • Long coat or blazer with buttons and structure

  • Matching pants (or just dramatic ones — you outrank logic)

  • Button-up shirt or turtleneck underneath

  • Sash, scarf, or draped ribbon as a “service medal line”

  • Tall boots or dress shoes with some clomp

 

Accessories

  • DIY medals made from bottle caps, old brooches, or foil

  • Shoulder epaulets from fringe, rope, or that weird party garland

  • Sunglasses indoors — non-negotiable

  • Clipboard, whistle, or dramatic baton

  • Hat with authority: think flat-brimmed cap, thrift-store riding hat, or cardboard masterpiece

 

Hair & Makeup

  • Slicked back, tight bun, or sharp side part

  • Extra bronzer for "sun-from-the-frontlines" energy

  • Smoky eyeliner = combat readiness (fashion edition)

 

Behavior

  • Bark orders, even if they don’t make sense

  • Salute constantly — even to plants or sandwiches

  • Refer to everyone as “soldier,” even babies or pets

  • Yell “STAND DOWN!” at anyone questioning your rank

 

THE SERGEANT / REALISTIC FIELD SOLDIER

Vibe: A bit of dirt, a bit of honor, and a lot of shouting with purpose.

What to Wear

  • Camo pants, cargo shorts, or army-green trousers

  • Tank top, tight tee, or flannel (rolled sleeves = field-ready)

  • Combat boots or grungy sneakers

  • Dog tags (real or made from foil and string)

  • Fingerless gloves for style and pretend grip

Accessories

  • Toy walkie-talkie

  • Foam knife or Nerf weaponry

  • Canteen (or just a stainless water bottle you aggressively swig)

  • Backpack with an unnecessary number of straps

Behavior

  • Yell “DROP AND GIVE ME DRAMA”

  • Do pushups randomly (bonus points if they're dramatic and wheezy)

  • Whisper “They don’t know what I’ve been through… since 6th grade gym class”

  • Use the phrase “in the field” about literally anything

THE CADET / RECRUIT / GLORIFIED MESSENGER

Vibe: Trying hard. So much trying. Salutes too often. Calls everyone "sir" including the janitor.

 

What to Wear

  • Khakis or jeans

  • Army green shirt with homemade cardboard name tag

  • Baseball cap or beret that’s clearly borrowed

  • Belt with too many things clipped to it (keys, lanyard, ambition)

 

Accessories

  • Tiny notebook where you write “observations” like “don’t make eye contact with General Brenda”

  • Lanyard ID with “PRIVATE IN PROGRESS” on it

 

Behavior

  • Snap to attention when someone enters the room, even a cat

  • Misuse military lingo constantly (“Code Lavender: I forgot to charge my phone.”)

  • Run when walking is fine

  • Say “Copy that” to end a chat

 

THE MILITARY WANNABE / POSER / MERCENARY OF VIBES

 

Vibe: All costume, no context. Think “Call of Duty energy, Etsy budget.”

 

What to Wear

  • Black everything

  • Tactical vest made from a fishing vest or hardware apron

  • Utility belt with fake gear (a roll of tape, granola bar, flashlight)

  • Gloves, boots, and a confident head nod

 

Accessories

  • Paintball mask or ski goggles as “field gear”

  • Fingerless gloves + dramatic bandana combo

  • Backpack with literally nothing inside except one energy drink

  • Toy weapon with LED lights 

 

Behavior

  • Talk about “the mission” but never explain what it is

  • Do finger-gun salutes

  • Say “Negative” instead of “No,” "Affirmative" instead of "yes," and “Roger” instead of “OK”

  • Posture like you’re carrying 80lbs of emotional backstory

 

Bonus Add-ons for Any Rank

  • Camouflage face paint (or just creative contouring)

  • “Mission log” journal full of nonsense like “Thursday – survived the DMV”

  • Tiny flag on a stick — wave it patriotically or plant it in cake

  • A printed badge or sash reading: "Self-Appointed Field Commander of Vibes"

GAME DEVELOPER NOTES:

Military costumes are super easy - if you are a General - wear the actual costume or solid colors to match a General's hat.  

Sailors, and boat captains (who many used to be military), can just wear a sailor or captain's hat or go all out with the full sailor/captain costume. 

Paratroopers - you don't have to drag a parachute to the party, but at least wear a flight suit or camouflage - that's good enough! Navy Seals can get the kit with the vest that says 'Navy Seals' and wear all black underneath. 

It's always great for combat characters to smudge a bit of camo makeup on your face for a fun effect. 

You can also opt for an easy T-shirt to reflect which branch of the military your character is in. 

Have fun! 

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

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