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.
Halloweencostumes.com - men's
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)
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Long coat or blazer with buttons and structure
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Matching pants (or just dramatic ones — you outrank logic)
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Button-up shirt or turtleneck underneath
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Sash, scarf, or draped ribbon as a “service medal line”
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Tall boots or dress shoes with some clomp
Accessories
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DIY medals made from bottle caps, old brooches, or foil
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Shoulder epaulets from fringe, rope, or that weird party garland
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Sunglasses indoors — non-negotiable
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Clipboard, whistle, or dramatic baton
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Hat with authority: think flat-brimmed cap, thrift-store riding hat, or cardboard masterpiece
Hair & Makeup
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Slicked back, tight bun, or sharp side part
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Extra bronzer for "sun-from-the-frontlines" energy
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Smoky eyeliner = combat readiness (fashion edition)
Behavior
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Bark orders, even if they don’t make sense
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Salute constantly — even to plants or sandwiches
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Refer to everyone as “soldier,” even babies or pets
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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
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Camo pants, cargo shorts, or army-green trousers
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Tank top, tight tee, or flannel (rolled sleeves = field-ready)
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Combat boots or grungy sneakers
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Dog tags (real or made from foil and string)
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Fingerless gloves for style and pretend grip
Accessories
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Toy walkie-talkie
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Foam knife or Nerf weaponry
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Canteen (or just a stainless water bottle you aggressively swig)
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Backpack with an unnecessary number of straps
Behavior
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Yell “DROP AND GIVE ME DRAMA”
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Do pushups randomly (bonus points if they're dramatic and wheezy)
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Whisper “They don’t know what I’ve been through… since 6th grade gym class”
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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
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Khakis or jeans
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Army green shirt with homemade cardboard name tag
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Baseball cap or beret that’s clearly borrowed
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Belt with too many things clipped to it (keys, lanyard, ambition)
Accessories
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Tiny notebook where you write “observations” like “don’t make eye contact with General Brenda”
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Lanyard ID with “PRIVATE IN PROGRESS” on it
Behavior
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Snap to attention when someone enters the room, even a cat
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Misuse military lingo constantly (“Code Lavender: I forgot to charge my phone.”)
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Run when walking is fine
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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
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Black everything
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Tactical vest made from a fishing vest or hardware apron
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Utility belt with fake gear (a roll of tape, granola bar, flashlight)
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Gloves, boots, and a confident head nod
Accessories
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Paintball mask or ski goggles as “field gear”
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Fingerless gloves + dramatic bandana combo
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Backpack with literally nothing inside except one energy drink
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Toy weapon with LED lights
Behavior
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Talk about “the mission” but never explain what it is
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Do finger-gun salutes
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Say “Negative” instead of “No,” "Affirmative" instead of "yes," and “Roger” instead of “OK”
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Posture like you’re carrying 80lbs of emotional backstory
Bonus Add-ons for Any Rank
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Camouflage face paint (or just creative contouring)
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“Mission log” journal full of nonsense like “Thursday – survived the DMV”
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Tiny flag on a stick — wave it patriotically or plant it in cake
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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!