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Costume Advice

LITTLE OLD LADIES & GENTS COSTUMES

Whether you're headed to a school event or just want to shuffle into the party with sass, this guide helps young folk go full-on retirement chic using what’s already around the house. From “Mall Walker Mildred” to “Retired Rock Star Ralph,” we’re talking high-waisted fashion, grumbly voices, and a whole lotta attitude.

SENIOR COSTUME LOOKS

 DIY Costume Guide for Playing Grandpa & Grandma 👴👵

ESSENTIALS FOR ANY LITTLE OLD PERSON:

Closet Core:

  • Oversized cardigan or sweater – Borrow from a grown-up or hit the thrift store. Bonus if it smells slightly like mothballs.

  • Button-up shirt or floral blouse – The louder the pattern, the better.

  • Knee-length skirt or plaid pants – Elastic waistbands encouraged.

  • Suspenders – Can be made with ribbon, shoelaces, or even duct tape if you're feeling crafty.

  • Supportive shoes – Think loafers, oxfords, or Velcro sneakers. No Crocs allowed unless you’re an ironic retiree.

Gray Hair Magic:

  • Use baby powder or cornstarch on hair for that snowy white look.

  • Slick hair into a bun with bobby pins for granny glam.

  • For grandpas, craft a bald spot using a swimming cap and draw liver spots with brown eyeliner.

Eyewear Flair:

  • Big fake glasses = instant transformation. Pop the lenses out of 3D movie glasses or use toy glasses.

  • Chain your glasses with yarn or a shoelace for full librarian energy.

🧵 DIY ACCESSORY IDEAS:

Accessory                         How to Make It

Cane                                   Wrap a broomstick in gray tape, or make one from cardboard and tinfoil.

Purse                                  Use a lunchbox or tote bag and stuff it with tissues, mints, and fake coupons.

Pearl necklace                  String beads, buttons, or even cereal (Cheerios = vintage chic).

Hearing aid                        Shape aluminum foil into a little ear gadget and tape it on.

Back brace                         Layer a belt over a shirt or use an old Ace bandage.

🧓 HOW TO ACT LIKE YOU’RE 85 GOING ON 12:

Voice & Speech:

  • Talk like everything’s a little dramatic: “Back in my day…”

  • Overuse old phrases: “Whippersnapper!” “Land sakes!” “I haven’t seen that since the war.”

  • Add a little fake wheeze or dramatic sigh after everything.

Walk & Stance:

  • Hunch over just a little.

  • Shuffle your feet with purpose.

  • Walk slow… then faster when there's pudding.

Facial Expressions:

  • Look suspicious at new technology.

  • Squint at everything.

  • Smile politely while muttering something shady under your breath.

👵 ELDERLY ALTER EGO INSPIRATION:

  • Sassy Grandma Betty – Never leaves the house without lipstick and gossip.

  • Grumpy Grandpa Earl – Complains about “today’s music” and can’t figure out how to work the remote.

  • Garden Club Gloria – Obsessed with her petunias and your business.

  • Retired Biker Ron – Wears sunglasses indoors and tells wild stories that may or may not be true.

  • Florida Nana Nancy – Hawaiian shirt, sun visor, and a tennis racket “just in case.”

💡 BONUS PROPS TO BRING:

  • Crossword puzzle or large-print book

  • Pill organizer filled with jellybeans or raisins

  • Polaroid photo labeled “1964”

  • Tissue up your sleeve (a grandma essential)

  • Empty coffee mug that says “#1 Grandpa” or “World’s Okayest Grandma”

🧓 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Rocking Chair):

  • Dig in your closet, borrow from relatives, and don’t be afraid to go full retro.

  • Baby powder, big glasses, and a cardigan = instant age jump.

  • It’s not just the look — it’s the shuffle, the sass, and the stories that sell it.

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

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