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Costume Advice

POWER AND PLOT TWISTS COSTUMES

Power Comes at a Price — and Someone’s About to Pay It

Wealthy, influential, and possibly just a bit dangerous — these characters live in a world where everything is up for grabs: companies, legacies, trademarks... even murder weapons. Whether you’re a slick tech CEO, a fashion mogul, or a bitter heir waiting to inherit the family empire, these roles demand commanding presence and just the right touch of suspicion. This guide will help you build your look with items you may already own, and help you behave like someone used to getting their way — unless someone got to them first.

EXAMPLES OF POWER, PROFIT & PLOT TWISTS COSTUMES

Characters in the “Power, Profit & Plot Twists” Category:

  • Corporate CEO (Tech, Pharma, Oil, or Real Estate)

  • Venture Capitalist or Angel Investor

  • Fashion Designer, Beauty Brand Founder, or Lifestyle Tycoon

  • Startup Founder or App Developer

  • Media Mogul or News Network Executive

  • E-Commerce Giant or Viral Business Influencer

  • Casino Owner, Developer, or Resort Magnate

  • Real Estate Baron or Private Island Owner

  • Cryptocurrency Guru or Tech Visionary

  • Inherited Wealth Heir (Old Money)

  • Disinherited Sibling or Estranged Trust Fund Baby

  • Widow or Trophy Spouse of a Powerful CEO

 

What You Might Already Have in Your Closet:

  • Tailored blazer, power suit, or high-end looking coat

  • Black turtleneck or minimal tech-style clothing (for Silicon Valley types)

  • Designer sunglasses, heels, or sleek loafers

  • Silk scarves, bold jewelry, or statement earrings

  • Pencil skirt, structured jumpsuit, or cashmere sweater

  • Faux fur, gold accessories, or luxury "inspired" items

  • Monochrome outfits with sharp edges or all-black ensembles

  • Vintage designer pieces (especially for old-money heirs)

  • Hoodies or tees with your "company logo" for the founder vibe

 

Hair & Makeup Tips:

  • CEOs: Sleek, low-maintenance, and clean. Tight bun, glossy blowout, or gelled hair.

  • Entrepreneurs: Messy, "too busy for grooming" look — but make it curated. Unshaven or artfully tousled.

  • Fashion/Beauty Tycoons: High glam — sharp brows, bold lips, glowing contour. Think runway-ready even at home.

  • Heirs/Heiresses: Polished and curated, or “rich kid on the edge.” Perfect curls, expensive-looking shine, or careless luxury.

  • Consider smokey eyes, sunglasses indoors, or gold leaf accents for drama.

 

Accessories & Props:

  • Oversized phone, AirPods, or Bluetooth headset

  • Champagne flute, fake stock certificate, or “Board Meeting” agenda

  • Fake business cards or press release documents

  • A checkbook, money clip, or fake luxury watch

  • Company-branded tablet or presentation folder

  • Tiny dog (plush or real), mini martini glass, or ridiculous purse (for heirs)

  • Investment portfolio, brand proposal, or stack of NDA papers

  • Property map, deed folder, or mysterious "last will and testament"

 

Behaviors, Voice, and Quirks:

  • CEOs: Speak with conviction. Use business buzzwords constantly. “We’re scaling,” “I’ve got global interests,” “That’s proprietary.”

  • Founders: Rapid speech, nervous energy. Pitch everything like it’s Shark Tank. “Disruption” is your favorite word.

  • Fashion Moguls: Eye people up and down. Drop names. Roll eyes dramatically. Say things like “This fabric is from Milan. You wouldn’t understand.”

  • Heirs and Heiresses: Entitled, dramatic, or devastatingly bored. Flip hair, hold champagne like a prop. Say things like “Daddy owns half this city,” “I don’t need to work,” or “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”

  • VC/Investors: Ask everyone what their “valuation” is. Offer unsolicited advice. Constantly check an imaginary stock app.

  • Quirks: Carry a fake NDA and insist others sign it. Offer to “invest” in people’s alibis. Snap fingers for service, or make grand entrances like you’re always being photographed.

 

Whether you earned your empire or inherited every cent, you're used to power — and maybe used it to silence someone. These characters dominate the boardroom, the trust fund, or the red carpet, and if they didn't commit the crime, they almost certainly paid for it.

Character Breakdown

🏢Corporate CEO (Tech, Pharma, Oil, Real Estate)🧠💼😤

Vibe: Controlled power. The person who doesn’t raise their voice because they don’t have to. Every word sounds final, every pause feels intentional.

Closet: A sharply tailored blazer, slacks or a pencil skirt, and a crisp button-down or sleek blouse. Neutral heels or polished dress shoes complete the look. Everything should fit perfectly and feel expensive, even if it isn’t.

Cheap Add-Ons: Clipboard or leather portfolio, phone with constant calendar alerts, reading glasses used only for emphasis, a pen you click when displeased.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Sleek bun, low ponytail, or straightened hair. Neutral makeup with strong brows and a matte lipstick. The look should read “boardroom-ready at all times.”

How to Act:
Speak slowly, clearly, and decisively. Never interrupt emotionally—interrupt strategically. Act like everyone else is wasting your time, but you’re generous enough to tolerate it. Deliver criticism calmly, as if issuing a quarterly report. Never explain why you’re right.

Body Language Tips:
Stand tall, minimal movement. Fold arms when listening. Pause before responding. Make eye contact, then look away first.

Phrases:
“This ends now.”
“That’s not compliant.”
“I’ll handle it.”
“We’re not discussing that.”
“Make it happen.”

Venture Capitalist / Angel Investor 🦈💸👀

Vibe: Calm, observant, and quietly powerful. Never chases opportunity—opportunity waits for approval. Speaks rarely, listens constantly, and decides everything with a raised eyebrow.

Closet: Blazer over a T-shirt or sleek top, dark jeans, and sneakers or loafers. The look should feel expensive but effortless, like success just happened.

Cheap Add-Ons: Notebook labeled “PITCH IDEAS,” pen you click constantly, phone with unread notifications, minimalist watch.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Polished but casual—low ponytail or smooth waves, tinted moisturizer, subtle highlight, lip gloss. Looks ready for a boardroom or a coffee meeting.

How to Act:
Ask short, pointed questions, then go silent. Nod slowly while others explain themselves. Let pauses stretch uncomfortably. Judge ideas without revealing conclusions. Occasionally smile like you already know the outcome.

Body Language Tips:
Lean back when listening. Tap the pen rhythmically. Make eye contact, then look away mid-sentence. Close the notebook dramatically when unimpressed.

Phrases:
“What’s the exit?”
“I’ve seen this before.”
“Convince me.”
“Interesting valuation.”
“I’ll circle back.”

Fashion Designer / Beauty Founder / Lifestyle Tycoon 💅✨🧵

Vibe: Visionary genius with zero tolerance for mediocrity. Lives at the intersection of art, commerce, and ego. Treats personal taste as a moral compass.

Closet: Bold, expressive clothing — a statement jacket, dramatic layers, scarves, asymmetrical cuts, or monochrome looks. Nothing subtle. Everything intentional. If it’s uncomfortable, it’s fashion.

Cheap Add-Ons: Oversized sunglasses worn indoors, fabric swatches, lipstick or makeup samples, a mini mirror, sketchbook labeled “CONCEPTS.”

Hair/Makeup (Women): Dramatic eyeliner, bold or unconventional lip color, sculpted cheeks. Hair should look “effortlessly chaotic” — intentionally messy, slicked back, or artfully undone.

How to Act:
React to outfits, rooms, and people as if you’re judging a runway show. Gasp, wince, or dramatically avert your eyes at bad taste. Speak in declarations, not explanations. Everything must align with “the vision,” even if no one knows what that is. Take criticism personally and praise yourself openly.

Body Language Tips:
Gesture expansively. Touch fabrics constantly. Pose without realizing it. Look people up and down before responding.

Phrases:
“That’s off-brand.”
“I don’t love it.”
“This is a moment.”
“Trust the process.”
“Absolutely not.”

Startup Founder / App Developer 🧃💻🤯

Vibe: Brilliant, exhausted, and fueled entirely by caffeine and unchecked ambition. Lives in the future, barely survives the present. Believes one breakthrough is always just one update away.

Closet: Hoodie or graphic tee layered under a blazer, jeans or joggers, and sneakers. The look says “I slept three hours, but I’m changing the world.”

Cheap Add-Ons: Laptop or tablet, phone mockup, reusable coffee cup, sticky notes labeled “FEATURES,” “BUGS,” and “FIX LATER.”

Hair/Makeup (Women): Casual, low-effort hair—messy bun, ponytail, or loose waves. Minimal makeup with under-eye concealer. The goal is “tired but visionary.”

How to Act:
Speak quickly and enthusiastically, often interrupting yourself mid-sentence. Gesture wildly while explaining things no one fully understands. Get distracted by ideas halfway through conversations. Jump between excitement and frustration in seconds. Constantly pitch improvements to imaginary investors.

Body Language Tips:
Pace while talking. Tap fingers on surfaces. Check your phone constantly. Sit, stand, then sit again without realizing it.

Phrases:
“We’re disrupting everything.”
“It’s in beta.”
“Just wait.”
“This is going to change everything.”
“The investors love it.”

Media Mogul / News Network Executive 🎤📺😏

Vibe: Polished, influential, and always five steps ahead of the narrative. Speaks softly but controls the story. Nothing is ever “just a conversation.”

Closet: A sharp, tailored suit or elegant dress with polished shoes. Neutral colors dominate, but everything looks expensive and intentional. This is someone who lives on camera—even off camera.

Cheap Add-Ons: Press badge, notepad filled with shorthand scribbles, phone constantly buzzing with alerts, reading glasses used for emphasis.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Camera-ready makeup with defined eyes and a flawless base. Hair styled in a smooth blowout or sleek waves. The look should read “breaking news, anytime.”

How to Act:
Turn every interaction into potential content. Ask questions gently, with a reassuring smile, then pause to let people fill the silence. Never reveal your own opinions—only encourage others to reveal theirs. Speak as if everything is confidential, even when it’s not. Casually remind people that stories can be framed many ways.

Body Language Tips:
Maintain steady eye contact. Nod slowly while others speak. Write notes without looking down. Step slightly closer when asking sensitive questions.

Phrases:
“Off the record?”
“That’s a story.”
“Interesting timing.”
“How would you want that portrayed?”
“We’ll handle it responsibly.”

E-Commerce Giant / Viral Business Influencer 📱💰😎

Vibe: Loud, glossy, and permanently online. Lives for engagement, metrics, and validation. If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.

Closet: Trendy, logo-heavy outfits, coordinated athleisure sets, oversized sunglasses, statement sneakers. The look should scream “brand partnership,” even if none exist.

Cheap Add-Ons: Ring light, phone on a selfie stick, branded merch, portable charger, fake sponsorship contracts.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Full glam or hyper-trendy makeup—contour, lashes, glossy lips. Hair styled perfectly but touched up constantly. Filters are implied.

How to Act:
Narrate everything out loud like a livestream, including mundane actions. Pause conversations to “address the chat.” Overreact to minor events as if they’re viral moments. Constantly check engagement numbers. Casually mention followers, sponsorships, and “the algorithm.”

Body Language Tips:
Hold your phone at arm’s length. Strike poses mid-sentence. Wave to imaginary viewers. Stop and restart conversations because “the lighting is better over here.”

Phrases:
“Link in bio.”
“This is blowing up.”
“Say hi!”
“Okay guys, real talk…”
“I can’t believe this is happening.”

Casino Owner / Resort Magnate 🎰🍸😈

Vibe: Effortless power and expensive calm. This person doesn’t chase money—money comes to them. Risk is a game they’ve already mastered.

Closet: Linen suit or relaxed luxury attire with an open collar, loafers or sleek sandals. Everything should look breezy, comfortable, and unmistakably high-end.

Cheap Add-Ons: Fake casino chips, oversized sunglasses, cigar prop (unlit), keycard labeled “PRIVATE,” gold-toned accessories.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Glamorous but relaxed—bronzed skin, glossy lips, softly defined eyes. Hair worn loose, styled, and confident. Think “sunset cocktail, not boardroom.”

How to Act:
Remain smooth and unflappable at all times. Speak slowly, smile often, and never seem surprised. Treat every interaction like a negotiation you’ve already won. Laugh easily at danger, downplay consequences, and imply you always have leverage. When tensions rise, you get calmer.

Body Language Tips:
Lean back when seated. Move deliberately. Make eye contact, then look away casually. Gesture lightly, as if nothing requires effort.

Phrases:
“The house always wins.”
“Care to gamble?”
“High risk, high reward.”
“Everything has a price.”
“Luck favors the bold.”

Real Estate Baron / Private Island Owner 🏝️💳😌

Vibe: Calm, calculating, and quietly untouchable. Sees land, people, and problems as assets waiting to be acquired. Nothing is emotional—it’s all transactional.

Closet: Neutral luxury pieces like a fitted polo or silk blouse, lightweight blazer, crisp pants or tailored skirt, and refined shoes. The outfit should look clean, expensive, and intentionally understated.

Cheap Add-Ons: Rolled blueprints, property listings, a leather folio, keys labeled “ISLAND,” sunglasses worn without apology.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Polished and subtle. Smooth blowout or low bun, neutral makeup, soft contour, understated jewelry. The goal is quiet confidence, not flash.

How to Act:
Casually reference ownership as if it’s common knowledge. Talk about locations, zoning, and value instead of people or emotions. Treat conversations like negotiations. Offer compliments that sound like appraisals. Never rush—time is money, and you have both.

Body Language Tips:
Relaxed posture. Small, precise gestures. Make eye contact when discussing value, look away when dismissing ideas.

Phrases:
“It’s an investment.”
“I could buy that.”
“Everything appreciates eventually.”
“Location is everything.”
“I’ve owned worse.”

Cryptocurrency Guru / Tech Visionary 📉📈😵‍💫

Vibe: Part genius, part cult leader, part internet prophet. Claims to be “early” to everything and smug about it. Sees the future clearly—and laughs at anyone still living in the past.

Closet: Minimalist black, monochrome neutrals, or futuristic casual wear. Think sleek jacket, turtleneck, clean sneakers, or anything that looks like it belongs on a conference stage or secret livestream.

Cheap Add-Ons: Tablet or laptop displaying fake charts, printed graphs with arrows pointing up, crypto-logo stickers, phone constantly showing “market alerts.”

Hair/Makeup (Women): Clean, sharp lines—sleek ponytail, blunt bob, or smooth waves. Minimal makeup with optional metallic accents or glossy skin. The look should say “optimized.”

How to Act:
Speak confidently in buzzwords and half-finished theories. Laugh dismissively at banks, cash, and “traditional systems.” Explain concepts only halfway, then imply others wouldn’t understand anyway. Interrupt conversations to check “the market.” Treat volatility like a personality trait.

Body Language Tips:
Nod knowingly. Smirk often. Gesture vaguely at charts. Look bored when others speak too long. Lean in only when someone mentions money.

Phrases:
“Decentralized.”
“You wouldn’t get it.”
“This is bigger than money.”
“The system is collapsing.”
“I warned everyone.”

Inherited Wealth Heir (Old Money)🕯️💍🫖

Vibe: Effortless privilege. Never loud, never rushed, never impressed. The confidence comes from generations of money, not personal achievement.

Closet: Timeless, understated pieces — cardigan draped over shoulders, tailored trousers or skirt, loafers or low heels, crisp button-downs, cashmere if available. Nothing flashy; everything looks expensive because it doesn’t try.

Cheap Add-Ons: Signet ring, vintage watch, silk scarf, leather-bound notebook, monogrammed handkerchief. Optional: sunglasses worn indoors without apology.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Classic and controlled. Soft waves, a neat bun, or low ponytail. Neutral makeup with defined brows and a muted lip. The goal is “inherited taste,” not trend-chasing.

How to Act:
Speak softly and slowly. Rarely react with surprise — most things are beneath comment. Refer to places, traditions, or people as if everyone should already know them. Offer polite smiles that do not reach the eyes. Never explain yourself; explanations are for people who need approval.

Body Language Tips:
Relaxed posture, minimal gestures. Sit comfortably anywhere, as if you own the room. Maintain eye contact just long enough to make others uncomfortable.

Phrases:
“We’ve always done it this way.”
“That’s… new.”
“How charming.”
“My family handled that years ago.”
“Money talks. Old money whispers.”

Disinherited Sibling / Estranged Trust Fund Baby 💔🔥💸

Vibe: Equal parts wounded entitlement and rebellious chaos. Grew up surrounded by wealth, then got cut off—financially and emotionally. Carries a chip on the shoulder and receipts in the pocket.

Closet: A mix of expensive statement pieces and rebellious flair—designer jacket over a ripped tee, luxury boots with distressed jeans, or anything that looks costly but worn with spite. The outfit should say “I used to have everything.”

Cheap Add-Ons: Old family photo (creased and dramatic), legal papers labeled “TRUST,” a cracked phone, sunglasses worn indoors like armor.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Smudged eyeliner, edgy or messy hair, bold or dark lipstick. The look should feel intentional but emotionally charged—like you got ready while replaying an argument in your head.

How to Act:
Use bitter humor as a defense mechanism. Swing between sarcasm, vulnerability, and rage with little warning. Drop passive-aggressive comments about inheritance, favoritism, and “family values.” Overshare just enough to make people uncomfortable. Laugh at things that aren’t funny.

Body Language Tips:
Cross arms defensively. Pace when agitated. Dramatic sighs. Eye rolls that could cause injury. Hold objects tightly when emotional.

Phrases:
“It should’ve been mine.”
“Family means nothing when money’s involved.”
“They took everything.”
“Oh, now they care?”
“I earned it.”

Widow / Trophy Wife of a Powerful CEO 🖤💎👁️

Vibe: Graceful, grieving, and far sharper than anyone expects. Appears fragile, but is quietly calculating every move in the room. Underestimation is the greatest weapon.

Closet: Elegant black or muted-toned dresses, silk blouses, tailored skirts, or soft cardigans. Everything should look tasteful, expensive, and intentionally understated.

Cheap Add-Ons: Veil or fascinator, oversized sunglasses, inheritance papers, legal folders labeled “ESTATE,” diamond jewelry worn sparingly.

Hair/Makeup (Women): Soft glam with dramatic lashes, neutral eyes, and a subtle highlight. Hair styled in loose waves, low bun, or sleek ponytail. The look says “mourning,” but the lashes say “prepared.”

How to Act:
Speak gently and thoughtfully. Appear emotionally overwhelmed, then surprise people with precise, cutting observations. Ask innocent-sounding questions that extract useful information. Let others assume weakness—then quietly remember everything they say.

Body Language Tips:
Soft posture, slow movements. Lower your voice when others raise theirs. Hold documents close. Make meaningful eye contact, then look away at just the right moment.

Phrases:
“It’s all so overwhelming…”
“I don’t really understand the business side.”
“He handled everything.”
“I’m just trying to do what’s best.”
“People underestimate grief.”

More notes: 

To differentiate a celebrity character role, which is potentially just as rich as these characters, these roles are all about flaunting the Benjamins, baby! These are designed for you to display your character's success and bank accounts. For any of them, you can wear a money suit, high roller costume, and any of the accessories to make you look super rich and successful, but in an extra cheesy and cheeky way. It's a party, not real life, so exaggerating stereotypes is expected. 
For the girls: a formal sequin or beaded gown, a faux mink stole, large costume jewels (statement pieces), and maybe even a tiara.   A handbag with fake money sticking out of it - you just have so much, it's seeping from your pores.  The money boa is a hilarious, cheeky prop. If you buy some fake money, make a hairpiece out of it by creating a design with the bills, gluing them on a barrette along with some rhinestones and a few feathers or flowers to match your dress. Because dahling, you have enough money to spare for this. 
For the guys: wear a suit or tux (the money suit is great) and pick up some fake money and have it peeking out of your pockets or carry a money bag with you - you have so much money that you like to carry a substantial amount with you in case of emergencies...or if you decide to buy a sports care with cash, because why not? 
And then, you can always go over the top with a high roller suit with a money cane and dollar sign jewelry.
 
How are you different from the celebrity characters (i.e., movie stars, rock stars, pop stars, etc.)? Well, there could be some overlap with the celebrity characters, but your purpose is to have money and success dripping off you - your clothing should look expensive (even though it's not - that's expected with costumes), and you should accessorize everything possible to flaunt your cash. The exception to the clothing looking expensive is if you opt for a money themed shirt/suit/dress, etc. Then, you can claim it was made for you out of real hundred dollar bills. 
A celebrity character just needs to stand out and look flashy - but a tycoon or entrepreneur's appearance needs to scream all three - rich, successful, and famous.  A celebrity could lose their spot in the limelight with their next film that goes straight to streaming, but you are the real deal. 

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