Unleash the mystery. Live the story.
Costume Advice
SPLISH, SLASH, AND SUS ROLES
(Spring, Summer and water-related Characters for a Mystery Party)
Whether you're flipping burgers at a beach bash, guarding the deep end, or investigating something fishy near the marina, the Splish, Splash & Suspicious category is soaked in style, secrets, and SPF 50. These characters might look ready for fun in the sun—but someone’s clearly going overboard.
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EXAMPLE LOOKS OF SPLASH & SUS COSTUMES.
TYPES OF MURDER MYSTERY PARTY CHARACTERS
Who Falls Into the Water-Themed Cast?
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Lifeguard – Muscles, whistle, and a deep mistrust of floaties.
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Fisherman / Fisherwoman – Might have hooked more than fish.
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Marine Biologist – Knows what lies beneath. Bilingual. Hates beach-goers.
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Luau Guest / Tiki Host – Too cheerful. Possibly hiding bodies in the pig roast.
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Swimming Pool Technician – Pool noodle in one hand, wrench in the other. Has chemicals.
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SCUBA Diver / Police Diver – Finds evidence no one else can reach—and maybe hides it.
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Beach Bum – Chill vibes, suspicious tan lines, probably saw something while half-asleep.
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Water Skier / Wakeboarder – Loud, flashy, competitive. Got beef with everyone.
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Surfer Dude/Dudette – Knows the tides... and where the body went out.
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Cruise Director – All smiles and itinerary changes. Knows every passenger—and every scandal.
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Shark Conservationist – Passionate, intense, possibly too defensive.
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Lighthouse Keeper – Grizzled loner. Speaks in riddles. Definitely cursed.
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Beach Cop – Badge, sandals, and way too much authority.
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Sunscreen Rep or Tanning Lotion Influencer – Glossy, orange, and deeply shady.
Men’s Summer/Water Costume Ideas:
Fisherman:
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Cargo shorts, flannel shirt, or vest
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Bucket hat or trucker cap
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Fishing rod, bait box, or “lucky lure”
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Optional: fake fish or tangled net
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Lifeguard:
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Red shorts, tank top, or “LIFEGUARD” shirt
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Sunglasses, whistle, rescue tube, or flotation device
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Sunscreen on the nose
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Flip-flops or bare feet
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Constantly scanning the horizon, even indoors
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Pool Tech / Diver / Marine Pro:
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Work shirt or rash guard
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Tool belt, water-testing kit, clipboard
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SCUBA gear (or at least flippers/snorkel for comedy value)
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Damp attitude
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Surfer / Beach Dude:
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Board shorts, open shirt or rash guard
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Necklace made of puka shells or shark teeth
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Messy hair, sandals, and a foam board under one arm
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Vocabulary includes “gnarly,” “bro,” and “suspicious rip current”
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Women’s Summer/Water Costume Ideas:
Luau Party Guest:
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Bright floral dress or grass skirt and bikini top
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Leis, a flower crown, and a tropical drink in hand
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Sunglasses and a mischievous grin
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Bonus: coconut bra and ukulele for chaotic good energy
Lifeguard:
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Red swimsuit or shorts and crop top/tank
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High ponytail or bun, whistle around neck
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Sunglasses and an intense sense of justice
Marine Biologist / Ocean Expert:
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Utility shorts or capris, short-sleeve button-up
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ID badge, gloves, notebook
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Rubber boots or dive shoes
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Always correcting people about jellyfish vs. jellies
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Pool Diva or Influencer:
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Giant sunhat, oversized sunglasses
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Designer swimsuit with a sheer cover-up
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Phone in a waterproof case
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Talks about followers more than oxygen
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Character & Roleplaying Tips:
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Refer to people as “Captain,” “Sharkbait,” or “Pool Noodle Guy”
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Use overly descriptive terms for the crime: “This case has as many layers as coral strata.”
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Carry around seaweed and claim it's potential "evidence."
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Make dramatic eye contact, then say, “The tide’s gonna turn...”
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Misinterpret every comment as a boat pun opportunity
Bonus Costuming Twists:
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The “Retired Pirate Turned Dock Manager”
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A “Mermaid in Disguise” (wig, tail-printed skirt, cryptic messages)
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A “Waterpark Mascot Gone Rogue”
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Or the always-popular “Slightly Crispy Tourist” – sunburned, confused, and loaded with suspicious souvenirs
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