Murder Mystery
Dress the part, find the clues, and solve the crime.
Murder mystery party costumes allow guests to step into a suspenseful narrative as detectives, wealthy socialites, or suspicious suspects. Most parties utilize vintage themes, particularly the glamorous 1920s jazz age or classic Victorian detective aesthetics. This guide helps you assemble a versatile, sophisticated look that fits right into a night of secrets and accusations.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
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40 Murder Mystery costume ideas
Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.
KPop Demon Hunters Costume
Unleash your inner pop star and demon hunter with Rumi's iconic look.
The Lorax Costume
Speak for the trees in this vibrant, cozy orange and yellow look.
Harley Quinn Costume
Unleash your inner anti-hero with Harley's iconic red and blue look.
Harley Quinn and Joker Costume
Gotham's most chaotic power couple is ready to steal the show.
Minions Costume
Bello! Bring the chaotic, banana-loving fun to life.
Witch Costume
Cast a spell with a timeless, enchanting classic.
Poison Ivy Costume
Embody Gotham's seductive eco-villain with vibrant greens and ivy leaves.
Wednesday Addams Costume
Channel your favorite gothic icon with a sharp, classic monochrome look.
Rumi Costume
Channel the fierce leader of Huntrix with this K-pop demon hunter style.
Catwoman Costume
Steal the spotlight in Gotham's sleekest, most iconic anti-hero look.
Pirate Costume
Unleash your inner swashbuckler with this classic, customizable seafaring look.
Barbie and Ken Costume
Step into a neon world as the ultimate, fashion-forward plastic duo.
Vampire Costume
Embrace the night with a classic, timeless gothic look.
Ken Costume
Bring the ultimate Kenergy with this iconic Western look.
Scar Costume
Be prepared to rule the Pride Lands in villainous style.
Ghostface Costume
Rule the night as the ultimate Woodsboro slasher.
Michael Myers Costume
Embody the silent, unstoppable shape of Halloween night.
Joker Costume
Unleash your inner agent of chaos in style.
The Joker Costume
Embrace the chaos with the ultimate Gotham villain look.
Spider-Man Costume
With great style comes great responsibility.
Batman Costume
Step out of the shadows as Gotham's legendary Dark Knight.
Wonder Woman Costume
Unleash your inner warrior with the ultimate Amazonian look.
Padmé Amidala Costume
Step into the Star Wars galaxy as Naboo's courageous senator.
Labubu Costume
Bring Pop Mart's most mischievous, lovable monster to life.
Starfire Costume
Channel your inner Tamaranian princess with this vibrant superhero look.
Dog Costume
Unleash your inner pup with this easy, comfortable classic.
Pennywise Costume
Float down here with this screen-accurate, terrifying killer clown look.
Nightwing Costume
Step out of Batman's shadow in this sleek vigilante look.
Freddy Krueger Costume
Bring the ultimate dream-stalking nightmare to life this Halloween.
Little Red Riding Hood Costume
Journey through the woods in this timeless, enchanting fairytale look.
Daphne Blake Costume
Solve mysteries in style with Daphne's retro 1960s purple look.
Chucky Costume
Channel your inner killer doll with Chucky's iconic striped look.
Prisoner Costume
The ultimate classic jailbird look that is incredibly easy to style.
Alice Costume
Bring the magic of Wonderland to life with this iconic blue dress.
Ladybug Costume
A bright, cheerful, and easy-to-wear costume perfect for any occasion.
Clown Costume
Bring the circus to life with vibrant patterns and classic comedy.
Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Bring sweet 1980s nostalgia to life with this classic berry look.
Scarecrow Costume
Bring rustic autumn charm to life with a classic scarecrow look.
Alvin and the Chipmunks Costume
Bring the musical chipmunk trio to life with simple, colorful hoodies.
Harry Potter Costume
Step into the wizarding world with the iconic Gryffindor uniform.
What you need for a Murder Mystery costume
Vintage-style formal wear
A 1920s flapper dress with fringe and sequins, or a sharp tweed suit with a matching vest.
DIY: Pair a modern dark suit or a cocktail dress with vintage accessories to mimic the era.
Classic detective trench coat
A double-breasted tan or beige trench coat for a sleuthing investigator look.
DIY: Use any long overcoat or duster jacket from your closet.
Deerstalker cap or fedora
A plaid deerstalker hat for a Sherlock Holmes vibe, or a felt fedora for a noir detective.
DIY: A flat cap or newsboy hat can work as a substitute.
Magnifying glass
A classic hand-held magnifying glass with a wooden or metallic handle.
DIY: Print out a vintage notebook prop or carry a small pocket notebook instead.
Vintage accessories
Pearl necklaces, long satin gloves, suspenders, pocket watches, or a faux mustache.
DIY: Layer costume jewelry and style your hair in vintage waves or a slicked-back look.
How to put it together
- 1
Choose your archetype: decide if you are playing the brilliant detective, the wealthy host, or a glamorous suspect.
- 2
Put on your base vintage attire, ensuring your suit is pressed or your dress fits comfortably for a night of mingling.
- 3
Layer on the outerwear, such as a trench coat, a faux fur shawl, or a tailored suit vest.
- 4
Add thematic accessories like a pearl necklace, suspenders, a pocket watch, or a feather headband.
- 5
Equip your character props, holding a magnifying glass, a small notepad, or a vintage pipe.
- 6
Style your hair and makeup to match the historical era of your party's theme.
Makeup & hair
For a 1920s look, style hair in finger waves or a slick side-part, paired with dark red lipstick and smokey eyeshadow. For a classic detective, keep hair neat, polished, and tucked under a hat.
Murder Mystery for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Go as the Detective and the Glamorous Suspect, or a wealthy 1920s high-society couple.
- group
- Assign roles to the whole group, including the Detective, the Butler, the Heiress, and the Doctor.
- Plus size
- A draped velvet gown or a classic loose-fit double-breasted suit offers a comfortable, elegant vintage fit.
Tips
- Check the party invitation's specific era (e.g., 1920s Speakeasy, Victorian Mansion, 1950s Hollywood) before finalizing your outfit.
- Prioritize comfort, as murder mystery games require standing, walking around, and whispering secrets for several hours.
- Carry a small notebook and pen to jot down clues while staying in character.
- Keep props lightweight so your hands remain free for drinks and appetizers.
Murder Mystery costume FAQ
- What do you wear to a murder mystery party?
- Most parties have a specific theme, but classic choices include 1920s flapper dresses, sharp suits, trench coats, and detective hats.
- How do I dress like a classic detective?
- Wear a tan trench coat, a fedora or deerstalker hat, and carry a magnifying glass and a small notepad.
- Can I use normal clothes for a murder mystery?
- Yes, you can elevate modern formal wear like a suit or cocktail dress with vintage accessories like pearls, suspenders, and hats.
Did you know? The concept of the murder mystery game dates back to the early 20th century, inspired by parlor games and the rise of detective fiction from authors like Agatha Christie.