The Mystery Machine Costume
Hop in the iconic Scooby-Doo van for your next mystery-solving adventure.
The Mystery Machine is the legendary, flower-power-inspired van driven by the Scooby-Doo gang. People choose this costume for its nostalgic, high-energy retro aesthetic and its instant recognition. The look can be achieved either through a playful 3D ride-along van tunic or a creative DIY outfit utilizing the van's signature color palette and flower decals.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $20–65
Try it on
See yourself as The Mystery Machine
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a The Mystery Machine costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete The Mystery Machine costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Mystery Machine Ride-Along Tunic
A structured, lightweight foam tunic shaped like the blue and green van with orange 'Mystery Machine' text and flower decals, held up by shoulder straps.
DIY: Cut a cardboard box into a van shape, paint it turquoise and lime green, paint orange flowers on the sides, and attach two green fabric shoulder straps.
Turquoise Blue Shirt
A solid turquoise or aqua blue t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt worn underneath the van structure.
DIY: Use any solid bright blue or teal shirt from your closet.
Lime Green Pants
Bright lime green leggings or jeans to match the secondary color of the iconic van.
DIY: Wear solid black pants or jeans if green pants are unavailable.
Orange Flower Accessories
Retro orange flower earrings, hair clips, or felt flower patches to pin to your shirt.
DIY: Cut flower shapes out of orange felt or construction paper and safety-pin them to your clothing.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made The Mystery Machine costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the solid turquoise blue shirt and lime green pants as your base layer.
- 2
If using the ride-along tunic, step into the center opening and pull the shoulder straps over your shoulders.
- 3
Adjust the straps so the top of the van sits comfortably at chest level.
- 4
Add retro orange flower accessories, such as earrings or hair clips, to lean into the 1960s aesthetic.
- 5
Finish the look with comfortable canvas sneakers, preferably in white, orange, or green.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair in a fun, retro 1960s style like a high ponytail with a bright orange scrunchie or a flipped-out bob. Makeup can feature bright orange or teal eyeshadow and a playful, cartoon-style winged eyeliner.
The Mystery Machine for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair the Mystery Machine with Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, or Velma.
- group
- Have a full group dress as the Mystery Inc. gang (Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby) with one person wearing the Mystery Machine van.
- kids
- A lightweight foam ride-on van tunic designed for children, paired with a bright blue tee.
- Plus size
- The ride-along tunic features open sides and adjustable straps, making it highly adjustable and comfortable for all body types.
- pet
- A soft fabric step-in pet costume shaped like the blue and green van with printed wheels and flowers.
Tips
- Since the ride-along tunic is wide, be mindful of your surroundings when walking through tight doorways or crowded party spaces.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as this costume is a hit at social events where you will likely be standing and mingling.
- For outdoor trick-or-treating, the roomy tunic easily fits over heavy jackets and warm layers.
The Mystery Machine costume FAQ
- What color is the Mystery Machine?
- The Mystery Machine is primarily medium turquoise blue with a lime green accent stripe along the bottom, decorated with orange flowers and orange 'The Mystery Machine' text.
- How does the ride-along Mystery Machine costume work?
- It is a lightweight, structured foam tunic shaped like a van that you step into, supported by two adjustable shoulder straps that keep it suspended around your waist.
- Can I make a DIY Mystery Machine costume?
- Yes! You can paint a cardboard box to look like the van, or wear a turquoise dress decorated with felt orange and green flowers and matching retro jewelry.
Did you know? The Mystery Machine's iconic psychedelic paint job is a reflection of the late-1960s counterculture era in which the original Scooby-Doo cartoon was created.