90s Murder Mystery Party Costumes

1 Costume Ideas for the Major Characters in our 90s Mystery

Most costumes can be sourced from your own wardrobe with just a few minimal accessories for fun. Or go to town; the choice is yours, dude.

1.1 Scarlet Mopper

Scarlet works as a waitress at Little Worthalot Hotel but has aspirations to be a singer. In the meantime, she has a rather "naughty" secret life.

Think provocative, unconventional, trendy 90s costume – suitable for a young, wanna-be singer. Spice Girl inspirations include platform shoes/sneakers/boots, minidress, animal prints, slip dress, Union Jack dress, crop top, hair scrunchies. Or sexy schoolgirl look includes tartan miniskirt, knee-high socks, crop top.

1.2 Claire Voyantte

Claire is a New Age psychic.

Crystal ball (or glass paperweight as a substitute). Leggings, flared jeans or oversized dungarees (one strap down) with an oversized sweater, a halter-neck or handkerchief top; combine with a choker, hoop earrings, and a 1990s wig or scrunchie. Or go for a tartan miniskirt, knee-high socks, and a crop top. Alternatively, wear flowing clothes with dangly jewellery, and a long red wig with a bandana.

1.3 Karisma, Lady Worthalot-Worthy

Karisma is William's "grieving" widow - but has an eye open for husband number 6!

Think black and glamorous. Slip dress, baby doll dress, animal prints; alternatively, power dress with miniskirt, suit jacket with shoulder pads and pussy-bow blouse. A handkerchief could be useful to dab eyes.

1.4 Lady Beatrice

Muted evening wear, with some touch of black or darker colors to conform to a wake; pearls or expensive-looking costume jewellery; optional black gloves, stoles and shawls.

Lady Beatrice is Lord Worthalot-Worthy's sister and she puts the snob into a snobbish aristocrat.

1.5 Reverend Honestly

The charismatic "reverend" who has founded The Save Our Sinners Foundation; this foundation aims to save the world from ending in 1999.

In the smaller versions of the game, Reverend Honestly can be played by a man or a woman; in the version with 12-14 players, Reverend Honestly is a male character.

Mix a dog collar and token black for a wake with trendy 1990s styles such as coloured jeans, striped sweater, leather or letterman jacket; or chinos and a velvet blazer. Alternatively, opt for a black suit and black or colored shirt. Optionally add a cross - this could easily be made by cutting a cross shape out of black card or cutting a cross shape out of cardboard and then covering this with brown or gold paper or paint.

One customer even had "Save Our Sinners Foundation" printed on his jacket!

1.6 Junior

Junior is a young, rebellious PI.

Think Grunge.  Faded ripped jeans (or long, droopy skirts and ripped tights if female), flannel shirt, band t-shirt or oversized knit sweater. Combat boots / Doc Martens. Long messy hair. Optional bucket hat.

1.7 Thomas Trustme

Thomas is a "respectable" Member of Parliament. He is actively involved with the "Save Our Worthies" campaign, a campaign that aims to protect villages such as Little Worthalot from the wind farm.

Dark single-breasted suit with wide, dark necktie and Chelsea boots. Or trendy black suit, black shirt and black tie.   Optionally have a "Save Our Worthies" badge.

1.8 Fred

Fred is a local farmer who has lived his whole life in the village of Little Worthalot.

Flannel shirt, baggy or tweed trousers, possibly with a tweed waistcoat as it is a wake. Wellies and tweed hat a possibility.  Ring for a surprise proposal.

1.9 Justin Good

Justin is the smooth-talking, smooth-operating fiancé of Lady Beatrice. He runs the charity: Good Causes 4 Us.

1990s preppy look – khaki slacks, blazer, gingham short-sleeved shirt, canvas boat shoes or Chelsea boots. Or be on trend with a black suit, black shirt and black tie or a black reefer jacket or trench coat.  Frosted tips or wig optional. Alternatively, a suit and black tie.

1.10 Kit House

Kit can be played by a man or a woman. Kit claims to be a "respectable" hotel owner but Kit's clothes suggest otherwise.

Token respectability mixed with sexier 1990s clothes.

If a Man: Aloha or paisley shirt, jacket with wide lapel and bold shoulders or velvet blazer, boot-cut slacks; fake fur trimmings, chunky jewellery.

If a Woman: Animal prints or slinky metallic / chainmail top. Or power dressing – miniskirt + jacket with shoulder pads & pussy-bow blouse.

1.11 Mel Mopper

Mel is Scarlet's mother or father and works as a chef or housekeeper at Worthalot Manor. Mel is anti-establishment and rebellious.

Mix expected uniform (black and white chequered trousers, white shirt, white chef’s hat or black skirt, white blouse, apron, hair tied back with a white cap) with a touch of 90s' individuality (bandana, ripped jeans, flannel shirt, combat boots, Aviator sunglasses, neon leggings, halterneck crop top, turtleneck etc).

1.12 Goldie Honeykins

Goldie is a world-famous actress and is very glamorous. She is also too fond of her "dwinkies".

Stunning evening wear. A slip dress, baby doll dress or long evening dress are possibilities; a velvet shawl, small bag and kitten heels or strappy sandals.

2 Women's Hairstyles, Jewellery and Nails

One of the easiest ways to add a 90s feel to your outfit is to choose from one of the hairstyles popular during the decade. You can seek inspiration in TV series such as "Friends", films such as "There's Something About Mary" and bands such as The Spice Girls. Try:

• a high ponytail
• the Pixie
• the "Rachel" - so-called after Rachel Green's hairstyle in "Friends"
• the Bob - think Cameron Diaz in "There's Something About Mary"
• Pigtails - such as those worn by Britney Spears or Emma Bunton
• the Space Bun
• Chunky Highlights - try a temporary hair color spray to recreate these bold colored stripes just for a night
• Braided top knot

Then accessorize with some 1990s hair accessories such as a scrunchie, butterfly clip, claw clip, artificial daisy, bandana, hair scarf or cloth headband.

Other accessories include large hoop earrings, chokers, layered necklaces, slap bracelets, bracelet stacks, mood rings, anklets and 90s-style sunglasses. Bling is rad!

And don't forget to paint your nails with bright neon shades. Or even try jelly nails.

The photo below shows how some customers used simple accessories to add a 90s feel to the mystery game.

3 Men's Hairstyles and Accessories

Experiment with hairstyles - or a 90s wig.  Try:

• the Bowl Cut 
• the Curtains - parted in the center or just off-center
• Grunge - the unkempt, messy look

Maybe also use a temporary hair color to add highlights or frosted tips. Accessories include a bandana, headband, or bucket hat.

Men could also try adding layers of chains and bracelets or wearing a velvet or leather choker. Bling was da bomb.