Halloween murder mystery costumes created with thrift store finds.

Day 5: Costume Inspiration – Thrift Store Mystery Looks

Oct 05, 2025 | 3 min read

No need to spend a fortune on store-bought outfits. With a keen eye, a few spooky accessories, and some imagination, you can build DIY Halloween costumes that are perfect for stepping into character. Today, we’ll show you how to turn secondhand treasures into killer looks for your next mystery night.

Why Thrift Store Costumes Work for Murder Mystery Parties

Thrift stores are a costume goldmine. Every aisle offers potential: vintage blazers for detectives, evening gowns for femme fatales, or quirky pieces for eccentric suspects. Best of all, they’re affordable, unique, and give your guests freedom to customize their look.

Unlike cookie-cutter costumes, thrifted outfits feel authentic—like your character pulled their look straight out of their closet. That’s exactly the vibe you want for a murder mystery party costume: immersive, a little over-the-top, and full of personality.

DIY Murder Mystery Character Looks

Here are some easy-to-pull-together character looks, plus what to hunt for at your local thrift store:
🔍 The Detective

Thrift Finds: Trench coat, fedora or newsboy cap, oversized magnifying glass (kids’ toy section is great for this!).
Accessories: A fake pipe, notebook and pen, or even a pocket watch.
Mystery Party Twist: Assign your “detective” the role of interrogator, roaming the party with clues in hand.

💃 The Femme Fatale

Thrift Finds: Long black dress, faux fur stole, dramatic heels or gloves.
Accessories: Red lipstick, costume jewelry, a vintage clutch.
Mystery Party Twist: She could be the secretive suspect with a hidden agenda.

🕵️ The Classic Mobster

Thrift Finds: Pinstripe suit, suspenders, wingtip shoes.
Accessories: Fake cigar, toy Tommy gun, slicked-back hair.
Mystery Party Twist: Perfect for 1920s- or speakeasy-themed mysteries.

🎭 The Quirky Heiress

Thrift Finds: Sequined top, costume pearls, oversized sunglasses.
Accessories: A martini glass prop, feather boa, or small dog plush.
Mystery Party Twist: Add drama with a storyline of hidden fortune and family secrets.

📚 The Eccentric Professor

Thrift Finds: Tweed jacket with elbow patches, mismatched bowtie, glasses (lenses popped out).
Accessories: Old book, chalkboard slate, pocket protector.
Mystery Party Twist: Could be the brains of the operation—or the one hiding evidence.

Over-the-Top Accessories for Murder Mystery Costumes

Want to take your look from “guest” to “star suspect”? Accessories are your secret weapon. These over-the-top thrift store finds will add instant personality to any DIY murder mystery costume:

Opera Gloves – Perfect for elegance or villainy.
Feather Boas – Messy, fabulous, and unforgettable.
Pocket Watches & Monocles – Wealthy suspect energy.
Vintage Hats – Fedoras, pillbox, wide-brimmed—hats define characters.
Statement Jewelry – Oversized pearls, gaudy rhinestones, or cursed-looking brooches.
Capes & Cloaks – Nothing says drama like a swirling entrance.
Walking Canes – Equal parts stylish and suspicious.
Sunglasses Indoors – Only the shadiest characters pull this off.
Prop Cigarettes or Cigars – A nod to noir classics.
Masks or Masquerade Pieces – Elegant and eerie all at once.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t hold back—murder mystery parties thrive on bold characters and dramatic choices. When in doubt, pile on the accessories and commit to your role.

Thrift Store Costume Hacks

Layer & Mix Eras: Don’t stress about historical accuracy—mixing eras adds quirky fun to your character.
Accessorize Smart: Hats, scarves, and costume jewelry instantly transform a look.
DIY Props: Spray paint a candlestick gold, or use a toy knife for a dramatic clue.
Think Fabric First: A velvet jacket or lace shawl can set the entire mood.

How Costumes Add to the Mystery Atmosphere

When everyone shows up in character, the mystery becomes more immersive. Thrift store looks encourage creativity and help guests feel invested in their role without breaking the bank. Plus, the conversation practically writes itself when your “professor,” “detective,” and “mobster” meet at the snack table.
Encourage your guests to introduce themselves in character and let their thrifted look guide their personality. That’s when the party magic—and mystery—really happens.

Wrap-Up

Affordable doesn’t mean boring. With these DIY murder mystery Halloween costumes, your guests will look the part, get into character, and bring your party to life—without spending a fortune.

Tomorrow we’re diving into spooky décor hacks you can pull off with dollar-store finds, so don’t miss it!

👉 Want more inspiration? Check out our Murder Mystery Party Kits to match your costumes with a thrilling storyline.

Share your thrifted looks with us on social using #31DaysOfMystery #HalloweenCountdown #MurderMysteryParty