Need a murder mystery outfit that screams “Roaring 20s” without draining your wallet?
Below are 12 picks we recommend - versatile enough for any guest at the party. We’ve paired each look with a suggested Murder at the Mansion character to spark inspiration, but feel free to mix and match. For every outfit you’ll find why it works, how to complete the look and which persona might flaunt it best.
Grab a soda water, or something stronger, and dive in!
Flapper & Femme-Fatale Looks for Women
Beads that catch the light, fringe that moves with you, and shapes that make you want to dance until the lights come up women’s 1920s fashion was made for sparkle and motion. The six outfits below cover everything from classic flapper glamour to a cheeky mob-boss twist, so there’s something for every party persona.
1. Beaded Flapper Dress
Why we love it: The jet-black beading, sheer flutter sleeves, and fringe hem all scream flapper without feeling over the top. It swishes with every Charleston kick, flatters most body types and comes in under $50. With 200+ glowing reviews, it’s a safe costume bet.
Finish the look: Layer on a long strand of pearls, slip into some t-strap heels and top it off with a feathered headband. An art-deco clutch is perfect for lipstick… and for holding your character objectives.
Great for: Lola Evermore - the dazzling flapper who lives for the spotlight. The glittering beadwork mirrors Lola’s larger than life energy.
2. Pinstripe Power: Gangster Suit Set
Why we love it: Sometimes tassels just won’t cut it – trousers have their own kind of swagger. This pinstripe set (high-waist pants with braces, crisp white shirt, skinny tie and fedora) nails the mob mistress look for just $36. Reviewers say the fabric’s surprisingly comfy, and a few point out the hat’s sturdy enough to survive a crowded speakeasy dance floor!
Finish the look: Ditch the basic tie for a silk cravat, lace up some oxford flats, and tuck a faux cigar into your pocket. Instantly 1920s.
Great for: Charlie Sinclair - Evelyn’s sharp-tongued columnist mentor. The clean lines and fedora are right at home in a smoky newsroom or a back-room speakeasy.
3. Rose Gold Sequin Gatsby Dress
Why we love it: This one’s a crowd pleaser: 7,500+ ratings and holding strong at 4.5 stars. Reviewers mention the “prom-night quality beading” and call it “absolutely beautiful” but most agree it runs a little snug – one buyer happily sized up for that authentic, drapey flapper fit.
Finish the look: Pair it with strappy metallic heels, vintage bangles and a light shawl to keep the sequins safe. Rose gold details look especially gorgeous with pearl drop earrings.
Great for: Evelyn Evermore - the celebrated novelist and hostess of the evening. The elegant sleeves and subtle shimmer capture her poised but quietly commanding presence.
4. Wine Red Ruffle Tie-Neck Dress
Why we love it: With its soft drape, flutter sleeves, and satin tie neckline, this dress gives you 1920s glamour without the weight of heavy beadwork – ideal if you like lighter, more breathable fabrics. It sits at 4.2 stars, with reviewers calling it comfortable and flattering.
Finish the look: Pin a crystal brooch at the tie knot, step into Mary-Jane heels and style your hair in finger waves. A long-stem cigarette holder instantly adds that starlet edge.
Great for: Demi Fontaine - the ambitious actress and model. The rich wine-red hue channels Hollywood hopeful, ready to steal scenes… and maybe a few secrets.
5. Complete Lace & Fringe Flapper Set
Why we love it: For just $50 you get the full package – dress, gloves, pearls, earrings, bracelet and fishnets. No wonder it’s racked up 6,800+ reviews with a solid 4.5 stars. The stretch satin keeps it comfy while the fringe hem was made for the dance floor.
Finish the look: Emerald brings instant wow factor, while black keeps it classic and versatile. Add strappy heels and you’re ready to go - no extra shopping trip needed.
Great for: Morgan Melody - the velvet-voiced lounge singer. Between the-built in accessories and that swingy fringe, it’s pure on-stage sparkle!
6. Dramatic Black & Gold Long-Fringe Dress
Why we love it: Long shoulder cut-outs, sweeping fringe, and gold beadwork make this dress pure drama. Hand-beading earns a 4.3 stars average; buyers note it’s surprisingly sturdy if you size true and let the fabric skim rather than cling.
Finish the look: Black opera gloves, gold T-strap heels, and a feathered headpiece. A bold red lip turns the glamour to eleven.
Great for: Evelyn Evermore’s late-evening costume change, or any guest who wants that “all eyes on me” look.
Dapper & Dangerous Looks for Men
Sharp lapels, bold pinstripes, and the swing of a pocket-watch chain - nothing says 1920s gent quite like it. Whether you’re stepping into the shoes of a smooth-talking golf champ, a bootlegging big shot, or the hired muscle keeping order, these six picks bring all the style of the era without the tailor’s price tag!
1. Classic Three-Piece Tweed Herringbone Suit
Why we love it: Tweed is about as 1920s as it gets – rugged enough for weekends in the country, polished enough for the city. This set keeps all the right details (high-rise vest, flap pockets, pick-stitch lapels) but the slimmer cut saves it from looking like something pulled from granddad’s attic. Reviewers rate it highly for both value and fabric quality, though most warn the fit is on the slim side. If you’ve got an athletic build or a bit of belly, sizing up seems to be the happy solution.
Finish the look: Add a brass pocket watch, lace up some Oxford shoes and throw in a muted paisley tie for a splash of colour!
Great for: Gregory Montrose, golf’s golden boy. The tailored tweed matches his polished fairway persona.
2. All-In-One 1920s Gangster Accessory Kit
Why we love it: Sometimes it’s all about the extras. This kit covers you head to toe: fedora, braces, bow tie, pocket watch, faux cigar, moustache, armbands and spats. For under forty bucks, it’s a no-fuss way to get the look.
Finish the look: Keep it simple - crisp white shirt, dark trousers. Clip on the suspenders, angle the fedora just right, and thread the pocket watch chain through a buttonhole.
Great for: Chase Conrad, Porter Langley’s loyal muscle.
3. Soft-Grey Gentlemen’s 1920s Set
Why we love it: This soft-grey bundle (vest, flat cap, bow tie and straight tie, bronze watch, rimless glasses and elastic armbands) is pulling a rare 4.9 stars on Amazon. Reviewers were pleasantly surprised the watch actually ticks, and the vest pockets are real – not just for show. You'll need your own white shirt though.
Finish the look: Pair it with black trousers and polished brogues, roll your shirt sleeves and let the garters peek out.
Great for: Kit Winslow, the soft-spoken server. The understated grey helps them blend into the crowd.
4. Light & Luxe Beige Vest and Fedora Combo
Why we love it: Most gangster kits lean dark, but this ivory beige look pops in the best way. The satin back vest keeps it breathable, and the short-brim fedora flatters almost everyone. With 1,700+ ratings, it’s proven to hold up even after a few Charleston spins.
Finish the look: Go summer-smart with cream chinos and two tone spectators, or sharpen it up at night with black trousers.
Great for: Porter Langley – our mysterious entrepreneur.
5. Essential Black Gatsby Accessory Bundle
Why we love it: Got a text that says “theme party tomorrow?” This kit saves the day. For under twenty bucks you get the basics – fedora, suspenders, bow tie, and pocket-watch necklace, all in solid black.
Finish the look: White shirt, dark jeans or slacks, clip on the braces and you’re set. Got a waistcoat? Even better. If not, just hook the watch chain through a belt loop for instant flair.
Great for: Any last-minute character – a backup role, a surprise guest, or someone who forgot about the theme until the night before. This bundle gets them in costume without breaking the budget.
6. Black & Gold Paisley Vest Showstopper Set
Why we love it: Gold paisley on black satin is pure spotlight. The shawl collar nods to smoking jackets, and the seven-piece set (vest, tie, pocket square, lapel pin, cufflinks, collar bar, tie clip) means you literally can’t mismatch.
Finish the look: Keep the base clean: black shirt, black trousers. Slick your hair with pomade, slip in a cigarillo holder, and you’re already halfway to movie-star swagger.
Great for: Duffy Duvall, the flamboyant director. Duffy loves centre stage, and this vest is basically wearable footlights.
Final Thoughts
When you match a look to a character, the mystery starts before the first clue drops… Whether Evelyn’s bead-studded glamour or Porter’s summer-smart vest catches your eye, choose the outfit that tells your story the moment you step through the door.
If you’re planning to host our Murder at the Mansion 1920s mystery (or any roaring-20s soirée), these looks slot in perfectly - let the investigation begin!
