A Will to Murder costume ideas

Players in costume for A Will to Murder, a 1930s murder mystery game.

A Will to Murder costume ideas

Step into a grand English country house in the 1930s, where family tensions, hidden secrets and a suspicious death set the stage for a classic Agatha Christie-style mystery.

Dressing for the period is easier than you might think. Women can choose elegant dresses, skirts and blouses, cardigans, hats and pearls, while men will look the part in suits, waistcoats, ties and polished shoes.

Don’t worry about historical perfection—a handful of carefully chosen accessories will create the right atmosphere. Above all, dress to suit your character, whether that’s glamorous, practical, artistic or impeccably respectable.

Suggestions not rules

Treat these suggestions as inspiration rather than strict rules; perhaps as a jumping-off point for your own ideas.

Plus, see here for photos and stories from A Will to Murder parties.

The cast of A Will to Murder

Janis O’Leary

Roy O’Leary’s glamorous second wife and a former model and actress, Janis is effortlessly stylish and enjoys being the centre of attention.

Elegant evening gown or fashionable tea dress
Satin, velvet or flowing fabrics
Pearls or eye-catching costume jewellery
Long gloves
Fur stole or feathered wrap (optional)
Stylish handbag or clutch
Carefully styled hair with period waves
Decorative cigarette holder or compact mirror

Gillian Trode

Roy’s eldest child is a professional sculptor. Her clothing should balance artistic practicality with the refinement expected at a country house gathering.

Simple day dress or blouse and long skirt
Artist’s smock or apron (optional)
Cardigan or practical jacket
Flat shoes or sensible heels
Scarf tied around the hair
Sculpting tools or sketchbook

Alan Trode

Alan owns a motorcycle sales and repair business. He’s practical rather than fashionable, and looks more comfortable in a workshop than a drawing room.

Shirt with rolled-up sleeves
Braces
Waistcoat or work jacket
Practical trousers
Leather jacket (optional)
Flat cap
Driving gloves
Small mechanic’s tools or oily rag

Regina Khan

A successful detective novelist, Regina is intelligent, observant and quietly confident, with an eye for dramatic detail.

Smart skirt suit or elegant day dress
Stylish hat (optional)
Smart handbag
Fountain pen
Notebook or manuscript pages
Spectacles (optional)
Copy of one of her detective novels
Tasteful jewellery

Playing A Will to Murder, our 1930s murder mystery game.

Cornelius Khan

Regina’s husband is an accountant who is neat, organised and quietly respectable. His appearance is tidy and conservative.

Dark three-piece suit
Plain tie
Polished shoes
Pocket square
Round spectacles (optional)
Pocket watch

Corey O’Leary

Roy’s youngest child is an enthusiastic amateur naturalist who spends far more time outdoors than indoors. This costume works equally well for men and women, favouring practical country clothing over formal fashion.

Tweed jacket
Corduroy trousers, plus fours or a practical skirt
Knitted jumper or cardigan
Walking boots or sturdy shoes
Thick socks
Soft hat, flat cap or felt hat
Binoculars or magnifying glass

Atkins

The O’Leary family’s loyal old retainer has served the household for years. Whether played as a butler, housekeeper or another senior servant, Atkins should look smart, dignified and impeccably turned out.

Dark suit or traditional servant’s attire
White shirt or blouse
Black tie or neat neckwear
Waistcoat
Polished black shoes
White gloves (optional)
Pocket watch
Tray, household keys or polishing cloth

Dr Barker

The local physician and long-time family friend is a trusted professional with a calm, reassuring manner. The costume should suggest an experienced country doctor, regardless of whether the role is played by a man or a woman.

Dark suit, skirt suit or tweed jacket
Waistcoat or cardigan
Conservative tie, blouse or shirt
Polished shoes
Medical bag
Stethoscope (optional)
Notebook or prescription pad
Round spectacles (optional)

Inspector Harris

The detective investigating the case is practical, observant and authoritative, dressed for a long day of interviewing suspects. The role works equally well as a traditional detective in a suit or as a female police officer in smart 1930s civilian attire.