Costume ideas for The Deadly Library

The Deadly Library is a murder mystery party set in 1887, in the magnificent private library of the eccentric Martin Alexandria. Guests include wealthy society figures, scholars, journalists, detectives and fashionable Londoners, all gathered to hear an important announcement. But before the evening is over, there will be murder!

Victorian costume ideas

The late Victorian period was an age of formal clothing, elaborate accessories and distinctive silhouettes. 

Victorian women’s clothing

Women’s fashion in 1887 featured fitted bodices, high necklines and long skirts, often with bustles that added volume at the back. Wealthier women wore luxurious fabrics, while working women generally favoured simpler, more practical clothes.

For a Victorian-inspired outfit, consider:

• Long skirts and dresses: An ankle-length or floor-length skirt paired with a blouse works well. Dark colours, jewel tones and floral patterns are all suitable.
• High-necked blouses: Lace collars, ruffles and puffed sleeves create an instantly Victorian appearance.
• Fitted jackets or waistcoats: These add structure and formality.
• Shawls and wraps: Ideal for creating an elegant look without buying a complete costume.
• Hats and bonnets: Decorated with ribbons, feathers or artificial flowers.
• Accessories: Cameo brooches, gloves, lace fans, parasols, pocket watches and small handbags.

For a more fashionable appearance, try adding a bustle effect with a gathered overskirt or fabric draped at the back.

Victorian men’s clothing

Men’s fashion was generally formal, particularly among the middle and upper classes. A respectable gentleman would rarely attend an important gathering without a jacket and waistcoat.

Useful costume items include:

• Three-piece suits: A jacket, waistcoat and trousers in black, grey, brown or dark blue.
• High-collared shirts: White shirts are ideal, particularly with a detachable-looking stiff collar.
• Cravats, neckties or bow ties: A simple scarf tied around the neck can make an effective Victorian cravat.
• Frock coats or long jackets: Especially suitable for wealthy gentlemen and public figures.
• Hats: Top hats, bowler hats and flat caps help distinguish social status.
• Accessories: Pocket watches with chains, walking sticks, spectacles and leather gloves.

A modern suit with a waistcoat and pocket-watch chain can be surprisingly effective.

Victorian costumes on a budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a costume. Charity shops and second-hand clothing stores are excellent places to find waistcoats, long skirts, jackets and accessories.

Try combining ordinary clothing with one or two distinctive Victorian items. A long skirt, white blouse, and cameo brooch can suggest a Victorian lady, while a waistcoat, cravat, and pocket watch can turn ordinary shirt and trousers into a gentleman’s outfit.

Above all, choose something comfortable. The Deadly Library is an interactive murder mystery, so you’ll spend plenty of time moving around and talking to other guests.

Costume ideas for the characters in The Deadly Library

The characters come from different social backgrounds, so their clothing can reflect their wealth, occupation and personality. Here are suggestions for each role.

The Alexandria Family

Martin Alexandria – Owner of the Library

Martin is an eccentric gentleman and passionate collector of books, documents and historical records.

• Dark three-piece suit, perhaps slightly old-fashioned.
• Tweed or velvet waistcoat for a scholarly appearance.
• White shirt with a cravat or dark necktie.
• Round spectacles or pince-nez.
• Pocket watch and chain.

Irene Alexandria – Fashionable and independent

Irene is Martin’s younger sister, a successful dressmaker with an unconventional outlook on life.

• An elaborate Victorian dress in a striking colour, such as emerald green, burgundy or purple.
• Fitted bodice with decorative buttons, lace or contrasting fabric.
• Bustled skirt or dramatic overskirt.
• Fashionable hat adorned with feathers, ribbons or flowers.
• Stylish gloves, jewellery and a decorative fan.

Merle Alexandria – Martin’s Only Child

Merle is seventeen, intelligent, curious and enthusiastic about the library.

For a traditionally masculine Victorian look:

• Smart trousers, waistcoat and jacket.
• White shirt with a modest necktie or bow tie.
• Pocket watch or spectacles.
• Neatly polished shoes.

For a traditionally feminine Victorian look:

• A relatively simple Victorian dress or long skirt and blouse.
• Modest lace collar and fitted jacket.
• Hair tied back with a ribbon or neatly pinned up.
• Small brooch or simple jewellery.

For a more androgynous look, a tailored waistcoat, high-collared shirt and dark trousers or long skirt work well.

Mabel Lavigne – wealthy and respectable widow

Mabel is Martin’s elder sister, a wealthy widow who values propriety, tradition and social standing.

• A high-necked Victorian dress in black, dark purple, navy or deep burgundy.
• Long skirt with a bustle or structured overskirt.
• Lace collar and cuffs.
• Elaborate brooch, pearls or other expensive-looking jewellery.
• Formal hat or bonnet.
• Gloves and a small handbag.

Friends, Colleagues and Detectives

Morgan Ashcroft – talented dressmaker

Morgan is a skilled and ambitious dressmaker, proud of their craftsmanship and originality. 

For a traditionally feminine look:

• Fashionable Victorian skirt and fitted blouse/smart waistcoat and trousers, with rolled-up shirt sleeves
• Decorative waistcoat or tailored jacket.
• Lace collar and modest jewellery/cravat or bow tie.
• Measuring tape draped around the neck.

Elsie Carter – Harvey J. Sawyer’s assistant

Elsie is a resourceful young woman who works as a journalist’s assistant.

• A simple but attractive Victorian blouse with lace or ruffles.
• Long skirt in a practical dark colour.
• Fitted jacket or modest waistcoat.
• Small hat decorated with a ribbon.
• Simple brooch or necklace.

Charlotte Green – Scholar and Old Friend of Martin

Charlotte is a lively, intelligent scholar with strong opinions and a passion for learning.

• A practical Victorian skirt and high-necked blouse.
• Tailored jacket or waistcoat, perhaps inspired by the emerging New Woman style.
• Dark or muted colours, such as brown, navy or forest green.
• Spectacles or pince-nez.
• Simple hat, perhaps with minimal decoration.

Edmund Hale M.P. – Member of Parliament

Edmund is a rising political figure who takes his public image seriously.

• Formal dark three-piece suit.
• Frock coat or long formal jacket.
• Crisp white shirt with a stiff-looking collar.
• Silk cravat or neatly tied necktie.
• Top hat and polished shoes.
• Pocket watch with chain.

Evelyn Moore – assistant police detective

Evelyn is an intelligent and ambitious assistant detective who works alongside James Thompson.

• Dark trousers, waistcoat and jacket/dark, practical Victorian skirt
• White shirt with a plain tie/high-necked blouse and fitted jacket
• Bowler hat or flat cap/plain hat.
• Sturdy shoes or boots.

Harvey J. Sawyer – Contributor to the London Gazette

Harvey is a successful journalist who enjoys the finer things in life.

• Stylish three-piece suit, perhaps in a fashionable check or dark colour.
• Contrasting waistcoat.
• White shirt with an elegant cravat or necktie.
• Bowler hat or top hat.
• Pocket watch and chain.

Alastor Shaw – Irene Alexandria’s fiancé

Alastor is a factory worker engaged to Irene Alexandria. 

• Plain trousers in brown, grey or black.
• Simple waistcoat over a cotton shirt.
• Modest necktie or neckerchief.
• Flat cap or bowler hat.
• Sturdy boots.
• An inexpensive jacket, perhaps slightly worn.

James Thompson – once-famous police detective

James is an experienced detective whose distinguished career has been overshadowed by personal tragedy. 

• Dark Victorian suit, perhaps slightly faded or rumpled.
• Waistcoat and plain shirt.
• Dark tie or cravat.
• Long overcoat.
• Bowler hat or battered top hat.
• Pocket watch, notebook or magnifying glass.

Final tips for Your Victorian murder mystery costume

The best costumes for The Deadly Library don’t necessarily have to be the most elaborate. What matters is creating a recognisable Victorian look that suits your character.

A few final suggestions:

Reflect your character’s social standing. Wealthy characters can wear elaborate outfits, while working-class characters might favour simpler clothing.

Use accessories to tell a story. Spectacles, pocket watches, notebooks, fans and jewellery can help establish a character’s personality.

Don’t worry about perfect historical accuracy. A modern jacket, waistcoat or long skirt can work wonderfully with a few Victorian touches.

Choose comfortable clothing. You’ll be mingling, investigating and perhaps searching for clues, so make sure you can move around easily.

Have fun with your character. Your mannerisms, attitude and behaviour can be just as important as your clothes.

Whether you arrive as a fashionable society lady, an ambitious politician or a world-weary detective, dressing the part will help transform your gathering into a Victorian evening of secrets, scandal and murder.