Dust Off Your Boots—It’s Time to Play Sheriff

Nothing makes a murder mystery party come alive faster than a room full of folks dressed straight out of the Wild West. Whether you’re hosting or just wranglin’ your first invite to a night at Copper Gulch, what you wear matters. Outfits help guests slip into character, bring the story to life, and honestly—they look great in photos. Let’s round up some costume ideas worthy of the frontier.

The Basics: What Makes It “Wild West” Anyway?

The Wild West spans more than cowboy hats and tumbleweeds. Think 1880s frontier towns—saloon keepers, lawmen, prospectors, ranchers, schoolmarms, and outlaws looking for one last big score. That dusty, rugged look pairs perfectly with Megan’s Mysteries’ Murder at Copper Gulch, where a gunshot rings out and the townsfolk have to figure out who pulled the trigger.

You don’t need expensive gear or movie-level costumes to fit in. A few key pieces and some attitude can turn anyone into a believable Western character.

For Men: The Frontier Look

Here’s your checklist for looking like you just strolled out of the O.K. Corral—or at least a very convincing backyard version of it.

• Hat: A classic cowboy hat, or if you’re playing the outlaw, a darker, more weathered one. Avoid shiny plastic toy hats—they scream “party store sheriff.”
• Shirt: Solid or plaid button-down with rolled sleeves. Fringe or embroidery earns extra points.
• Vest or Duster Coat: A brown or black vest adds instant grit. Long coats work great for gamblers and lawmen.
• Pants: Dark jeans or khakis. Suspenders complete the look for anyone playing a prospector or bartender.
• Boots: Cowboy or work boots. If you don’t own a pair, plain brown shoes will do in a pinch—just skip sneakers.
• Accessories: A bandana tied around the neck, a pocket watch, or a toy gun belt (holsters only—no real or realistic weapons).

For extra character, give your mustache a twist or smear a little charcoal for “trail dust.” Remember, the best cowboys look like they’ve been out ridin’ since sunrise.

For Women: Saloon Style or Prairie Chic

You can go in two directions—elegant saloon style or practical prairie wear. Either fits beautifully into the Copper Gulch setting.

• Saloon Look: Think corset-style tops (modest is fine!), lace gloves, layered skirts, and pearls or feathers in the hair. A shawl or bolero jacket keeps it family-friendly and stylish.
• Prairie Look: Long skirt or calico dress with puff sleeves, apron, and bonnet or straw hat. A leather belt and boots pull it all together.
• Accessories: Lace fan, fake jewelry, or a prop notebook if you’re the town reporter. Add small touches that hint at your character’s backstory.

If you’re hosting, you might even coordinate with your guests—make the saloon ladies shimmer and the ranch hands dusty, so the photos pop like a movie scene.

Mid-Post Break: Want to Try a Mini Mystery First?

Before you saddle up for the big Copper Gulch showdown, why not dip your boots into a smaller adventure first? Our free mini mystery is perfect for families or friends who want a quick taste of the fun.

Play a quick 15-minute mystery with your group of 3–5 players—no murder, just laughs, clues, and a twist ending you’ll talk about all night.

Click Here

For Kids: Rootin’-Tootin’ Fun (Without Breaking the Bank)

If you’ve got little cowpokes joining the fun, keep things simple and creative. They’ll love dressing up, especially when it feels like part of the adventure.

• Mini Cowboys and Cowgirls: Denim jeans, plaid shirts, bandanas, and paper sheriff badges. Foam hats are cheap and light, and parents can hot-glue a rope “lasso” from twine.
• Young Prospectors: Oversized flannel shirt, suspenders, and a toy pickaxe or pan made from a pie tin. Smudge a bit of cocoa powder on cheeks for “mine dust.”
• Little Townsfolk: Dresses, aprons, vests, or newsboy caps. Let kids act out their roles—banker, baker, or outlaw-in-training.

Make it a family affair by assigning roles across generations. Mom as the saloon owner, Dad as the sheriff, and the kids as mischievous deputies or gold miners—it’s instant fun and perfect for photos.

DIY Costume Hacks (Because Not Everyone Owns a Cowboy Hat)

No need to hit the costume store. You can create incredible looks with what’s already in your closet.

• Bandanas: Folded napkins or scarves work just as well. Stick with reds, browns, or dusty blues.
• Boots: Got hiking or rain boots? Wrap the tops with brown paper or faux leather to give them a Western edge.
• Belts and Buckles: Oversized belt buckle? Great. If not, cut a square of cardboard, wrap it in foil, and tape it over your belt for instant cowboy flair.
• Props: Tin cups, rope, toy badges, and rolled paper “wanted” posters add a sense of realism without cost.
• Dirt and Dust: A touch of brown eyeshadow on your cheeks and hands gives that sun-worn look without the actual sunburn.

A good rule of thumb: If your outfit looks like it’s seen a long day on the trail—or a night at the saloon—you’re doing it right.

Group Themes That Steal the Show

Coordinating costumes can take your party to another level. Here are a few ideas that work great for friend groups or families:

• The Town Posse: Sheriff, deputy, outlaw, and prisoner. Bonus points if you stage a mock “jailbreak.”
• Saloon Crew: Bartender, piano player, card dealer, and performer. Add props like fake money or playing cards for detail.
• The Gold Rush Gang: Prospectors, miners, and fortune seekers—all covered in a little dust and glitter.
• Family of Ranchers: Parents as hardworking homesteaders, kids as mini cowhands or animals (yes, a horse costume counts).

Group photos in front of a Western backdrop—like a wood fence or hay bales—are social-media gold. Just don’t forget your best “serious cowboy” face.

Safety and Comfort: Keep It Fun, Not Fussy

Even though you’re chasing down clues, comfort is key. Stick to breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes, especially for kids. Avoid heavy metal accessories or anything that could snag. Keep prop weapons clearly fake and family-appropriate—cardboard and foam are your best friends.

If you’re hosting indoors, check out tips from our post on setting the scene for suspense to make your space feel like a real frontier town without sacrificing comfort.

Where to Find Inspiration

Rewatch a classic Western for ideas—True Grit, Rio Bravo, or even a family-friendly show like Little House on the Prairie. Notice how the costumes tell you who’s trustworthy, who’s trouble, and who’s just passing through. That’s exactly the magic you want your guests to feel when they walk into your mystery.

And if you’re still deciding which Western adventure to host, start with Murder at Copper Gulch—our most popular Wild West murder mystery game. It’s clean, family-friendly, and packed with colorful characters like Jax Thorne and Faith Hopewell.

Ready to Giddy Up?

When everyone arrives dressed in character, the energy shifts immediately. The sheriff’s hat tilts with authority, the saloonkeeper twirls her fan, and the outlaws start whisperin’ in corners. Suddenly, your living room feels like a whole new world—and the game hasn’t even begun.

If you want to test your detective skills before throwing the full Copper Gulch party, grab our free mini mystery and see how much fun your group can have with just fifteen minutes, a few clues, and a touch of drama.

Click Here

Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-time sleuth, the right outfit transforms the night. So grab your hat, polish your boots, and get ready to make the Wild West come alive—one mystery at a time.