Costumes can turn a fun murder mystery night into an unforgettable experience. If you’re boarding a glamorous 1930s train mystery like Megan’s “Grand Gilded Express,” what you wear isn’t just about looking sharp—it’s about setting the mood, immersing yourself in the era, and helping everyone else do the same.

Why Dressing Up Matters for a Train Mystery Night

A 1930s train setting oozes class, charm, and just enough danger to make things interesting. Dressing the part lets you step out of your daily routine and into a world of secrets, scandals, and stolen jewels. It’s especially important if you’re hosting a Murder on the Orient Express-style mystery night. No one wants a drama-filled mystery solved by someone in sweatpants.

1930s Fashion on the Rails: Character Outfit Inspiration

Back in the golden age of rail travel, people dressed to impress—especially when boarding a luxury train. Use these archetypes for outfit ideas that fit your character like a (white) glove:

• The Heiress: Think art deco glam. A beaded gown, feathered headband, faux fur wrap, and a smug expression.

• The Butler: Crisp black and white attire, pocket watch, polished shoes, and the quiet air of someone who’s seen things.

• The Starlet: Flowy gown, bold lipstick, curled hair, and a touch of melodrama. Bonus: sunglasses at night.

• The Magician: Tailcoat, top hat, flashy cravat, and a prop deck of cards. Slightly unsettling smile optional.

• The Mystery Novelist: Tweed, spectacles, handbag notebook, and a piercing gaze that makes others nervous.

Outfit Ideas for Every Type of Guest

🧥 The All-In Cosplayer

You live for this. You’ve had your outfit planned for weeks, and you’re not afraid of going full vintage. Raid thrift shops, online retailers, or your costume closet for:

• Wide-leg trousers with suspenders
• Double-breasted suits or shawl-collar jackets
• Beaded flapper dresses or velvet gowns
• Cloche hats, fascinators, and finger-wave wigs
• Pearls, brooches, and gloves

🧢 The Comfy Casual Guest

You want to participate, but you’re not about to sacrifice comfort. No problem. Go for casual takes on period fashion by combining:

• Black slacks and a white button-down (for a butler or porter vibe)
• A maxi dress and shawl (instant heiress on vacation)
• Vest, cap, and plaid shirt (old-school traveler or journalist)

Toss on a scarf, hat, or vintage-style accessory and you’re good to go.

🎩 The Last-Minute Guest

You forgot this was a themed night until the day before. It’s fine. Here’s how to fake a great look with 10 minutes and a closet scramble:

• Dark blazer and a silk scarf = mysterious traveler
• Evening dress and chunky jewelry = undercover socialite
• Trench coat and notebook = private investigator
• Button-up shirt, long skirt, and umbrella = old-money matron

A single prop can elevate the whole vibe. Print a “train ticket” (our mystery comes with them!), carry a fake passport, or write your name on a vintage-style name tag.

Theme Over Accuracy, Always

This isn’t a documentary. You don’t need to research exact hemlines from 1934. The goal is to sell the fantasy—not win an Oscar for historical accuracy. If it feels like it belongs on a glamorous train or in an Agatha Christie adaptation, it’ll work. You’re aiming for fun, not flawless.

How to Encourage Guests to Dress Up

As the host, your job is to make dressing up easy and enticing. Try these tips:

• Send costume ideas and examples with the invite (like this post or our Pinterest board)
• Assign characters in advance to help guide outfits
• Host a “Best Dressed” mini award at the end of the night (Our mysteries have pre-made awards for this. Just sayin’.)
• Reassure guests that participation > perfection

Direct guests to your mystery’s theme page or a Pinterest board for visual inspo. And don’t forget to lead by example. If you go all out, others will follow.

Props That Take Your Look to First Class

No outfit is complete without the finishing touches. These props are easy to find and work with almost any character:

• Vintage handbag, pocket watch, or compact mirror
• Feather boa, cigarette holder, or monocle
• Small suitcase or satchel
• Notebook, fountain pen, or telegram
• Fan or gloves for extra flair

You don’t have to carry it all night, but showing up with a prop helps guests place you in the story right away.

Ideas for Younger Guests

Hosting a family-friendly train mystery night? Let kids and teens join the fun with simplified outfits like:

• Paper conductor hats and suspenders for young train staff
• Simple dress-up clothes + name tag = traveling child of a diplomat
• Newsboy cap, scarf, and notepad = junior reporter

Keep it light and let them lean into the storytelling. They’ll love having a role to play—especially if snacks are involved.

Balancing Style and Comfort

You don’t want guests changing halfway through the night. Choose outfits that allow you to sit, eat, and participate. That glamorous gown won’t help if it sheds sequins into your dinner. And that wool suit? Not ideal for humid summer nights in a packed living room.

Aim for:

• Breathable fabrics
• Comfortable shoes
• Layers if it’s chilly, short sleeves if it’s not

If in doubt, go for an outfit that looks good in photos but doesn’t leave you itching, sweating, or tripping.

Low-Effort, High-Impact Costumes

Sometimes less really is more. Try these minimal-effort, maximum-fun combinations:

• Black turtleneck + trench coat = undercover spy
• Cardigan + long skirt = widow with a secret
• Button-down + suspenders = train porter
• Evening gloves + lipstick = socialite

Creativity is king. If you can justify it in a character backstory, it works.

Final Boarding Call

Dressing up transforms your game night from fun to unforgettable. Whether you’re in a thrifted ballgown, a dollar-store vest, or something in between, what matters is effort and enthusiasm.

• Lean into the vibe of the 1930s train setting
• Use characters to inspire creative costume choices
• Encourage participation with humor and low-pressure ideas
• Balance comfort with style
• Have fun. That’s the whole point.

And if you haven’t chosen your game yet, this train mystery is the perfect place to start. Glamour, intrigue, and maybe just a hint of sabotage—what more could you want?

Need more guidance? Check out our post on how to host a train themed murder mystery party.