DIY Mystery-Solving Teens Costume: 20-Min Paper Build

DIY mystery-solving teens costume built from solid-color tops in assigned colors, jeans or skirts, and toy magnifying glass

AI-generated concept photo

Time20 minEffortEasy

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

Color-coded outfits, a toy magnifying glass, and one giant sandwich. The sandwich is the deep cut. Twenty minutes, easy: solid-color tops in assigned colors, jeans or skirts, and a toy magnifying glass. Someone must carry the sandwich; it's the detail fans will ask about.

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Still need:

Solid-color tops in assigned colorsJeansToy magnifying glassRed paperDog plushScarves

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Tip: bring the dog plush and let one person carry it everywhere.

Sizing: Built for teens and adults. T-shirts in each person’s size; assign colors before anyone dresses so nothing doubles.

Materials

Solid-color tops in assigned colors, 1 per person (buy: at a thrift store, or own: from closets)
Jeans or skirts, 1 per person (own)
Toy magnifying glass, 1 (buy: dollar store)
Paper for the sandwich prop, 1 sheet (own)
Dog plush or toy, 1 (own, or borrow one)
Scarves or ascots in matching colors (own, or buy: thrift store)

Steps

Assign each person a color: orange, blue, purple, green, red.
Everyone builds their outfit from their own closet in their color.
One person carries the magnifying glass.
One carries the giant paper sandwich.
Safety: The sandwich prop stays paper and light, and nothing gets swung in crowds.
Introduce yourselves in character when people ask.
Optional pro finish: bring the dog plush and let one person carry it everywhere.

Start this costume in the planner