The Thin Man

Costume Designer

Clyde Wynant

He is a tall, thin man of about 55 years old with thinning white hair. He works in a workshop as a very successful inventor. When working, he should be dressed in overalls, possibly in a denim or khaki, with some casual work stains on it, like oil or paint, to give it a more worked-in look. When outside of his workshop, he should wear a nice, well-tailored business suit, covered by a nice long, dark trench coat, which would work in order to elongate his body for him to appear as thin as possible.

Tom

Works with Wynant and is about 35 years old. He is also dressed in similar overalls as Wynant, but his aren’t as distressed and worked in. When out of his overalls, he dresses in a simple street suit, nothing to over-the-top.

Dorothy Wynant

She is Clyde Wynant’s daughter. A young girl of about 21 years old, who is spirited and high-tempered like her father. She has a great natural beauty and distinction, which should be represented through her clothing. When meeting with her father, she should be dressed in a smart, simple street dress that is reflective of her personality, along with a simple fur coat over it. This style will be consistent throughout the movie.

Andrew Reade

He is a good-looking young boy fresh from college, who is also engaged to Dorothy. He should dress in a similar style as Dorothy, smart and simple, yet something that gives an impression of reliability and common sense. This could be shown through nicely pressed blue jeans, a simple white t-shirt, and a brown or denim jacket over it, which all would be complemented with freshly cleaned and tied sneakers.

Herbert Macaulay

He is Wynant’s lawyer, so he should dress professionally, perhaps in a nice business suit and a trench coat, casual enough to be out of the office, but professional enough to be in the courtroom.

Tanner

Wynant’s bookkeeper, he is a little man with a quick eye and an eager manner. He should dress in business-casual, which would include a nice, ironed, button up collared shirt with black slacks, along with polished, black shoes. When leaving the office, in order to show is personality, a nice hat and simple coat should do the trick.

Julia Wolf

As Wynant’s secretary and mistress, she is about 30 years old who lives in a fashionable penthouse apartment in a very new and modernistic style. She should dress very elaborately, even including her lounging pajamas. Her hair is too well waved, her nails are too red, and her eyebrows are too delicately arched. Yet, she should still look like a hard businesswoman underneath it all.

Joe Morelli

Considering the time period and being characterized as a tough looking gangster, he will be wearing a black, tight-fitted shirt, with loose, baggy jeans, that sag when he stands. A chain leading from his belt loop and his pocket help tie the look together. He will also be adorned with multiple tattoos, as well as a black hat and boots. When outside in the cold, he should top his outfit with a tough, leather jacket, with chains and a bandana in the pocket.

Nick Charles

He is a retired detective who worked on a case for Wynant. He is calm, cool, and collected, and his attire should reflect that. He is also pretty indifferent to everything besides when he is going to get his next drink. He should wear casual clothing, which include nice slacks, a simple shirt, and a casual jacket.

Nora Charles

She is Nick’s wife and a quirky, eclectic, and free-spirited woman. She is about 26 years old and is a tremendously vital person, who is interested in everything and everybody. Her style should be free and flowing, which a mix and match of patterns. Yet, she should still look very attractive and feminine. She also loves to wear hats when out and about.

Mimi Jorgensen

She is Wynant’s ex-wife and Dorothy and Gilbert’s mother. She is a slightly faded but still pretty woman, who is about 46 years old. She is utterly feminine, with bright, little ways of talking and moving. Her outfits should be feminine to reflect her personality, perhaps with tight-fitting dresses.

Gilbert Wynant

He is Dorothy’s younger brother and Mimi and Clyde’s son. He is a boy of about 17 or 18 years old with glasses and a slight build. He is a very intellectual boy, and is attire should reflect that. He should wear casual clothing, such as polo shirts and blue jeans.

John Guild
He is a burly Special Investigator in charge of the investigation. His outfits should represent is strong and forceful personality. This would be characterized by a black suit with black, polished shoes.