The attire often replicates the stereotypical visual elements associated with organized crime figures from the mid-20th century. This commonly includes pinstripe suits, fedora hats, and toy weaponry for men, alongside sequined dresses, faux fur stoles, and pearl necklaces for women. As an example, a man might wear a dark pinstripe suit with a white undershirt and a black fedora, while his partner might wear a red sequined dress with a faux fur stole and long gloves, both potentially carrying toy guns or prop cigars.
The appeal stems from the cultural fascination with the perceived glamour and danger of the mobster lifestyle, often romanticized in films and television. This form of dress allows individuals to embody a character associated with power, rebellion, and a bygone era. Furthermore, the recognizable nature of the ensemble provides a readily identifiable and thematic choice for Halloween celebrations. Its historical context lies in the popularized image of American organized crime syndicates during Prohibition and the subsequent decades.