This article will focus on the traditional black nun dress, but if you are basing your nun after a different order, you should use those colors instead.
Ask your friends or neighbors for clothing that you can borrow. You can also find similar dresses in thrift stores.
A turtleneck or a button-up blouse will work, depending on the order. You want something that is between a pencil skirt and an A-line skirt in terms of fullness. Avoid full-circle skirts.
This goes for both store-bought, assembled, and homemade costumes.
Alternatively, cut a 2 to 3-inch (5. 1 to 6-cm) strip out of white poster paper, then staple it into a headband that’s big enough to fit over your head. [3] X Research source
Some orders expose the hairline by 1⁄2 to 1 inch (1. 3 to 2. 5 cm) while other orders cover the hairline.
If your nun dress is a different color, then you should match the habit to the that color instead. Alternatively, you can use a plain T-shirt, a slip, or even a pencil skirt. [5] X Research source If you made your own dress, cut a piece of fabric wide enough to wrap around your head and long enough to reach down to your shoulder blades.
If you are using a pillowcase, gather the rest of the fabric at your nape and secure it with a safety pin. If you are using a T-shirt, be sure to tuck the sleeves into the shirt so that they don’t stick out. If you are using plain fabric, drape the fabric over the top of your head, then pull the 2 front corners under your hair, right at the nape. Secure them with a safety pin.
Not all nuns wear collars. Look at pictures of the order you are using as a reference. You can also use white fabric or felt too. If you are using fabric, consider starching it first.
If you made a fabric circle, it would be a good idea to hem the raw edges.
Keep things simple. Use plain belts, cords, or cinctures, without any ornaments or decorations.
Don’t wear ballet flats. Most orders do not use them.
Be aware that some people may be offended by a “cool nun” or “ninja nun. "