A Rumi outfit does not have to be too expensive. By joining a little imagination and a few household objects, secondhand items, and some simple fabric tricks, one can put together a flowing, elegant, and poise look, all while staying on a budget. Below is a simple outline of how you can accomplish this.

Step 1. Find a Robe Replacement that is Relatively Cheap.

The robe or the tunic is the main foundation of the costume. Rather than spending money on fancy materials, consider the following.

Thrift store curtains. If you can find heavy, flowy curtains in neutral or jewel tones, it works perfectly as the fabric for the robe.

Thrift stores might have long-sleeved shirts or tunics and other oversized tops, preferably plain.

One of the easiest no-sew options for the base would be a jewel or neutral colored bathrobe.

👉 Quick hack: Curtain users can simply cut a slit down the middle and wear it over a bottom layer as an open robe. No sewing necessary.

Step 2: Add Layers for Movement

To achieve the signature flowing look, put on a bathrobe over loose bottoms like harem pants, yoga pants, or even pajama bottoms.

To maintain the robe, wear a plain undershirt or tunic under the robe.

To achieve depth, use varying lengths of layers; shorter on the bottom and longer on the top.

Step 3: DIY Headwear (No Need for Fancy Hats)

One of the most striking parts of a Rumi costume is the headwear, however you can swap a specifically made turban for these simpler options:

Towel Turban: Take a bath towel and roll it into a tube and wear it on your head like a crown, securing it with pins. For a more polished look, top it off with a scarf.

Scarf Wrap: Take a long scarf and hold it in the middle, wrapping it around your head. Cross the ends in the front and tuck them in at the back.

No-Sew Cap Base: Take a beanie or skullcap and wrap a loose piece of fabric around it to add some volume and extra design.

Step 4: Sashes and Belts

For your costume, you can use everyday items instead of having to buy a costume belt:

Curtain ties and ropes make nice, rustic-looking belts.

Long scarves worn around the waist make a nice, colorful sash.

Fabric strips can be twisted, braided, or braided from an old sheet, or old tablecloth for a fun belt.

Step 5: Finishing Touches on a Budget

Accessories can add to an outfit for a low cost:

Wooden prayer beads can be created with big beads, or DIY button designs.

A small book or notepad can be used to symbolize holding a book of poetry.

Simple sandals can be worn, or you can go barefoot, and plain sandals go best with the costume.

Budget Breakdown Example

Curtain from a thrift store (Robe) 5−5−10

Old scarf (turban/sash) Free

Pajama pants (layer) Already in your closet

Curtain tie (belt) Free

Notebook as prop Already in your home

✨ Total cost: $15 and under for the full costume

Final Thought

In creating the Rumi costume, you do not have to use expensive materials. It requires deep thought and fabrics that have been thrifted. No-sew head wraps and some symbolic props can help you to capture the true essence of Rumi in a way that is comfortable, affordable, and very personal to you.