Besides poetry, Rumi is also a mystic, as well as a 13th century Persian poet. He is Rumi because of his spirit, simplicity, and elegance, and his life has been and continues to be, captured through art, dance, and even fashion. While in school, and even during cultural events, many people want to wear a Rumi costume, which is also very simple to make. While preparing for it, one of the first challenges a person would face is getting a costume for very cheap, while also making sure it does not look as if a lot of effort was put into it.

There are many interesting things that I must mention about the benefits of wearing a Rumi inspired costume.

 

Key Elements of a Rumi Costume

A Rumi costume is complete with flowing and coordinated clothing with accessories that complement each other in color and meaning.

Flowing Garments

Rumi’s time was known for the use of spread out and freely flowing robes. To attain this,

Use a robe, long outer garment, or shirt to start the look. A curtain from a thrift store, a bathrobe, or a kimono-style cardigan is also a good substitute.

Then pair with long tunics, loose pants, or long shirts. This combination is good for variety as well as movement.

Comfort is key, so your clothing should flow freely with your body and not stick or constrict you.

Silhouette-enhancing Modifications

Garments can be altered with the help of skins and undergarments capabilities of the material.

 

Chosen Colors

Rumi's aesthetic symbolizes the equilibrium of colors and attires, which combine earthy shades and rich accents balanced together, thus producing a harmonious blend.

 

Neutrals (ivory, beige, taupe, grey): signify true heart and modesty.

Rich colors (emerald, sapphire, ruby, gold) signify wealth and and valued.

 

Tip: Effortlessly blends with a neckline, works also with a neutral robe and a jewel toned scarf.

 

Choosing the Ideal Fabrics

Your choice of fabric primarily affects the overall appearance and comfort for your costume. These are the various types:

 

Cotton: inexpensive, breathable and easily available, perfect for your base layer.

Linen: fabric is lightweight and sheer, best for your tunic or robe, however, tends to wrinkle easily.

Velvet: dramatic and rich, best for your top layer, especially for a festival or on stage.

Wool: As history suggests, it is warm and best suited to cooler climates.

Silk or Satin: Beautifully and glistening, ideal for sashes, scarves, or headwraps.

👉 Made for a Budget: These are quite common and much cheaper in thrift stores as curtains or table cloths.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Rumi Costume

Getting ready to piece it all together? Here is a practical Aussie approach.

Step 1: Create the Base

Grab a neutral and / or a jewel patterned bathrobe, and you are all set to create the base layer.

If none are available, try a long cardigan, oversized shirt, or a trench coat.

Step 2: Putting on Additional Layers

You may use loose-fitting pants, crazy comfy pajamas, yoga pants, or harem-style pants.

Also, put a tunic or long-sleeved shirt on for some added layers.

Step 3: Putting on the Headwear

Grab a scarf or a towel and fold it longways, and place it on your head.

Cross the ends of the scarf/towel at the front of the head, go around the head and tuck the ends in the back.

For added volume, put a beanie on.

Step 4: The Belt or Sash

Take a long scarf, curtain tie, or any long piece of fabric. This will be the waist sash.

Twice wrapped around the waist and tied into a bow, the ends will be left to flow.

**Placing the Mardi Gras Beads**
One hand holds a book of poetry or a journal, and the other adorns a prayer bead bracelet.

In certain situations, simple sandals or going barefoot may be most appropriate.

**Last Minute Fixes**
In cases where a true DIY isn't possible, noted here are some reliable last minute hacks:
For an instant costume, use the formula bathrobe + scarf. Use one scarf as a belt, and a second scarf on the head for wrapping.
Curtain: Just drape a curtain around the shoulders like a robe.

Roll a towel into a band and wrap it like a crown to create headwear. Add a scarf, and you are covered.

**Modern Alternatives and Accessibility**
Some may lack access to historically accurate fabrics and dyes due to economic and socio-geographical restrictions. In all these cases, a modern alternative works wonderfully:
For a fraction of the cost, polyester or cotton blends will imitate the drapery of linen or silk and modern drapes.
Jewel-toned scarves available at any fast-fashion emporium showcase the richness of traditional and modern dyes.

Even neutral loungewear can be restyled to evoke the minimalist chic essence of Rumi.

It is the simplicity and profundity of Rumi that needs to be captured, not the historical accuracy.

Where to Source Your Costume

If you want to be cost-efficient, you can start with thrift stores.

Thrift Stores: Curtains, robes, and belts can be creatively transformed, along with some scarves and belts.

Creative Repurposing of Household Items: Old bath robes, shawls, and even bed sheets can be repurposed.

Craft Stores: Remnants used for sashes and head wraps can be acquired for cheap fabric.

Resale and Rental Websites: “Boho robes”, “Sufi clothing”, or “poet costumes” are search terms that can yield a number of purchased options.

Most Importantly, the Spirit of the Costume

More than a collection of fabric and accessories, the Rumi costume must embody his teachings: simplicity, introspection, and love. One must embody calmness and control while the hands hold a book or a set of prayer beads. Your costume should be a vessel for living poetry.

 

Concluding Remarks

Rumi costumes are straightforward and inexpensive to create. An ensemble can be made reasonable and practical with soft and flowing attire from natural materials and symbolic accents within an intentional and harmonious color palette. Suitably realistic costumes can be crafted from thrift store finds, household discards, and a few creative last minute adjustments. In all these scenarios, however, the outfit will be as good as the soul and spirit invested in it.

✨ There is a saying by Rumi that states, ‘The beautiful comes from the only and the only comes from the beautiful.’