What did female Romans actually wear?

Historically, Roman women wore a tunic as an undergarment, a long draped dress called a stola over it, and an outdoor shawl called a palla draped over the shoulders.

How do you make a DIY Roman costume from a bedsheet?

Fold a white flat sheet in half lengthwise, wrap it around your body, pin it at both shoulders with brooches, and cinch it at the waist with a gold cord.

What kind of shoes go with a Roman costume?

Flat leather sandals, particularly gladiator-style sandals with straps that wrap up the ankle or calf, are the most authentic choice.

AI-generated example

Roman Woman Costume

Channel classical elegance with a draped stola, palla, and gold laurels.

The Roman Woman costume is a timeless choice for historical themed events, toga parties, and Halloween. Based on classical antiquity, this elegant look typically consists of a flowing stola (dress), a draped palla (shawl), and polished gold accessories. It is favored for its comfortable drape, regal silhouette, and easy DIY potential.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $25–75

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Roman Woman costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Roman Woman costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Roman Woman costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Roman Woman at Spirit ↗

White or Cream Stola
A floor-length, sleeveless or short-sleeved flowing tunic dress, typically made of lightweight cotton or polyester.
DIY: Drape a white twin-sized bedsheet around your body, securing it at the shoulders with safety pins or decorative brooches.
Amazon
Palla (Draped Shawl)
A long rectangular shawl or mantle in a contrasting color like royal blue, crimson, or purple, draped over one shoulder.
DIY: Use a length of colored fabric, such as chiffon or satin, draped over your left shoulder and wrapped around your torso.
Amazon
Gold Laurel Leaf Headband
A metallic gold headband or crown shaped like laurel leaves to sit atop the head.
DIY: Cut leaf shapes out of gold cardstock and glue them onto a plain plastic headband.
Amazon
Gold Arm Cuffs and Bracelets
Metallic gold spiral armbands worn on the upper bicep or chunky gold bangles on the wrists.
DIY: Paint thick plastic bands or cardboard tubes with metallic gold spray paint.
Amazon
Gold Rope Belt
A braided gold cord or rope tied high around the waist or under the bust to cinch the dress.
DIY: Braid three strands of gold yarn or thin gold rope together to your desired length.
Amazon
Gladiator Sandals
Flat leather or metallic gold sandals with straps that wrap up the ankle or calf.
DIY: Wear simple brown flat sandals and wrap brown or gold ribbons around your calves.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Roman Woman costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the white or cream stola dress, ensuring it falls to ankle or floor length.
2
Tie the gold braided rope belt tightly around your waist or just under the bust in an empire waist style.
3
Drape the colored palla shawl over your left shoulder, letting it hang diagonally across your back and front, or pin it to the shoulder of the dress.
4
Slide the gold arm cuffs onto your upper arms and stack gold bracelets on your wrists.
5
Place the gold laurel leaf headband flat on your head, securing it with bobby pins if necessary.
6
Lace up the gladiator sandals around your ankles or lower calves.
7
Style your hair in a classic Roman updo or loose curls to complete the historical look.

Makeup & hair

Style hair in loose, romantic curls, partially pinned back into a half-updo or a braided bun. Keep makeup natural and glowing with warm bronzer, gold eyeshadow, and a nude or soft berry lip.

Roman Woman for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with a Roman Emperor or Gladiator wearing a matching white toga, red cape, and gold armor.
group: Gather a group to dress as a Roman Senate or Pantheon of goddesses using different colored pallas and drapes.
kids: A simple white tunic cinched with a gold ribbon and a mini laurel wreath.
Plus size: A flowing empire-waist maxi dress provides a highly adjustable, comfortable, and flattering fit.
pet: A small white fabric drape secured with a gold ribbon around a dog's collar.

Tips

Wear neutral-colored undergarments beneath the white stola to prevent them from showing through thin fabric.
If your sandals slip down your calves, apply a small amount of body adhesive or double-sided tape to the straps.
Use safety pins hidden underneath the drapes to keep the palla securely in place while walking and socializing.
Opt for flat sandals for maximum comfort if you plan on walking or standing for long periods.

Roman Woman costume FAQ

What did female Romans actually wear?: Historically, Roman women wore a tunic as an undergarment, a long draped dress called a stola over it, and an outdoor shawl called a palla draped over the shoulders.
How do you make a DIY Roman costume from a bedsheet?: Fold a white flat sheet in half lengthwise, wrap it around your body, pin it at both shoulders with brooches, and cinch it at the waist with a gold cord.
What kind of shoes go with a Roman costume?: Flat leather sandals, particularly gladiator-style sandals with straps that wrap up the ankle or calf, are the most authentic choice.

Did you know? In ancient Rome, the stola was a symbol of marital status; only respected married Roman citizens (matrons) were legally permitted to wear it.