Do it yourself nurse costume ideas 2024

Materials Needed

• White dress or white scrubs
• White or black shoes (tennis shoes, flats, or heels)
• White stockings or socks
• Red felt or fabric
• White felt or fabric
• Blue felt or fabric (optional)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Needle and thread or fabric glue
• Bobby pins
• Cardboard (for accessories)
• Elastic band or string (for the cap)
• Makeup (for themed variations like zombie or vampire nurse)
• Additional props (stethoscope, clipboard, fake blood, etc.)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. The Dress

1. Find a White Dress or Scrubs: The foundation of a classic nurse costume is a white dress or a set of white scrubs. Thrift stores are great places to find affordable options.
2. Add Red Cross Emblem: Cut a red cross from felt or fabric and attach it to the left chest area of the dress using fabric glue or by sewing it on. This instantly gives the outfit a recognizable nurse look.

1. Choose Scrubs: Modern nurses often wear scrubs in various colors. For a classic look, stick with white or light blue. For a pediatric nurse, choose scrubs with fun patterns like cartoon characters.
2. Add Details: If you want to add a personal touch, use fabric markers to draw small medical symbols or your name on the scrubs.

2. The Nurse Cap

1. Cut the Paper: Use a piece of white printer paper (8.5 x 11 inches). Fold it in half lengthwise.
2. Shape the Cap: Fold the top corners down to the center to form a triangle. Fold the bottom edge up to meet the bottom of the triangle.
3. Secure the Cap: Use tape or glue to secure the folds. Attach a red cross cut from felt or fabric to the front center of the cap.
4. Attach Elastic: Punch holes on either side of the cap and thread an elastic band through, tying knots to secure. This will help the cap stay on your head.

1. Cut Fabric: Use a piece of white cotton fabric, approximately 22 x 28 cm.
2. Fold and Sew: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew the sides together, leaving the bottom open.
3. Shape and Secure: Fold the top corners down to form a triangle and sew or glue them in place. Attach a red cross to the front.
4. Attach Elastic: Sew or glue an elastic band to the sides to secure the cap on your head.

3. Shoes and Stockings

1. Choose Comfortable Shoes: Nurses are on their feet all day, so choose comfortable white or black shoes. Tennis shoes are a practical option, while flats or heels can add a touch of elegance.
2. Optional Decoration: Add small red crosses to the shoes using fabric paint or felt for added detail.

1. White Stockings or Socks: Wear white stockings or knee-high socks to complete the classic nurse look. Fishnet stockings can be used for a more provocative costume.

4. Accessories

1. DIY Stethoscope: Use a headband and felt to create a simple stethoscope. Cover the headband with gray felt and attach white felt circles to the ends. Glue a long strip of gray felt to the center and add a white felt circle with blue and gray details to the end.

1. Create a Clipboard: Use a piece of cardboard and cover it with white or gray felt. Add a small clip at the top to hold paper. This accessory is both practical and adds authenticity to the costume.

1. Make a First Aid Box: Use a small cardboard box and cover it with white felt. Add a red felt cross to the front. Create a handle from cardboard and cover it with white felt, then attach it to the box.

5. Themed Variations

1. Distress the Outfit: Tear small holes in the dress or scrubs and add fake blood around the tears.
2. Makeup: Use face paint to create a pale, undead look with dark circles under the eyes and fake blood around the mouth.
3. Accessories: Add a stethoscope with fake blood and carry a fake syringe for added effect.

1. Shorten the Dress: Use a shorter white dress or skirt with a busty white top.
2. Stockings and Heels: Wear fishnet stockings and high heels or stilettos.
3. Makeup: Apply bold makeup with red lipstick to match the red cross on the outfit.

1. Add Vampire Details: Use white face paint to create a pale look and add fake blood around the mouth.
2. Fangs: Wear vampire fangs and add a trail of fake blood on your lips.
3. Accessories: Carry a fake syringe with red liquid to represent blood.

1. Add a Superhero Logo: Attach a superhero logo (like Batman or Wonder Woman) to your scrubs.
2. Cape: Add a small cape made from fabric that matches the superhero theme.
3. Accessories: Carry a toy stethoscope and wear a superhero mask.

6. Final Touches

1. Classic Look: Pull your hair into a neat bun or ponytail and secure the nurse cap with bobby pins.
2. Themed Look: For themed variations, style your hair and apply makeup to match the character (e.g., messy hair and zombie makeup for a zombie nurse).

1. Stethoscope: A toy stethoscope can be a great prop.
2. Clipboard: Carry a clipboard with fake patient charts.
3. ID Badge: Create a fake hospital ID badge with your name and a photo.

Conclusion