Boudicca (first century; died around 61 CE) was one tough lady. This British queen fought a war of resistance against the Romans, and though she lost, her heroism has echoed down through the ages. The two costume plates in our main illustration are based on ancient descriptions of her appearance, and that’s what we’re using for our design. The middle picture is of Alex Kingston as Boudicca in a TV movie, which we’re including mostly because we think she looks awesome.

Fortunately, the Celts at that time were wearing more or less the same kind of drapery the Romans were, just in their favorite woolen plaid. We can use sheets and safety pins to replicate the effect. The pieces we suggest, from left to right:

1. Flannel sheets. Yep. Here’s your Boudicca costume. And these two colors are perfect: get one flat sheet in the garnet plaid for your tunic, and one in the blue shadow plaid for your cloak. (Or vice versa.) The size sheet depends on your height, but a full size works for most people. If they’re out of flat sheets, you can get fitted sheets instead and just cut out the elastic in the corners. We give you instructions below on how to do the tunic; for the cloak, just drape it around your shoulders and pin. If you want one of those big round cloak pins to fasten it with, you can get a very good replica here.
2. Long natural red wig. Unless you already have red hair down to your waist, which Boudicca did.
3. Celtic circlet. This is available with several different stone colors.
4. Shield and sword. Yeah, it’s supposed to be a Roman shield, but that’s okay. You took it off a Roman soldier.
5. Temporary Celtic tattoos. There are 50 stick-on tattoos in this pack; put them on your arms, face, wherever.
6. Big gold-tone cuff. We know Boudicca wore big gold bracelets; this seems appropriately massive.

Shoes: Wear flat leather boots.

How to make the tunic: The simplest ancient tunic for costuming purposes is the Doric chiton, which consists of a single rectangle of fabric folded around the body. All you need is a flat sheet, some safety pins, and a belt or cord. (You can get a rope belt here in white, natural, or gold.) Here are your chiton instructions:

Other costumes in this category: Queens