Septa Unella‘s look is defined by strict monastic austerity. There are no decorative trims, vibrant dyes, or ornate tailoring anywhere on her habit. Everything about her wardrobe conveys raw discipline, composed entirely of coarse, weathered gray cloth and rough-spun materials.
Recreating this outfit focuses primarily on getting the drab textures and draping right rather than tackling complicated pattern work. Because the base garments are straightforward, success comes down to how the layers sit together and securing the head covering so it stays taut throughout the day.
The Gray Habit Base
The foundation of the costume is an ankle-length, loose-fitting gray dress. In the show, the Septas of the Faith of the Seven wear heavy, homespun wool or coarse linen robes that hang straight down from the shoulders without modern tailoring. A simple long-sleeve maxi dress in a muted slate or charcoal gray serves as an accessible base layer. Aim for a high, round neckline and sleeves that extend down to your wrists.
If your base dress features a defined empire waistband or modern pleating, you can obscure those details by loosening the drape of your rope belt or wearing a matching gray tabard over top. The fabric shouldn’t look shiny, synthetic, or formal. If the material looks too fresh out of the package, a gentle wash with a pumice stone or a light dusting of gray textile weathering powder can knock back the artificial sheen and give it an authentic, worn-in appearance.
The Monastic Wimple and Head Wrap
Unella’s head covering is her most distinctive costume element. Her wimple wraps snugly around the jawline, neck, and throat, completely concealing her hair and framing only the face. It creates a harsh, severe silhouette that immediately sets her apart from noble Westerosi characters.
You can build this using a long gray scarf or pashmina in a matching tone to your dress. Start by placing the center of the fabric under your chin, pulling both ends up past your ears, and crossing them over the crown of your head. Wrap the remaining length snugly around your neck to cover any exposed skin at the collar, then secure it at the back with discreet safety pins or bobby pins tucked into a hairnet. Keeping your natural hair braided flat against your skull underneath prevents bulges and keeps the wrap looking smooth and disciplined.
Rope Belt and Waist Styling
Rather than a leather belt or metal buckle, the Septas tie their robes with a plain length of natural hemp rope. A medium-thickness gray or unbleached rope tied loosely at the natural waist anchors the entire silhouette.
Cut the rope so that after tying a basic knot at your side or center, both ends drop down past your knees. To prevent the cut ends from fraying into a messy mop, tie a small overhand knot an inch from each end or wrap the tips tightly with gray thread. The rope should hold the dress in place without pulling it too tightly against your body; the robe needs to look like an everyday penitent garment rather than fitted fashion.
The Shame Bell
No Unella costume works without the heavy brass hand bell. She carries it constantly, using its sharp chime to punctuate Cersei’s walk of atonement. A classic brass hand bell with a wooden or cast-metal handle matches the medieval aesthetic of King’s Landing.
A bell with a deep, loud resonance produces the right presence. If the brass is bright and polished, you can age it quickly using a dab of dark brown acrylic paint or metal aging fluid wiped over the surface, settling into the crevices to mimic tarnished, aged metal. When walking through convention halls or crowded events, stuffing a small tissue or cotton ball inside against the clapper keeps the bell quiet between photos.
Footwear and Finishing Notes
Footwear for a Septa should be practical and almost invisible. Because the maxi dress reaches the floor, your shoes will rarely be seen, but when they are, stick to plain dark brown or black leather flats, simple canvas boots, or basic sandals. Steer clear of modern sneakers with bright logos or rubber running soles that break the medieval illusion.
Keep makeup completely matte and minimal. Unella wears no cosmetics whatsoever; a bare-faced look with natural brows and matte lip balm completes the severe, unyielding demeanor of the character.
