The bizarre rise of 'convent dressing' as Lily Allen and Sydney Sweeney lead celebrity fashion trend of dressing up as nuns - but real-life sisters say it's 'demeaning'

Convent dressing trend

Lily Allen, 40, has become the latest celebrity to embrace the so-called “convent dressing” trend, appearing in a nun’s habit while smoking a cigarette. This style involves high-profile figures dressing up in religious-inspired outfits, often resembling traditional nuns’ clothing, for fashion shoots, parties, or performances.

Sydney Sweeney and other stars have also experimented with this look, helping to push it further into the mainstream. Their outfits typically combine modest, covered silhouettes with provocative details or suggestive styling, creating a deliberate contrast between sacred and secular imagery.

Celebrity appeal

Many celebrities use convent-inspired outfits to generate attention, provoke discussion, and play with the visual language of religion and rebellion. The stark black-and-white habits, veils, and wimples create instantly recognizable silhouettes that stand out on social media and red carpets.

For fashion stylists and creative directors, nun-like clothing offers a dramatic costume that can be easily adapted: from strictly modest to overtly risqué. This flexibility makes the aesthetic attractive for music videos, themed events, and editorial shoots that aim to shock or subvert expectations.

Reaction of real nuns

Real-life sisters have voiced concern and disapproval, describing the trend as “demeaning.” They argue that habits are not just costumes but symbols of religious vows, service, and spiritual commitment.

From their perspective, turning these garments into fashion props risks trivializing a way of life built on faith, humility, and sacrifice. Some also feel that mixing overt sexuality with religious dress shows a lack of respect for their beliefs and communities.

Cultural and ethical questions

The rise of convent dressing raises broader questions about cultural and religious sensitivity in fashion. Critics see it as another example of using sacred symbols for entertainment without considering the people for whom these symbols are central to identity.

Supporters of the trend, however, frame it as artistic expression and a form of commentary on rules, tradition, and female autonomy. The tension between these views reflects ongoing debates about where the line lies between inspiration, parody, and disrespect.

Author’s summary

Convent dressing turns nun-inspired clothing into a striking fashion statement for celebrities, but many real sisters see it as a disrespectful use of their sacred symbols and committed way of life.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-30

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