Use old bathrobes as the base for most of the costumes. Pick the best quality fabrics to create fine robes for the Wise Men or a king. Silky, colorful materials work best. Opt for plain or tattered cloth for commoners like Moses and Mary.
Add brooches, jewelry and other accessories to a royal outfit and top it off with a crown. For characters like Moses, use theatrical hair and beard and add a wood pole to represent a staff.
Throw a length of blue cloth over the shoulder of a white robe and add an item like a chain cross to create costumes for some female characters. Sandals, hair pieces and other accessories can add to the specific look of the character. The richness, color and quality of the fabric and accessories will also help to differentiate between the commoners and the more affluent characters.
Expand your cast of characters by using linen napkins as head wraps. Create turbans from scarves and drape a white linen napkin over the head of a female character and tie with a simple white cord. Plus, twist a length of scarf around the head to create a colorful turban..