How do you make/sew a Graduation gown for nursery?

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My dd's nursery manager just asked me if I could sew (sadly not). One of the nursery nurses wants to make little black graduation gowns for the nursery kids who are leaving to go to school. They'd rather not make "cloak" style gowns (too witchy, apparently!)and would like to be able to re-use them in the coming years. Any ideas for how best to do this? I'm clueless but did volunteer to ask the might of Mumsnet!