As a little girl I often loved to dress up as a gypsy, whether
it was for Halloween or just for play. Maybe it?s because I long
to be free to do as I want and go where I wish, without the
societal constraints we have to live by (that?s why pirates are
so fascinating to people too). Whatever it is, creating a
fortune teller costume was the highlight of Halloween.
Back then there weren?t many places to buy fancy costumes (nor
did we have the money), so putting my own costume together was a
bit of a challenge. Today we can purchase practically any
costume we can think of and there are some pretty nice fortune
teller Halloween costumes to choose from.
** A Brief History of Gypsy Costumes **
The gypsy people were called Roma or Romani. They are made up of
loose nomadic tribes that wandered much of the European
countries during the Middle Ages and often lived in caravans.
There are still nomadic gypsies in the world today.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the basic dress of the woman was
a simple robe gathered at the neck worn over an under gown made
of chemise. They also wore a length of cloth which was draped
down the back, around the opposite waist, up the front and tied
at the shoulder (think Roman toga). A turban was worn on the
head.
As time went on, fashions changed. For the most part, gypsies
actually dressed very similar to the peasants of the area in
which they traveled and cultural dress of the time. Most of the
style of gypsy clothing that we picture today probably came from
the Renaissance period when laced vests, flounced skirts, men?s
breeches and pirate shirts were more popular.
** Making a Gypsy Halloween Costume **
For those that want to put together their own gypsy costume or
are planning on being a ?fortune teller? for Halloween this
year, you may have to do a bit of shopping around at used
clothing stores for some items. If you are handy with a sewing
machine, there are many fortune teller costume patterns
available as well. Here are some suggestions for both men and
women (and boys/girls) that can easily be created once you get
all the items:
Women/Girl?s Fortune Teller/Gypsy Outfit 1
* Long tired skirt in a bright color. * Gypsy style shirt ?
gathered scooped neck, puffy sleeves gathered at the wrist or
long wide flowing sleeves * Brightly colored front-laced vest *
Black leotard stockings * Black shoes * Brightly colored sash
for the waist * Matching bandana for hair * Gold hoop earrings
and some long, colorful beaded necklaces, bangles for arms
Women/Girl?s Fortune Teller/Gypsy Outfit 2
* Long wide-flowing black skirt (not tiered) * White peasant?s
shirt * Black front-laced vest * Black stockings * Black shoes *
Brightly colored apron or a shorter overskirt * Long black wig
with tight ringlets or curls * Colored 2? to 3? wide headband *
Gold hoop earrings and some long, colorful beaded necklaces,
bangles for arms
Men/Boys Gypsy/Pirate Costume
* Black or brown breeches * Black boots * White pirate shirt *
Long-length black or brown vest preferably trimmed with a
gold-colored braiding * Red or another colorful long scarf for
the sash at the waist * Colorful bandana * One gold hoop earring
Let your imagination run wild with the colors and styles you
could mix and match. The trick is to dress in layers and use
clothing that is loose and flowing. Add jewelry like bangles,
long flowing necklaces, large earrings and ankle bracelets to
enhance your outfit. Use colorful sashes accent the waist (and
also to hold daggers). Women could drape several sheer scarves
from their waist to hang down in points around a solid colored
skirt. Include headbands, bandanas and even eye patches for that
gypsy pirate look. Purples, blues, greens, bright yellows, reds
and blacks are the most popular colors and will make your outfit
stand out.
Learn a bit about fortune telling and divination and you?ll be
all set to play the part of the gypsy fortune teller. (Visit http://www.halloweenhowl.com/halloween-party-fortun
e-teller-games.shtml for some divining games and activities
that are easy to learn).
About the author:
(c) 2005. Rose Smith owns Halloween Howl - a website designed
for Halloween fun for all ages! Are you planning to have a Gypsy
Fortune Teller Party this year? Visit our website at: http://www.halloweenhowl.com/halloween-party-fortune-tell
er.shtml for some great ideas on decorations, recipes, games
and more.
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