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Gypsy Fortune
Teller Halloween Costumes - Easy to Make
By Rose Smith
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
* Long wide-flowing black skirt
* 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-fortune-teller-games.shtml
for some divining games and activities that are easy to learn).
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