How to Create a Fortune Teller Gypsy Woman's Costume
A fortune teller's distinctive look is as much a uniform as a banker's pinstriped suit. The iconic look requires plenty of color, bold jewelry, a pair of large gold hoop earrings and a vibrant head scarf. The Romani came not from Egypt originally, but from northern India, so the classic appearance of a "fortune teller" draws inspiration from India, the Middle East and Eastern European folk dress. Complete the costume with a deck of Tarot cards or a crystal ball. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Head scarf
- Hoop earrings
- Peasant blouse
- Embroidered vest (optional)
- Waist sash
- Tiered skirt
- Full-length ruffled skirt (optional)
- Coin-embellished belt (optional)
Instructions
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Drape a square head scarf over your head, so that one of the edges is centered and aligned with your hairline. When the scarf is positioned correctly, you'll have a pointed corner on either side of your head near your shoulders.
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Bring the two side corners of the scarf behind your head, and secure them in a knot. Leave the body of the scarf loose to flow freely over your hair, or wind the remainder of the scarf around your head.
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Fasten large hoop earrings to your ears. Bold, thick hoops in both ears keep the look more in line with a fortune teller's costume than with a pirate's, which is typically a one-earring look.
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Choose a peasant blouse with ruffles or embroidery to draw attention to your face. Wear the top buttoned higher for a more demure look, or unbutton the top button for a saucier style. Top the blouse with a short, colorful vest if you have access to one. Prints, beading and embroidery on the vest add to the costume's effect.
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Wear a wide, tiered skirt in a bright color or multicolored stripes. If you wear a longer ruffled skirt beneath it, the overall effect will resemble another contrasting tier.
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Wrap your waist with a scarf that matches or complements your head scarf. Tie it at your hip so the scarf forms a diagonal from one hip to the other.
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Add armfuls of bangle bracelets and necklaces adorned with coins to the costume. If you have a belt of dangling metal coins, wear it over the scarf at your waist.
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Carry a deck of Tarot cards or playing cards to complete the look. A crystal ball would also work, but genuine glass or crystal could become heavy to carry if you plan to stay at a party for any length of time.
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Tips & Warnings
The rich history of the Roma people who inspired the costume spans many centuries and nations, so incorporating unusual jewelry or fashion elements into your costume is appropriate. Eastern European flowered shawls, Indian sari fabric and Middle Eastern embroidery all look equally apropos for a fortune teller outfit.
If you have long hair, leave it free under the head scarf; long hair flatters a fortune teller costume.
If you use a clear glass ball as part of your costume, be careful where you set it. Even a small ball is heavy enough to topple drinks or bruise a toe, if it rolls away from where you put it.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
