How to Dress for a Basque Party
Between what is today France and Spain is where the Basque people originated. A huge part of the Basque culture is dancing, and part of the dance ritual is the Basque dress. If you've been invited to attend a party with a Basque theme, you'll need to know how to dress so you put a realistic outfit together. The Basque costume is as important as putting on your dancing shoes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Women: Corset or bustier
- Long skirt
- Lace-up boots
- Stockings/tights
- Victorian-style jacket (optional)
- Long-sleeve fitted shirt or torso body stocking
- Men: Beret
- Black and white striped shirt
- Red scarf
- Black pants
Instructions
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Woman's Costume
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1
Put on stockings/tights in a color that matches your skirt. Traditional colors include white or black.
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Dress in your skirt. Step into a long and flowing skirt that coordinates with your corset or bustier. Typically, Basque skirts are long and flowing--even touching the floor.
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Put on a long-sleeve shirt or body stocking under your corset or bustier.
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4
Lace up the corset or bustier in the same color or a complementary one to your skirt.
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5
Lace up your boots. Flat boots that lace up the front should be added for more of a traditional look. For a sexier Basque costume, you can wear lace-up high-heeled boots.
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Style your hair. Twist your hair up into a French twist and secure it with a jeweled barrette or ornate hair pin.You can also pull the sides of your hair up in the front and pin it at the top and let the back fall naturally.
Man's Costume
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Slip on pants. A pair of black dress pants or bull-fighter style short pants can be worn by men. This represents more of the traditional dress of a Basque man.
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Pull on a long-sleeve black and white striped shirt. More traditional clothing colors are black, white and red for men, so you can substitute a white or red shirt if you prefer.
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Wrap red scarf around waist. Tie the red scarf around your waist like a sash.
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Put on black shoes. Traditionally, these are black men's slip-on shoes, but you can use black men's dress shoes for a similar look.
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Add a beret. One of the most traditional accessories for men is a black beret. Place the black beret on your head and you're ready to head off to your Basque party.
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Tips & Warnings
Women can also wear a Victorian-style jacket over the corset or bustier.
Men can also wear a bull-fighter style jacket over their shirts. Men's traditional outfits are highly influenced by the French-style beret and the bull-fighter style outfit.
