Gypsy Belly dance costumes for halloween

BELLYDANCE Costumes / Gypsy Influences on Bellydance Attire

Gypsy women are recognized by their unique dress. The traditional Gypsy costume is a long colorful skirt made from several yards of material, usually bright colors are preferred over dull muted colors, often with many layers of fabric. Bright chiffon, calico and metallic fabrics are preferred. White is taboo because it is associated with mourning and death.

Puffy sleeved blouses with low necklines are popular. Even though it is appropriate to show an ample bosom, but Gypsies are modest about showing lower parts of their bodies, especially knees or thighs.

Except for color, a woman does not have a varied wardrobe. If married, a woman must display that fact by keeping her head covered by a diklo, or headscarf. This varies with each clan. Some keep this custom but others, those in hotter areas, have adopted other customs. Women usually grow their hair long, and children keep it mostly braided.

Gypsy women wear jewelry for its beauty and its intrinsic value. Traditionally, acquired wealth is converted into jewelry or gold coins called galbi, sometimes worn on clothing as decoration, or woven into the hair.

Male Gypsies have no characteristic clothing but prefer bright colors. Gypsy men tend toward vests with loose fitting poet shirts in bright colors. A brightly colored neck scarf may be worn on special occasions.

Gypsy men tend to be stout in later years. It is considered a sign of prestige, of being healthy and "well-fed." Like women, they appreciate fine jewelry and bangles.