Homemade Gypsy Costume

The homemade gypsy costume is one of the oldest and most enduringly popular costumes for girls and women. Easy and inexpensive to put together, it’s a costume that can be thrown together at the last minute or made with time and care. Either way, you’ll look exotic!

A gypsy is an easy costume to make

Halloween costumes were traditionally disguises worn to trick the dead into thinking you were one of them and thus survive the night. Over time, people began to dress as something that struck fear or apprehension in society. Gypsies, who traveled across Europe and America for centuries, were seen as strange, exotic and sometimes dangerous people. The stories went that gypsies stole or swindled and generally operated outside the law. They were a bit frightening, so to dress as one was the perfect costume.

Since costumes were not something anyone but the very rich could afford to spend any money on, they had to be sewn or contrived from what was on hand. Children could dress as tramps by borrowing their father’s old shirts and hats. Ghost costumes were made from worn-out sheets and a witch could be suggested with a black shawl and hat. The more colorful gypsy costumes could be pulled together either by mixing and matching brightly colored skirts and shawls or by reaching into the scrap bag and sewing a patchwork or striped skirt. With bangles and a head scarf and some makeup, the average girl was transformed into a gypsy.

More Gypsy Costume Ideas

Little has changed in homemade gypsy costumes, with the exception of there now being thrift shops to rummage in search of useful pieces. The look is still bright and rag-bag. Whatever you like is acceptable, so it’s mostly a matter of having fun!

A traditional gypsy costume for a woman includes a low-cut top, usually a peasant blouse such as the sort you might see at a Renaissance Faire. Obviously, this is inappropriate for children or young teens, so opt instead for a loose ruffled blouse or perhaps a square-cut top. Layers are great, so you can start with a camisole and then layer on shawls secured with knots or jeweled pins.

A gypsy skirt should be long. If you’re concerned about tripping, have it fall just above the ankles. The easiest option is a bright colored skirt in a single color with a shawl in a contrasting color tied at the waist, and hanging down over the hips. An adult’s skirt should be long enough. Ssince dress up is often only for a few hours, you can pin it to the child to keep in place. The scarf at the waist should hide the folds. Another option is for the child to wear brightly patterned tights or leggings and then to create the effect of a wide skirt with more scarves or even aprons.

Hair should be covered with a colorful scarf or wide bandana. Big hoop earrings are a must, but if a child’s ears are not pierced, let the head scarf drop over the ears so it’s not noticeable. Lots of bangles on both arms are a must!

An adult will want to layer on the makeup – heavy black eyeliner and dark lipstick and blush. If a child will wear eye makeup, be sure it’s water-based.

Shoes should depend on the weather. Gypsies wore boots, so if it’s chilly and if there will be walking, this is fine. Chinese flats or ballet slippers are also acceptable. Anything with a bit of sparkle is, of course, ideal.

If you wish to carry a prop, a crystal ball, Magic 8 ball, or a tambourine can be great choices. You can also carry a pack of cards – Tarot cards are the best.

The beauty of a homemade gypsy costume is that whatever feels right is right, so long as you are colorful and bejeweled, you’re a gypsy!

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