Gypsy Costumes
Homemade Gypsy Costume Ideas
The term “Gypsy” is offensive to people of certain nationalities and ethnicities. To most, however, the word conjures up images of nights spent around a campfire, women who like to belly dance, and maybe even a bit of the supernatural. This article is not intended to offend, and our look at gypsy costumes is simply a good-natured attempt to bring some international spice to your next Halloween party.
Gypsy costumes are colorful and exotic, and they can be tailored to fit folks of all ages and shapes. This article will provide a number of gypsy costume ideas, as well as discussing how to make your own gypsy costume at home.
What Is a Gypsy?
The term “Gypsy” originated in the Greek language and is derived from the word for “Egyptian.” This is due to the belief that most gypsies once came from Egypt.
It is often used to describe people of the Romani ethnicity, but many chafe at the term due to the stereotypes of gypsies being superstitious thieves and all-around rogues. However, unless your next Halloween party is being attended by lots of Romani people, you should be safe to wear a gypsy costume without offending anyone.
In the United States, the term gypsy is more often used to describe a nomadic or carefree lifestyle, and not the Romani people. It can still have a negative connotation, but the European use of the word is often considered more offensive.
Another group sometimes referred to as gypsies are the Irish Travellers. These are people of Irish heritage who lead a nomadic lifestyle, and they can be found primarily in Great Britain, Ireland, and the United States. Other terms for these people include “tinkers” and “knackers.” The latter two terms refer to services that Irish Travellers might have engaged in to make money, such as mending pots and pans or slaughtering elderly horses for meat. Brad Pitt’s character in Snatch is an example of an Irish Traveller, although he’s usually referred to by the derogatory term “pikey.”
Luckily, you won’t have to possess an in-depth knowledge of these ethnic groups or organizations to enjoy wearing a gypsy costume. To keep things simple, just think of gypsies as carefree people who live each moment to the fullest, and that should be enough to get you through your Halloween party. Women should be spirited and love to dance, elderly females should be adept at curses and using a crystal ball, and men should be loud and filled with alcohol. Yes, these are gross stereotypes, but costume parties are usually more about having fun than historical authenticity.
If you’d like to do a bit of cinematic research on gypsies, be sure to view the following films:
- Traveller
- Snatch
- The Raggedy Rawney
- The Romany Trail
- King of the Gypsies
- Black Cat White Cat
- The Wolf Man (1941)
- Drag Me to Hell
- From Russia with Love
- Into the West
You can find more gypsy movies at Odd Films.
Some of these depictions are accurate, while others are entirely wrong. But either way, you’ll get a feel for how someone dressed as a gypsy might be expected to act at a party.
Buying a Gypsy Costume Online
Searching for gypsy costumes online will yield an amazing array of choices. Most are sexy in one way or another, and almost all include some manner of headband or wrap. There are gypsy costumes for kids, but the adult gypsy costumes are the most popular. Male gypsy costumes aren’t as common, but they can be located within a minute or two of searching. Larger individuals can still enjoy the party thanks to the plus size gypsy costumes sold over the Internet.
How to Make Your Own Gypsy Costume
As Halloween approaches, you’ll have no trouble finding gypsy costumes at your local retailer, but some readers may prefer to make their own party outfits. If you fall into this category, read on to learn how to make your own gypsy costume with items you may already have at home.
If you want a more traditional gypsy look, you’ll can choose between a one-piece or two-piece outfit. The first will be a loose-fitting dress that falls to the floor, while the two-piece variety can include a top that shows off plenty of cleavage. Almost any color will work for the dress, although darker shades seem to be the most popular.
Sleeves should be loose and puffy, and these can be sewn on with little effort. Just choose your favorite silky fabric, measure the length of your arm, hem it at the top and bottom, and then gather at the wrist. You can also choose to leave the sleeves off, which works well for a sexier gypsy look.
Gypsy costumes will often have floor-length skirts, but you’re free to make the skirt any length that you like. I’ve seen adult gypsy costumes that were almost like mini-shirts, so there are plenty of choices. Tights beneath the skirt are also an option, but make sure they match the rest of your costume.
For footwear, the most common options are sandals, boots, or going barefoot. Boots with heels are popular for a more sensual look, while going barefoot or wearing sandals gives off a rustic vibe. Avoid footwear that takes away from the theme of your costume, though.
Hair can be teased or crimped to give it a wild look, or it can be covered with a large headband or bandana. All hair colors look appropriate with the gypsy costume, although those with raven locks will be especially striking.
Accessories allow you to put your own stamp on the costume, and these can range from pins and scarves to anklets and bangles. Some gypsies wears shawls, while others may adorn their outfits with ribbons and bells. If you want to play a gypsy woman who’s in touch with supernatural forces, you might choose to carry around a crystal ball or a deck of tarot cards. And for those who really want to stay in character, you could learn about tarot cards beforehand and offer to read the fortunes of fellow partygoers.
Adult gypsy costumes give you a chance to let your hair down, and they are available for members of both genders. They’re also perfect for couples, as a gypsy duo will be sure to stand out among people dressed as Felicity Shagwell or Buddy the Elf. So the next time a Halloween party rolls around, throw on a headband and some puffy sleeves and share a little of that Old World magic with your fellow guests.