As a little girl I often loved to dress up as a gypsy, whether it was for Halloween or just for play. Maybe it's because I long to be free to do as I want and go where I wish, without the societal constraints we have to live by (that's why pirates are so fascinating to people too). Whatever it is, creating a fortune teller costume was the highlight of Halloween.

Back then there weren't many places to buy fancy costumes (nor did we have the money), so putting my own costume together was a bit of a challenge. Today we can purchase practically any costume we can think of and there are some pretty nice fortune teller Halloween costumes to choose from.

** A Brief History of Gypsy Costumes **

The gypsy people were called Roma or Romani. They are made up of loose nomadic tribes that wandered much of the European countries during the Middle Ages and often lived in caravans. There are still nomadic gypsies in the world today.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the basic dress of the woman was a simple robe gathered at the neck worn over an under gown made of chemise. They also wore a length of cloth which was draped down the back, around the opposite waist, up the front and tied at the shoulder (think Roman toga). A turban was worn on the head.

As time went on, fashions changed. For the most part, gypsies actually dressed very similar to the peasants of the area in which they traveled and cultural dress of the time. Most of the style of gypsy clothing that we picture today probably came from the Renaissance period when laced vests, flounced skirts, men's breeches and pirate shirts were more popular.

** Making a Gypsy Halloween Costume **

For those that want to put together their own gypsy costume or are planning on being a "fortune teller" for Halloween this year, you may have to do a bit of shopping around at used clothing stores for some items. If you are handy with a sewing machine, there are many fortune teller costume patterns available as well. Here are some suggestions for both men and women (and boys/girls) that can easily be created once you get all the items:

Women/Girl's Fortune Teller/Gypsy Outfit 1

* Long tired skirt in a bright color.

* Gypsy style shirt - gathered scooped neck, puffy sleeves gathered at the wrist or long wide flowing sleeves

* Brightly colored front-laced vest

* Black leotard stockings

* Black shoes

* Brightly colored sash for the waist

* Matching bandana for hair

* Gold hoop earrings and some long, colorful beaded necklaces, bangles for arms

Women/Girl's Fortune Teller/Gypsy Outfit

* Long wide-flowing black skirt

* White peasant's shirt

* Black front-laced vest

* Black stockings

* Black shoes

* Brightly colored apron or a shorter overskirt

* Long black wig with tight ringlets or curls

* Colored 2" to 3" wide headband

* Gold hoop earrings and some long, colorful beaded necklaces, bangles for arms

Men/Boys Gypsy/Pirate Costume

* Black or brown breeches

* Black boots

* White pirate shirt

* Long-length black or brown vest preferably trimmed with a gold-colored braiding

* Red or another colorful long scarf for the sash at the waist

* Colorful bandana

* One gold hoop earring

Let your imagination run wild with the colors and styles you could mix and match. The trick is to dress in layers and use clothing that is loose and flowing. Add jewelry like bangles, long flowing necklaces, large earrings and ankle bracelets to enhance your outfit. Use colorful sashes accent the waist (and also to hold daggers). Women could drape several sheer scarves from their waist to hang down in points around a solid colored skirt. Include headbands, bandanas and even eye patches for that gypsy pirate look. Purples, blues, greens, bright yellows, reds and blacks are the most popular colors and will make your outfit stand out.