Thrift Store Costumes: Female Gypsy

A great costume that you can build from thrift store finds is a gypsy costume. This costume idea is so easy that I actually used it for my costume last year. There are a few staples that you need for this costume, as well as a few optional items that can enhance the look.

Skirt
To dress like a gypsy, you should choose a long, flowing skirt. Any color or print will work, but I personally like the more plain effect that solid colors have, especially in combination with patterned scarves. If you can find a skirt with any beading on it, you should snatch it up! (Although I would avoid skirts made of satin or taffeta, which would look too formal for a vagabond gypsy.) Beading on the skirt can greatly enhance the gypsy look, especially around the trim.

Shirt
As gypsies made this style popular, a peasant shirt is ideal for this costume. A peasant shirt has slightly puffy sleeves, sometimes worn off-shoulder; and a gathered neckline, usually with some lace banding under the chest. If you can't find a peasant shirt, experiment with other shirts until you find one that will work.

Scarves
Scarves are a must for a gypsy costume. You can wear scarves around your head/in your hair, as bracelets or anklets, or as a belt. Patterned scarves work the best in my opinion, so choose scarves of bright colors and patterns.

Jewelry
Jewelry for this costume is perhaps the most important part! Choose "clangy" trinket jewelry that resembles coins if you can, which will make you a little more musical. You'll want to wear necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings-as much jewelry as you are comfortable with. Colorful stones will really bring out the gypsy look.

Shoes
The shoe that you choose for this costume will be a personal choice. For a gypsy costume, boots seem an ideal shoe. You can either choose these boots from your own closet (if you have them), or pick some up at a local thrift store. Cowboy boots work well; as does any boot with a sturdy heel. Suede boots give the costume a more authentic feel, in my opinion. If you do not wish to wear boots with this costume, any sort of heeled shoe will work.

Optional Items
Some other items you might want to consider for this costume are a tambourine and a corset. A tambourine would be a fun prop to use as you pretend to be a gypsy, and a corset would make your outfit a little more authentic in addition to the peasant shirt. As neither of these can readily be found in local thrift shops, I chose to make them optional.

Have fun and enjoy your thrift store gypsy costume!