Whether you're headed to a costume party, dressing up for Halloween, or participating in an event, there are few costumes as fun to assemble as a fortune teller outfit. From the flashy and funky accessories to the props that ooze atmosphere, this costume is all about customization and originality.
Start With the "Basic" Look
The "basic" fortune teller look is really anything but basic, but you do need to start somewhere. Begin by choosing a long skirt and a draped long top. These can be items you already own but if you don't have them, a quick trip to the nearest Goodwill should have you covered. Go for dark colors, such as black, red, deep blue, or forest green. Bonus points for fancy fringe, velvet, brocade, and other touches. Or start with a classic Gypsy costume and go from there.
Add Tons of Gold Jewelry
Next, you'll need a lot of gold-toned costume jewelry, especially dangling hoop earrings, layered chain necklaces, and bracelets. The key is quantity. Look for items at thrift stores and discount retailers. You can also purchase jewelry designed for costumes, such as the gold coin necklace and earrings set from Party City. It retails for only $6.
Top It Off With a Jingling Headpiece
Make your own fortune teller headpiece by converting a gold coin necklace into a hair accessory. Use wire cutters to trim it to fit across your forehead and then secure it to your hair with bobby pins. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-made headpiece, such as a metal coin headband, which retails for about $11 on Amazon.
Amp It Up With Amazing Extras
Once you have the costume assembled, it's time to take it to the next level with your choice of amazing extra embellishments. Consider some of these over-the-top ideas.
Arcade Fortune Teller
You may remember those creepy-cool arcade fortune tellers where you put a coin in and received a fortune. Emulate this idea by adding an arcade frame to your outfit. Use a large cardboard box, cut to create a decorative open frame. Stretch two strips of wide elastic across the inside of the box to allow it to sit comfortably on your shoulders. Paint the interior a dark color and the exterior gold. You can even add battery-powered twinkle lights.
Tarot Table
Attach a table to your costume for reading tarot cards. Get a thin piece of wood or a sheet of heavy cardboard and cut it to the desired size. Use a staple gun to attach wide strap webbing, which you can buy by the yard at any fabric store. Staple two strap ends to the front of the table and two to the back. Then, slip the straps over your shoulders like you're putting on a backpack backwards. Paint the table gold, red, or another fun color, and lay tarot cards on top. If you want an even cooler effect, glue battery-powered candles to the top of the table.
Light Up Crystal Ball
Make your own crystal ball with a few simple supplies. Start with a basic ball vase, such as the Eastland Bubble Ball Vase, which you can buy for about $3 from Quick Candles. If you wish, spray paint the inside with silver spray paint or leave it clear. Stuff it with cotton batting or fake spiderwebs and add a string of battery-powered twinkle lights. You'll be ready to tell fortunes in no time.
Palm Reading Sign
Advertise your services with a sign you wear on the front of your costume. Cut a piece of posterboard to be about the width of your body. Decorate it with advertisements for palm readings, including a picture of a hand. Make holes in the top two corners of the sign and thread a wide ribbon through them. Tie the ends around your waist like a belt.
Turn Heads With Makeup
No matter how you choose to embellish your fortune teller costume, remember to wear plenty of makeup. Add dark eyes, red or gold lips, and plenty of mascara to make your look really convincing. You won't need special power to predict your costume will turn heads at your party or event.
