Oscar De La Huerte answered
The most popular image that springs to mind when we talk about 'female Arabian costumes' is the belly dancer/Princess Jasmine from Aladdin look.
Both of these unfortunately involve exposing the midriff, although there are some really easy ways to get around that problem:
Female Arabian Costume
If you want to have that exotic 'harem'
look without showing flesh, I'd recommend trying one of the following:
Arabian outfit without the midriff Alternatively, you could opt to go for an entirely different image that combines the Arabian style with a distinct lack of midriff.
In most Arabian countries, women walking about exposing their midriffs is fairly uncommon, as religious beliefs mean that Arabian women actually spend a lot of their time covered up.
Nothing says 'covered up' more than the traditional Islamic outfit of the Burka or Niqab.
Another idea would be to go for a long, flowing Cleopatra-style gown. You could use a simple tunic-style design and then accessorize.
Both of these unfortunately involve exposing the midriff, although there are some really easy ways to get around that problem:
Female Arabian Costume
If you want to have that exotic 'harem'
look without showing flesh, I'd recommend trying one of the following:
- Use a sash to cover your midriff. A nice gold-colored sash will look elegant and interesting, but will also give your costume that Arabian feel you are looking for.
- You could also try using a skin-color fabric underneath your top that will hide your midriff. This is a trick often used by Ice Skaters, and can be achieved simply using a thick pair of old stockings or tights.
Arabian outfit without the midriff Alternatively, you could opt to go for an entirely different image that combines the Arabian style with a distinct lack of midriff.
In most Arabian countries, women walking about exposing their midriffs is fairly uncommon, as religious beliefs mean that Arabian women actually spend a lot of their time covered up.
Nothing says 'covered up' more than the traditional Islamic outfit of the Burka or Niqab.
Another idea would be to go for a long, flowing Cleopatra-style gown. You could use a simple tunic-style design and then accessorize.
