Thread: Troupe Skirts....Please HELP!

We have been discussing getting a troupe costume that's more uniform for months now. I've offered various suggestions and we've narrowed it down to an LRose half top out of crushed velvet with matching skirt. The problem we're having is choosing a style of skirt. We're different shapes and sizes and some want the trumpet style and others are afraid that style will make them look too hippy.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Can you be too hippy in belly dance? I wear 25-yard skirts and a booty that's 50" and I consider those big ole buns to be a beneficial feature. (yes, I was going to say "asset")

Actually I think 25-yarders might make a person look more hippy than a trumpet, but it really depends on who's looking.

assign someone as costume mistress & let them choose- then buy something else next year? That way you build a troupe wardrobe slowly. There is NOTHING that will satisfy everyone, so giving the final call to someone is a good idea in my book.

If you get the trumpet with the slit, it is still body hugging, but more forgiving for those who need it to be . . .

Here is ours in action . . . they kinda look good on EVERYONE!!! But the slit does help to balance out those with larger hips . . .

IMG_5558 copy.jpg - tribe.net

I think trumpet skirts look good on everyone -- thin, plump, apple, pear...

You know, L Rose sells to a lot of troupes. I would ask them which skirt styles are considered the most flattering by the greatest number of people. Their word is law. :) Is cost a factor? Their chiffon skirts are so economical...

Thanks so much, everyone! Your suggestions will really help us come to a decision.

One more thing -- circle skirts can be a real pain because they really have to be exactly the right length and they need to hang evenly all the way around. The more bootylicious the dancer, the more she will need it custom hemmed to hang even (e.g. longer in the back). Nothing looks tackier, IMHO, than a group with several members in circle skirts that are too short, or hiked up 6 inches in the back.

Trumpet skirts are easier to alter in terms of length.

Originally Posted by ssipes

One more thing -- circle skirts can be a real pain because they really have to be exactly the right length and they need to hang evenly all the way around. The more bootylicious the dancer, the more she will need it custom hemmed to hang even (e.g. longer in the back). Nothing looks tackier, IMHO, than a group with several members in circle skirts that are too short, or hiked up 6 inches in the back.

Trumpet skirts are easier to alter in terms of length.

I will throw out and "amen sister" on that. Our basic troupe costume includes a Flying Skirt with a red border and I had to lengthen it from the waistband about four inches to compensate for my bodacious butt.

Seriously though, I heartily agree that the trumpet skirt is the friendliest to multiple body types.

I agree with everyone who says that the trumpet skirt is universally flattering. It really does look awesome on every body type on which I've seen it!

I also feel that L. Rose trumpet skirts are one of the most universally flattering designs in the universe. Bridesmaids should wear them.

Yep... as a short hourglass I have to agree that L Rose Trumpet skirts look good on everyone.

Yup, what everyone else said. Trumpet skirts. Larger hipped woman can end up looking like a big blob with a circle skirt. The shape of the trumpet skirt gives them curves where they need it and is super flattering.

The Costume Goddess agrees: Ask the Belly Dance Costume Goddess: Ideas for the Pear-Shaped Figure

I am going to add to the trmpet skirt vote. I have a performing company in which I have all different ages, shapes, and sizes. These are super flattering on everyone!


THe only issue is chosing the fabric and style! There are so many! ;-)
I personally own probably 7-8 of them! ;-)
Good luck!
xoxo,
-Nadirah Johara

I second/third/thirty-third the L Rose Trumpet Skirt recommendation! They cost a bit more than the straight skirt, but are worth every dollar! (There's nothing wrong with the straight skirt . . . I've just fallen in love with the trumpet!)

If concerned about tightness, just add an inch or two to the measurements of all the skirts. You'll keep the shape of the skirt -- and all of its "benefits -- but alleviate some of the hesitation inherent in the word "fitted."

Just to let you know how wonderful these skirt are, I've shared my trumpets with my daughter. I am 5'9 and of <ahem> a "corresponding weight;" my daughter is 5'5 and just under 100 pounds. We simply roll up the length at the top of the skirt and pin it so it doesn't come unrolled at an inopportune moment. We don't do anything to it other than that; it's not a tight fit on her, but it sure looks great!

Good luck with your decision!

Deborah