You’ll probably want a lighter or darker brown for an accent color, too. This will be at your waistline and as fringe on the top and bottom. Be less concerned with the texture of this accent color – but for your dress, make sure it won’t irritate your skin.
Don’t forget to include the strips at the base of the costume and at the top half of the costume. To create the fringe, just cut strips in a wide layer of fabric and attach to the top and bottom seam.
Cut your poncho to the desired length; remember to account for slits that will become fringe. This will depend on your height and your coverage preferences.
Sew the open edge, creating a poncho-like shape. The other side is folded and doesn’t need to be sewn. Turn it right side out again.
For a grown woman, fringes almost a foot long are appropriate if using a full torso-covering poncho.
Sew the edges about 2/3 of the way down, depending on your skirt length. This is because you’ll be cutting away at the material anyway for the fringe. You won’t need an entire seam sewn.
Use an extra piece of fabric as a belt to keep the skirt up, if need be. The poncho should cover up the top of the skirt, so if you have an awkward issue, it can be easily remedied. If you have more material left over, cut fringes into it and stick it into your shoes or boots! Footwear? Check!
Also cut off the bottom 1/3 of the shirt. Eyeball how long you want the top and skirt. If you want a longer skirt, cut a longer bottom piece. Account for your butt and hips – they’ll make a long-looking skirt into a short one. Two tan shirts are always an option. They’re pretty cheap and can be found at most craft supply stores.
About 1" (2. 5 cm) from the edge of your skirt, start cutting tiny slits for the belt to be inserted into. They should be 1-2" (2. 5-5 cm) apart and only big enough so the belt can go through the holes. Thread your belt through these loops. You may start at the center, side, or back, depending on where you want your bow. Double knot the ends for securing.
Start about 1" (2. 5 cm) from the bottom edge of your skirt. Each set of two slits should be about 1" away from each other. Once you’ve laced all the fringe into the slits, double knot them, securing them to your skirt.
Cut one giant slice through the back of your slits so you have a whole bunch of pieces to tie together. Go right through the center so all your eventual knots line up.
If your neckline is looking too t-shirt-like, take two pieces of fringe and tie them each in a bow on the left and right sides of the front of your necklace. This will create more of a square shape and do away with the t-shirt vibe. Have someone else tie up the back of your shirt. They’ll be able to contour it to the shape of your body.
The necklace is a good opportunity to add color to your costume. Consider armbands and bracelets as well, but don’t go overboard. Pick one or two accessories. Less is more here.
If you have long hair already, you may want to invest in a swimming cap to keep your tresses from sneaking out and putting a damper on your completed look.
Braid enough to wrap around your head, but leave loose ends to dangle. You can then attach beads or feathers to the hanging ends to spice up your outfit. Just tie at the base of your head and then again at the bottom of the strands.
