So you have taken the plunge and signed up for belly dancing lessons. Now, if only you knew what to wear! Take heart; you can wear almost any workout wear while you are leaning how to belly dance. However, the lessons will feel more authentic, and you will feel more like a real belly dancer, if your belly dancing clothes resemble the exotic, flowing garb worn by real belly dancers.

Belly Dancing Clothes - Headwear

It is perfectly acceptable to belly dance with a bare head. Loose, flowing hair gives the impression of a veil, so let your long hair move with your dance movements. If you want your headwear to coordinate with the rest of your belly dancing clothes, wear a jeweled headband with tiny tinkling coins attached. A coiled silk headband can be purchased in colors that go with your outfit, and it can be worn solo or pulled on over a veil.

Belly Dancing Clothes - Tops

A choli is an authentic belly dancing cropped top or bra, with or without sleeves. In belly dancing, the midriff is exposed. Look for a brightly colored silk or shiny satin top. Dancers who prefer to cover the midriff can achieve the special look with a shiny, metallic tank or blouse with spaghetti straps. Dress up a plain bra top with a bra cover. These mesh covers, trimmed with tiny bells or coins, make any top a belly dancing blouse.

Belly Dancing Clothes - Pants

The traditional pants for belly dancing are harem pants: sheer, flowing fabric made into loose pants. Often, harem pants are deeply slit all the way around, to allow flashes of skin to peek sexily through the pants during the belly dance. Harem pants should match your choli or bra, and should be trimmed with sparkling lace, tiny bells, coins, or other sparkling, decorative trim.If you prefer to wear ordinary workout pants, you can achieve the look of harem pants by wrapping a brightly colored scarf around your hips.

Belly Dancing Clothes - Footwear

Belly dancers traditionally dance barefoot. If for some reason you cannot dance in bare feet, wear shiny satin or bejeweled ballet slippers. Beaded anklets are a must. A metallic, jeweled ankle bracelet will draw attention to your feet and complement the rest of your belly dancing clothes, giving them a look of authenticity. As much attention is drawn to the hands and feet during belly dancing, a meticulous manicure and pedicure are absolutely required.