Warrior Queen Dina sports Black leather, bronze, chains, studs, and skulls. A sword and a real Arabic dagger complete the fashion statement. :)

original Dina... I like!

I agree with Dina, she quotes" If you have a humorous, original or whimsical element on your costume, it says, "I don't take myself too seriously." The audience will smile with you as soon as they see you, and this helps you relax and overcome performance anxiety. The audience usually has seen the typical bellydance costumes over and over; they appreciate originality, and they'll remember you.

The novelty could be as simple as a decoration: a huge flower, tassel, or funny tiara in your hair, giant "jeweled" rings, temporary tattoos, glittery face ornaments or painted designs, "Arabian" slippers with tassels or curly toes, etc. Pick a favorite body part to call attention to. (Skip the navel jewel, though; it's not original.)

Or the novelty could be a "themed" costume like the ones below. Other themes: mermaid, 20's Theda Bara-style, Mother Nature, jungle princess.When you are wearing a novelty, your performance and music choices become novel as well; you feel less constrained to stick to the standards. But the usual guidelines for costume still apply: figure-flattering design, good taste, moving parts, sparkle.