The northern traditional buckskin dresses are elaborately decorated with beadwork. The yoke and sleeves of the dresses are completely beaded. The dress may also be decorated with porcupine quillwork, shells, elk teeth, or brass beads. The remainder of the outfit includes matching headbands or crown, hair tie, purses, moccasins, chokers, earring and shawl. Women who have an Indian name will wear an eagle feather or eagle plume in their hair.
Every tribe has their own origin legends of the different dance styles.
The most well known legend of the Jingle Dress comes from the Great Lakes Region. A Medicine Man was unable to cure his people of diseases that come west with the White man. In the dream, he was taught the healing songs. Upon awakening he instructed his wife and daughter how to make the dresses. He was able to heal his people by conducting the jingle dress ceremony.