What to Wear: Ultimate Guide to Mardi Gras Outfits

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the world’s most vibrant and famous celebrations, a sensory explosion of music, food, and culture. As you prepare to join the festivities, one of the most exciting parts is planning your Mardi Gras outfits. Dressing for the occasion is more than just putting on clothes; it’s about embracing the spirit of “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll!). Whether you’re a seasoned Carnival veteran or a first-timer, this guide will help you navigate the sea of purple, green, and gold with style and confidence.

We’ll break down the meaning behind the iconic colors, explore different dress codes for parades and balls, and provide head-to-toe inspiration for everyone. Get ready to create looks that are comfortable, practical, and perfectly festive for your Fat Tuesday adventure.

Understanding the Mardi Gras Color Code

Before you start building your outfits, it’s essential to understand the symbolism behind the official colors of Mardi Gras. These three colors are everywhere, from beads and decorations to the clothes people wear.

• Purple (Justice): This rich, royal hue signifies justice. It’s a powerful and regal color that serves as a fantastic base for any festive look.
• Green (Faith): Representing faith, this vibrant color brings an element of life and renewal to the celebration’s palette.
• Gold (Power): Symbolizing power, gold adds the glitter, glamour, and sparkle that Mardi Gras is famous for.

Incorporating these three colors is the easiest way to create a classic and appropriate look. You don’t have to wear all three at once, but having them in your outfit instantly signals you’re ready to celebrate.

What to Wear to the Parades: Style Meets Practicality

Parade-going is the heart of the Mardi Gras experience, and your outfit needs to be ready for a long day of walking, standing, and catching beads. Comfort is your top priority, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

The Foundation: Comfortable and Layer-Friendly

Weather in New Orleans during Carnival season can be unpredictable. It might be warm and sunny one day and chilly and damp the next. Layering is non-negotiable.

• Start with a Base: A simple t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt in purple, green, or gold is a perfect starting point. A black or white base also works well, allowing your festive accessories to pop.
• Add Warmth: Bring a hoodie, fleece, or light jacket. You can easily tie it around your waist if the sun comes out. A rain poncho is also a smart addition to your bag, just in case.
• Bottoms for a Long Day:

• Jeans or Leggings: Comfortable, durable, and versatile. Black leggings are a great canvas for a colorful top and accessories.
• Festive Bottoms: Consider purple, green, or gold leggings, sequined joggers, or striped pants to take your outfit to the next level.

Footwear: The Most Important Decision You’ll Make

You will be on your feet for hours, walking miles between parade routes and navigating crowded streets.

• Comfort is King: Choose well-worn sneakers, comfortable boots, or supportive flats. This is not the time for new shoes, heels, or flimsy flip-flops.
• Closed-Toed Shoes are a Must: The streets can be messy. Closed-toed shoes will protect your feet from spills and getting stepped on.
• Waterproof Options: If rain is in the forecast, waterproof boots are a lifesaver.

Festive Flair for the French Quarter

Once you have your practical base, it’s time for the fun part: accessorizing! This is where you can truly let your personality shine.

• Sequins and Glitter: Anything that sparkles is welcome. Think sequined tops, jackets, skirts, or even just a glittery belt. Face and body glitter is also extremely popular.
• Tutus and Tights: A colorful tutu over a pair of leggings is a fun, easy way to add volume and festivity. Patterned tights or fishnets in purple, green, or gold are another great touch.
• Boas: Feather boas are a Mardi Gras staple. They add texture and movement to your outfit but be warned—they tend to shed!

Women’s Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas

From casual parade-goer to a French Quarter fashionista, here are some complete looks to inspire you.

The Casual and Cute Parade-Goer

This look is all about being comfortable enough to last from the first float to the last.

• Top: A Mardi Gras-themed graphic tee or a simple purple long-sleeve shirt.
• Bottoms: Comfortable dark-wash jeans or black leggings.
• Outerwear: A lightweight green or gold hoodie.
• Shoes: Your favorite pair of worn-in sneakers.
• Accessories: Plenty of beads, a fun headband, and sunglasses.

The Sequined Street-Style Star

For those who want to make a statement while navigating the crowds.

• Top: A black bodysuit or simple tank top.
• Bottoms: High-waisted gold sequin leggings or a purple sequin skirt.
• Outerwear: A distressed denim jacket to balance the sparkle.
• Shoes: Black combat boots or stylish platform sneakers.
• Accessories: A feather boa, dramatic face gems, and a crossbody bag.

The Fun and Flirty Look

Embrace the playful spirit of Carnival with this energetic outfit.

• Dress/Skirt: A purple, green, and gold striped tutu over solid-colored leggings.
• Top: A fitted black or white top to let the tutu be the star.
• Shoes: Colorful sneakers or comfortable ankle boots.
• Accessories: Knee-high striped socks, a jester hat, and lots of colorful beaded necklaces.

Men’s Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas

Men can have just as much fun with their Mardi Gras attire. It’s all about embracing color and festive patterns.

The Classic Carnival Fan

A comfortable and straightforward look that’s still perfectly on-theme.

• Top: A rugby shirt with purple, green, and gold stripes.
• Bottoms: A classic pair of khaki pants or dark jeans.
• Outerwear: A simple navy or black zip-up jacket.
• Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or casual boots.
• Accessories: A Mardi Gras-themed baseball cap and a collection of your favorite beads.

The Bold and Bright Celebrant

For the guy who isn’t afraid of a little flair.

• Top: A wild-patterned button-down shirt featuring fleur-de-lis, crawfish, or jester prints.
• Bottoms: A pair of solid-colored pants in purple or green to anchor the bold top.
• Shoes: A pair of fun, colorful sneakers.
• Accessories: A gold sequin bowtie, novelty sunglasses, and a fun hat.

The Ultimate Comfort King

This look prioritizes function without sacrificing the fun.

• Outfit: A festive jumpsuit or a pair of overalls in a bright color. They are comfortable, have plenty of pockets for your essentials, and make a statement.
• Top (Underneath): A simple t-shirt in a contrasting Mardi Gras color.
• Shoes: Durable, comfortable boots.
• Accessories: A bucket hat and the biggest, most obnoxious beads you can find.

Don’t Forget the Accessories!

Accessories are what elevate a simple outfit into a true Mardi Gras costume.

• Beads, Beads, and More Beads: You will catch plenty, but it’s always fun to start the day with a few of your own. Layer different sizes and colors.
• Masks: A mysterious and traditional part of Mardi Gras. From simple domino masks to elaborate feathered creations, a mask adds instant intrigue. It’s especially important for anyone attending a formal ball.
• Hats: Keep the sun off your face and add to your look. Jester hats, sequined fedoras, and colorful wigs are all popular choices.
• Face Paint and Glitter: A few swipes of purple, green, and gold face paint or some biodegradable body glitter can complete your look with minimal effort.

What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Ball

If you’re lucky enough to score an invitation to a formal Mardi Gras ball, the dress code is much stricter.

• For Men: A tuxedo is almost always required. Some of the most traditional balls may even specify white tie and tails. Check the invitation carefully.
• For Women: A floor-length evening gown is a must. You can wear any color, but many women choose to incorporate purple, green, or gold into their formalwear. Think elegant and glamorous. A mask is often required to be worn until the “grand march” or a specific time.

Putting It All Together: Final Tips

1. Check the Weather: Look at the forecast right before you pack and the morning you get dressed. New Orleans weather is fickle.
2. Pack a Parade Bag: A small backpack or crossbody bag is essential. Pack your phone, portable charger, wallet, hand sanitizer, a water bottle, snacks, and a poncho.
3. Think in Layers: You’ll be grateful you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes from day to night.
4. Embrace the Spirit: The most important part of any Mardi Gras outfit is your attitude. Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to look a little silly or over-the-top. In New Orleans during Carnival, there’s no such thing as “too much.”

Conclusion: Dress the Part and Let the Good Times Roll

Planning your Mardi Gras outfits is a huge part of the fun and anticipation leading up to the main event. By focusing on the iconic colors, prioritizing comfort for the long parade days, and letting your creativity fly with accessories, you’ll be perfectly prepared. Whether you’re covered in sequins and feathers or rocking a simple themed t-shirt, what matters most is that you’re comfortable and ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the Crescent City.

So start planning, get creative, and prepare to dress for one of the greatest parties on Earth.

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