Mardi Gras is a sensory overload of color, music, and joy. If you’re planning to experience the magic of New Orleans during this iconic festival, it’s important to keep more than your personal style in mind when you’re planning what to wear. The holiday is about diving headfirst into the fun and embracing the spirit of the season!
From elaborate costumes to casual, festive looks, Mardi Gras fashion runs the gamut. Whether you’re parading through the French Quarter or catching beads from a float, your outfit is your ticket to blending in with the revelry. It’s time to talk about what to wear to stand out while fitting right in.
Mardi Gras isn’t just a free-for-all when it comes to attire — there’s actually a method to the madness. First things first: the colors.
Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold signifies power. These hues dominate the parades, decorations, and typical Mardi Gras wardrobe staples.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider festival clothing that combines comfort and flair. Boldly colored T-shirts, sequined tops, and stretchy leggings are popular choices, giving you freedom to move while staying stylish.
Layering pieces in purple, green, and gold will keep you looking festive without requiring a full costume. Accessories like hats, scarves, or funky socks in these signature shades can be the perfect finishing touch.
Mardi Gras isn’t Mardi Gras without costumes. From elaborate, feather-covered outfits to whimsical, DIY creations, costumes bring the party to life. However, at the heart of every great ensemble is a mask.
The presence of masks at Mardi Gras is steeped in tradition. Historically, masks allowed revelers to let loose, blurring social lines and bringing a sense of mystery to the festivities.
Today, they remain a key part of the celebration. Look for masks adorned with feathers, beads, or sequins to add an instant dose of glam to your look.
Costumes themselves range from jesters and kings to mythical creatures and animals. Whether you rent, buy, or make your own, the goal is creativity and fun. Mardi Gras is your chance to wear something you’d never dream of putting on any other day.
Mardi Gras is a celebration of community, and there’s no better way to share the fun than with a coordinated group costume. Whether you're attending with friends, family, or your krewe, matching or themed outfits are a surefire way to stand out.
Start by exploring the themes of this year’s parades — some might be inspired by mythology, pop culture, or even satire. From Greek gods to favorite movie characters, the options are endless. Get creative with DIY ideas like pirates, superheroes, or a rainbow of Mardi Gras colors.
If you’re not a fan of going all out, don’t worry. You can still join the party without committing to an elaborate costume.
Start with clothing in purple, green, and gold. Pair colorful shirts or simple accessories like headbands or scarves with comfortable jeans or leggings and practical shoes for walking miles of parade routes.
Finally, don’t forget the beads! These iconic necklaces are thrown from floats, but you can also bring a few to get started. The key is not to overdo it. If you’re going for a casual look, you’ll want to accessorize, not compete with the decorations.
New Orleans in February can be unpredictable, so dressing for the weather is key. Layering will be your best friend.
Wear comfortable base layers that can handle long days of walking and dancing, and bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Rain is always a possibility, so consider a lightweight poncho or waterproof jacket that doesn’t cramp your style.
Footwear deserves special mention. Leave the stilettos at home and opt for sneakers, boots, or supportive flats — preferably ones you don’t mind getting a little messy. Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint, and your feet will thank you by the end of the night.
Even in a festival as free-spirited as Mardi Gras, there are a few unwritten rules to follow. For starters, avoid cultural insensitivity in your costume choices. Mardi Gras is a celebration of creativity and fun, but it’s important to respect traditions and cultures in the process.
Another common mistake is wearing something that makes it hard for others to enjoy the festivities. Oversized hats or wings may look fabulous, but they can block views at parades.
Lastly, there’s the art of catching beads. Don’t scramble or shove to grab them — there’s more than enough to go around! A smile and a wave will usually score you all the beads you need without any hassle.
Mardi Gras is a celebration of life, creativity, and community, and your outfit should reflect that spirit. Whether you’re rocking a full-on costume, sticking to casual festival clothing, or matching with your krewe, the key is to have fun and stay comfortable.
Grab your beads, pick your colors, and step into the magic of Mardi Gras. With the right attire, you’re not just a spectator — you’re part of the celebration. Let the good times roll!
