Mardi Gras is a much looked-forward-to event every year for New Orleans and other areas. It's celebrated the day before Lent, a Roman Catholic tradition that often involves intermittent fasting, and giving up things.
In contrast, Mardis Gras is a time for revelry and indulgence, including feasting, dancing, and celebrating. It is a time to show up in bright, bold clothing, intricate costumes, and head-turning looks.
When it comes to a Mardi Gras look, more is better. It is a chance to come up with a bold, fun look that utilizes bright colors, and playful accessories, and lets you flex your creative muscles. The one rule about Mardi Gras is that there are no rules! Have fun creating a showstopping look!
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Purple, Green, and Gold
Purple, green, and gold are the official colors of Mardis Gras since 1872. Purple symbolizes justice, green is for faith, and gold shows power. Even if you don’t create an elaborate costume, showing up in pieces that are these colors is an easy way to be on theme for a Mardi Gras party.
Check out these purple outfit ideas.
Mardi Gras Costumes
Many people whether they are sitting on a float, or walking in the parade opt for a one-of-a-kind, custom costume. Costumes range from a variety of personas, with common ones including flapper girls, royalty, and jesters.
Many people choose a costume that is relevant to current events or pop culture of that year. Regardless of what you choose, make sure your costume is big and bold, and make sure to not stinge on the feathers, glitter, and glam.
Get inspired with these costume ideas.
Feathers
Feathers can be found throughout a variety of Mardis Gras looks. They are a fun, easy way to add more drama and play to your outfit. Wear feathers in your hair or mask for a more subtle take, or find a feather jacket or scarf for maximum flair.
Discover other outfits to wear with feathers here.
Masquerade Mask
Masquerade masks can be seen throughout the parade and celebrations at Mardi Gras. Those riding the floats are even required to wear a mask.Common mask styles include masquerade-inspired ones that cover your whole face or just your eyes and nose.
Like with other accessories, these masks are adorned in glitter, decals, feathers, and designs worthy of royalty.
Find more masquerade masks here.
Dramatic Suit
For both women and men, a dramatic suit is a great choice for the party. Choose a suit in Mardi Gras colors, with sequins, or with a fun, bold pattern. Continue the theme with a playful undershirt, cuff links, and even a tie.
Check out these suits for women and men.
Beaded Necklaces
Make sure to wear beaded necklaces in your look. Beads are thrown out to visitors during Mardi Gras from balconies and floats. The more beads you wear, the more you are honoring the day. Choose beads in a variety of colors and wear them around your neck, wrists, and even waist.
Save these necklace brands.
Dramatic Dress
If you want to dress more formally, consider a dramatic dress. A dramatic dress can mean many things, including a plunging neckline, a stunning pattern, or a shiny material. It can also mean a dress with a lot of detail and adornments, or even a train.
Whatever you choose, as long as it turns heads, you are on theme.
Find more stunning dresses here.
Sequin Everything
Adding shine with sequin to any part of your outfit is a popular Madis Gras theme. Wear a sequin shirt, dress, or suit. Sequins add glam, drama, and boldness to any look without having to spend a lot of money or time.
Check out these sequin-covered looks.
Fringe
Fringe adds shape to your silhouette, as well as boldness to your look. That is why it is a common element in Mardi Gras outfits and costumes. Add a touch of fringe to your jacket, or with a fringe purse, or incorporate fringe throughout your entire look for a dramatic effect.
Get inspired with these fringe outfits.
Dramatic Wig
A great way to add to your look is with a wig. Just like with the rest of your look, the more dramatic the wig the better. Choose one in a bright or neoncolor and style it in a voluminous, noticeable way. Also have fun adding hair clips, feathers, and headbands to it.
Find more places to wear your wig.
Crown
A crown is another popular accessory for Mardi Gras in costumes or with everyday wear. Crowns consist of a variety of themes and materials, including traditional gold crowns, flower crowns, and feather crowns. Find one that you love, or even make one yourself.
Check out other events to wear a crown to.
Bold Shoes
Shoes can enhance your outfit as much as any other piece. For a Mardi Gras party, choose shoes that don’t get out-shown by the rest of your look. Choose a pair in bright, bold colors. Find ones with sequins, and glitter. Also, make sure they are still comfortable to walk in and stand around in at the party.
Save these shoe brands.
Tutu
A tutu embodies the bold, theatrical nature of Mardi Gras. It also adds shape and texture to your silhouette for a costume-like look. Tutus look great over a pair of leggings or tights. Pair it with a sequin top, or even a simple t-shirt.
Style your tutu with these ideas.
Leggings
Leggings are a popular choice for Mardi Gras. They are comfortable and come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you have your pick for how wild you want to go for the party. Plus, they look great under a dress or mini-skirt for added dimension.
Check out these leggings.
Express Yourself
Regardless of what look you choose, take this opportunity to show off your style and personality. Take risks you otherwise wouldn’t take and have fun playing around with different elements. Go big or go home!
Get to know your style here.
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About the Author: Shelby Bonner
Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.
