15 Fabulous Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas to Let the Good Times Roll!
Hey there, fellow party people! Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and you know what that means β itβs time to start planning those killer outfits thatβll make you stand out in a sea of revelers. As someone whoβs been to more Mardi Gras celebrations than I can count (and has the bead collection to prove it), Iβm here to share some of my favorite outfit ideas thatβll have you looking like the belle of the ball (or should I say, the queen of the parade?).
Whether youβre hitting up the French Quarter in New Orleans or celebrating closer to home, these 15 Mardi Gras outfit ideas will help you channel that festive spirit and look absolutely fabulous while doing it. So grab your masks, dust off your dancing shoes, and letβs dive into some serious Carnival fashion!
1. The Classic Purple, Green, and Gold
Letβs kick things off with a timeless favorite, shall we? You can never go wrong with the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. I love putting together an outfit that incorporates all three of these hues β itβs like wearing a party!
Try pairing a shimmery gold top with a flowy purple skirt and green accessories. Or go for a color-blocked dress that features all three shades. Donβt be afraid to mix and match textures, either. A velvet purple blazer over a sequined green dress? Yes, please! The key here is to have fun with it and embrace the vibrant color combo.
Pro tip: If youβre worried about looking like a walking Mardi Gras flag, choose one color as your base and use the other two as accents. A sleek gold jumpsuit with purple and green jewelry can look super chic while still keeping with the theme.
2. Feathers, Feathers, and More Feathers
If thereβs one time of year when you can go absolutely wild with feathers, itβs Mardi Gras. Iβm talking feather boas, feathered headpieces, feathered skirts β heck, why not a full-on feathered dress if youβre feeling extra?
One of my favorite looks is a simple, form-fitting dress (in a Mardi Gras color, of course) paired with an over-the-top feathered jacket or cape. Itβs glamorous, itβs festive, and itβs guaranteed to make you feel like a fabulous bird of paradise.
Just remember, if youβre going heavy on the feathers, you might want to keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple. Trust me, you donβt want to be leaving a trail of plumage behind you all night!
3. Sequins for Days
If feathers arenβt your thing, how about going full-on disco ball with sequins? A sequined dress or jumpsuit is perfect for catching the light (and everyoneβs attention) as you dance the night away.
I once wore a floor-length sequined gown to a Mardi Gras ball, and let me tell you, I felt like a walking, talking glitter bomb β in the best way possible. If a full sequin outfit feels like too much, try incorporating sequined elements into your look. A sequined top with jeans and heels can be a great balance of festive and comfortable.
Donβt forget, sequins come in all colors, so you can still stick to the traditional purple, green, and gold if you want to. Or go rogue with silver or multicolored sequins for an extra punch of pizzazz.
4. Masquerade Elegance
Want to channel some old-school Venetian carnival vibes? Go for a sophisticated masquerade look. Start with a elegant, floor-length gown β think rich fabrics like velvet or silk in deep jewel tones. Then, the piΓ¨ce de rΓ©sistance: an ornate, handcrafted mask.
Iβm a sucker for those intricate masks with feathers, beads, and maybe even a bit of lace. Pair it with some long gloves and some statement jewelry, and youβll look like you just stepped out of a Renaissance painting (but, you know, one thatβs ready to party).
This look is perfect if youβre attending a more formal Mardi Gras event, but you can totally rock it at a street party too. Just be prepared for everyone to ask where you got your amazing mask!
5. Jester Chic
Why not take some inspiration from the traditional court jester for your Mardi Gras outfit? Iβm not saying you need to go full harlequin (unless you want to, in which case, more power to you!), but incorporating some jester-inspired elements can be super fun and festive.
Try a color-blocked outfit with diamond patterns, or a dress with a asymmetrical hemline that mimics a jesterβs costume. Add a cute little jester hat or some pointy-toed shoes to really drive the theme home.
I once saw a girl at Mardi Gras wearing a black and white harlequin-print jumpsuit with a purple and gold metallic jacket over it, and let me tell you, she looked amazing. It was like high-fashion meets Mardi Gras, and I was totally here for it.
6. Bedazzled Denim
Who says you canβt be comfortable and fabulous at the same time? One of my go-to Mardi Gras outfits is a pair of jeans that Iβve bedazzled within an inch of their life. Iβm talking rhinestones, sequins, beads β if it sparkles, itβs going on those jeans.
Pair your blinged-out denim with a simple top (maybe in a complementary Mardi Gras color) and some comfy shoes, and youβre good to go. This outfit is perfect for long days of parade-watching and bead-catching.
The best part? You can DIY this look pretty easily. Just grab some fabric glue and your embellishments of choice, and go to town on an old pair of jeans. Itβs a fun pre-Mardi Gras craft project, and you end up with a unique, festive outfit!
7. Carnival Costume
If you really want to go all out, why not put together a full-on carnival costume? Iβm talking feathered headdresses, bejeweled bodysuits, the works. This is your chance to channel your inner samba dancer or create a fantastical creature of your own imagination.
One year, I went as a βMardi Gras Peacockβ β I had a turquoise and purple bodysuit, a massive feathered tail, and a headdress that probably added a good foot to my height. Was it over the top? Absolutely. Did I have the time of my life? You bet I did.
Just keep in mind that if youβre going this route, comfort might have to take a backseat to fabulousness. Make sure you can at least walk and dance in your costume, and maybe pack a change of clothes if you think youβll want to tone it down later in the night.
8. Flapper Fabulous
The 1920s were all about excess and celebration, which makes flapper style a perfect fit for Mardi Gras. Plus, those fringed dresses are made for shimmying on the dance floor!
Look for a dress with lots of movement β think fringe, beads, or sequins. Pair it with a feathered headband, long strands of pearls, and maybe even a cigarette holder if you want to go full Gatsby. Donβt forget to practice your Charleston!
I love this look because itβs glamorous but still allows for plenty of movement. And letβs be real, thereβs something so satisfying about the way a fringed dress swishes when you dance.
9. Mardi Gras Mermaid
Who says mermaids canβt join in on the Mardi Gras fun? Create a magical underwater-inspired look with a sequined or metallic skirt that mimics a mermaid tail. Pair it with a shell bra or a crop top, and add some pearlescent makeup and maybe even some temporary blue or green hair dye to complete the aquatic vibe.
I once saw a group of friends who all did variations on this theme β they had mermaid skirts in different colors, and theyβd added strings of pearls and seashells to their outfits. They looked like theyβd just emerged from the bayou, ready to party!
This look is especially fun if youβre celebrating Mardi Gras somewhere warm. Just be prepared for people to ask you to sing βUnder the Seaβ all night long.
10. Royal Regalia
Channel your inner Mardi Gras royalty with a regal-inspired outfit. Start with a base of purple (the color of royalty, after all) and add gold accents. A crown or tiara is a must β the bigger and more blinged-out, the better.
Iβm a big fan of combining modern and traditional elements for this look. Like, pair a purple velvet blazer with gold sequined shorts, or a flowing maxi skirt with a structured, brocade top. Add some elbow-length gloves and a scepter (which doubles as a great dance prop), and youβre ready to rule the parade.
Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. As Mardi Gras royalty, itβs your duty to party harder than anyone else!
11. Circus Ringmaster
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and behold the greatest Mardi Gras outfit of them all! Okay, maybe Iβm exaggerating a bit, but a circus ringmaster-inspired look can be a real showstopper at Carnival.
Start with a red tailcoat (or a cropped red jacket if you canβt find a tailcoat), pair it with black shorts or a black skirt, and add some fishnet stockings. Top it off with a top hat β bonus points if you can find one in gold or covered in sequins.
I love this look because itβs bold, itβs theatrical, and it gives you an excuse to carry around a megaphone and announce the βattractionsβ at whatever party youβre at. Just try not to take your role too seriously β remember, at Mardi Gras, everyoneβs the main event!
12. Bedazzled Bodysuit
For those of you who like to go bold (and arenβt afraid to show a little skin), consider a bedazzled bodysuit as your Mardi Gras outfit base. You can find these in all sorts of colors and patterns, often already decked out in sequins or rhinestones.
Iβm a fan of layering over a bodysuit to create different looks throughout the night. Start with a sheer, sparkly bodysuit, then add a tutu skirt and a feather boa for peak Mardi Gras vibes. Later, swap the skirt for some high-waisted shorts if you want to hit the dance floor.
Just a word of warning from someone whoβs been there: make sure you choose a bodysuit thatβs comfortable and secure. The last thing you want is to be constantly adjusting your outfit when you should be catching beads and having fun!
13. Krewe-Inspired
If youβre familiar with Mardi Gras traditions, youβll know all about the various krewes that put on parades and balls. Why not take inspiration from your favorite krewe for your outfit?
For example, if you love the Krewe of Muses, known for their fabulous shoe throws, why not decorate a dress or top with miniature high heels? Or if youβre a fan of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, incorporate their signature coconuts into your look somehow.
This is a great option if you want a more subtle nod to Mardi Gras traditions rather than going all-out with the typical purple, green, and gold. Plus, itβs a great conversation starter with fellow Mardi Gras enthusiasts!
14. Jazz Age Jive
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, so why not pay homage to this musical legacy with your Mardi Gras outfit? Think 1920s and 30s-inspired pieces, but with a modern, Carnival twist.
Iβm talking drop-waist dresses, T-strap shoes, and long strings of pearls, but in bright Mardi Gras colors instead of the typical black and white. Or how about a zoot suit-inspired look with wide-leg pants and a fitted jacket, but in shimmery purple or green fabric?
Add a feathered hairpiece or a cloche hat decorated with Mardi Gras beads, and youβll be ready to dance the Charleston all the way down Bourbon Street.
15. Anything Goes!
Last but certainly not least, remember that when it comes to Mardi Gras, anything goes! This is the time to let your creativity run wild and wear whatever makes you feel fabulous.
Iβve seen people in full-body animal costumes, others dressed as their favorite foods, and once I even saw someone dressed as a giant Mardi Gras bead necklace. The skyβs the limit!
My advice? Start with something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, then add layers of Mardi Gras flair until you feel sufficiently festive. Whether that means a simple mask and some beads, or a head-to-toe handmade costume, the most important thing is that you feel great and are ready to laissez les bon temps rouler!
There you have it, folks β 15 fabulous Mardi Gras outfit ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Remember, the best Mardi Gras outfit is one that makes you feel confident, comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be while covered in sequins and feathers), and ready to party.
Whether you choose to go traditional with purple, green, and gold, or decide to think outside the box with a totally unique costume, the most important accessory is your attitude. Bring your sense of fun, your dance moves, and your willingness to embrace the Mardi Gras spirit, and youβre guaranteed to have a blast.
So go forth, get creative, and let the good times roll! And if you see me out there in my peacock costume or bedazzled jeans, come say hi β Iβll save a string of beads just for you. Happy Mardi Gras, yβall!
