What To Wear to Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras has a long and complex history and continues to be a special event for New Orleans, Louisiana locals and tourists alike. While it’s known for sometimes being a little wild and crazy, Mardi Gras is rooted in traditions important to the city. It is a chance for individuals to show off their creativity and art in a joyful, community-driven week of events and activities.
One of the best ways to celebrate that self-expression is through your Mardi Gras outfit. There are so many different ways to create a unique Mardi Gras costume that is both comfortable and glam while still paying homage to NOLA history and the best traditions of the Mardi Gras celebration.
PixieLane can help you get started. In our growing collection, you’ll find the best of Mardi Gras outfit pieces and Mardi Gras accessories. It’s easy to begin designing an outfit you truly love, featuring sequins, wigs, feather boas, and more delightful touches.
Start planning your Fat Tuesday celebration with PixieLane today:
What Is Mardi Gras?
While New Orleans is iconic for its Mardi Gras festivities, Mardi Gras is celebrated worldwide in many different ways. The name stands for “Fat Tuesday” in French, a language with deep historical roots in New Orleans. Mardi Gras taps into the Carnival season celebrated around the world as part of Christian tradition.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is said to last from Twelfth Night, the last day of Christmas, to Ash Wednesday. In other cities, Mardi Gras may even last longer, but it is most commonly celebrated for the three days before Ash Wednesday.
Mardi Gra (or Fat Tuesday) got its name due to Lent, which marks the end of the Mardi Gras celebration. In preparation for Lent, partiers partake in rich and fatty foods and other indulgences like dancing and consuming alcohol throughout the city.
So what makes for the perfect Mardi Gras?
In different cities, you’ll find different methods of celebration and festivities. Follow the Mardi Gras parade through the heart of the French Quarter and past the famous Bourbon Street, where most of the partygoers can be found.
You may also attend a Mardi Gras ball, Mardi Gras party, or masquerade. There are many ways to make this holiday truly special for you and your loved ones.
The Best Outfits for Mardi Gras 2022
Because the holiday is all about festivities and indulgences before Lent, Mardi Gras is known for its expressive outfits—and the possibilities are endless. The perfect Mardi Gras outfit is both creative and comfortable, so you can continue the fun all day and night long.
These picks and options are perfect for your next Mardi Gras:
Colorful Leggings for Women and Girls
Leggings are comfortable and easy to move in, which means you can dance and walk to your heart’s content. You can find them in different colors, including the iconic purple, green, and yellow colors associated with Mardi Gras. Leggings will keep you warm and comfortable while still allowing you to embrace all the best parts of the party with your favorite New Orleanians.
Pair your colorful leggings with an equally colorful top, or mix and match them with neutrals for a cute balance.
Stylish Jumpsuits for All Seasons
Jumpsuits are an exciting take on dresses, and they’ll help to keep you comfortable all along the parade route. A jumpsuit has the top and bottom pieces connected, so you don’t need to worry about creating the right outfit or packing too many pieces. They’ll also help to prevent chafing, and are often available with pockets, so you don’t need to carry a purse.
Pick out a jumpsuit in a festive color — or look for a totally unique jumpsuit with rhinestones or sequins. No matter how you style your jumpsuit, the look is sure to stand out.
Ruffle Tops for Spring and Summer
New Orleans gets hot, even early in the year. The right outfit for this holiday will ensure you stay cool and comfortable even surrounded by crowds. Ruffle tops can be cute and elegant while still allowing for breathability and comfort.
You can find ruffle tops in pastels, jewel tones, bright colors, and even neutrals. Match them with denim shorts, floral skirts, or loose jeans for your next Mardi Gras party with friends.
Cross-Body Bags for Traveling in Style
With all the celebrations and festivities, you won’t want to have to worry about your credit cards and phones. That’s where a chic cross-body bag can really come in handy. You’ll be able to hold onto the essentials, like phone chargers, ponchos, and sunscreen, without worrying about your purse.
Cross-body bags are versatile and available in many different sizes and colors. Find one that can carry what you need for your next party or parade watch and that matches your Mardi Gras outfit. With the absolutely perfect bag, you’ll be able to focus on getting into the spirit of the season without worrying about your essentials.
Smocked Shirts for Fun-Loving Ladies
T-shirts and tank tops are a good option for hot Mardi Gras days, and smocked shirts take your look to the next level. They’re made of loose materials and ripple down for a flattering and comfortable look.
Oftentimes, smocked shirts have puffy sleeves or shoulder caps to add a little something special to your final outfit, and they’re made with soft and breathable materials that are perfect for hot summer days.
Smocked shirts look fantastic over more neutral bottoms, like skinny jeans or denim shorts. Add in your favorite hair accessories or jewelry to complete the look.
Colorful Accessories for Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is really about letting go and having a great time. That’s why you’ll want to find Mardi Gras accessories for your parade day outfits. The holiday is known for its beads, but you can pair your celebration look with a feather boa, light-up hat or necklace, and big earrings — this is not a time for subtlety.
When picking out the best accessories for Mardi Gras, you want to make sure they’re comfortable and not too big. Since you likely won’t be returning to the hotel or apartment throughout the day, you won’t be able to drop off large accessories.
If you don’t plan on carrying your accessories, opt for something smaller. You can find plenty of relaxed and fashion-forward pieces that won’t get in the way of you having a great time.
Carnival Season
Mardi Gras is an opportunity to make magical memories. It’s tied into a long history of traditions and beliefs, especially in the city of New Orleans, and it’s a chance to come together with the community to have a wonderful experience.
The trip can be a little hot and overwhelming at times, which is why you’ll want to come prepared. Pick out the right outfits and styles for your Mardi Gras celebration, like ruffle tops, colorful leggings, and Mardi Gras accessories.
You’ll find all those and a whole lot more right here at PixieLane. Explore our growing collection of clothes and accessories for the whole family and begin planning your Fat Tuesday celebration trip today.
Sources:
French Quarter | Vieux Carre | New Orleans
