What to Wear to Mardi Gras

To most New Orleanians, Mardi Gras is a birthright. We grow up with it and it is ingrained in our DNA, it’s in our blood, and we embrace it year after year. It’s not something that gets old, per se, and we take our carnival season seriously. But we also have the most fun you can possibly have because it’s really the most amazing free show on planet earth. Once you see it in the eyes of a local, you want to continue coming back year after year. There are ways of doing Mardi Gras and carnival season, and there are better ways of doing it. I’m going to give you the local’s perspective on all of it so you feel right at home during this great show.

Knowing what to wear if you’re not from here and haven’t been attending Mardi Gras festivities can be difficult to navigate, which is why I wanted to write this. Even as a local I have to dig around my ever growing costume closet (yes, we all have a costume closet as locals) to see what I have and what I can put together. Each year I acquire more purple, green, and gold, more sequins, more glitter (kidding, I hate glitter). No matter what I do, I make sure I always feel and look festive in some capacity. The good news is that the range is wide. And you can wear as much or little flair as you want. Come as you are, and make sure you pack your most fun self most importantly. We know how to celebrate here, and we expect full participation.

One of the wackiest parts of the carnival season is the weather. Because Mardi Gras day fluctuates due to the liturgical calendar, it’s anywhere from early February to latest March 9th, depending on Easter. That means the weather could be warm, cold, rainy, or sunny. We cannot predict it and it’s best to come prepared for anything. The “winter” weather in New Orleans also fluctuates from day to day, never really giving us a moment to get used to one thing. So, expect the unexpected, and layer up. That’s going to be the best advice I can give regarding the weather in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season.

Mardi Gras Colors!

Mardi Gras itself is a day, but we refer to Mardi Gras as both the day and entire season. We interchange it with “carnival” so if you hear either one, it’s the same thing. Since there are many events and parades, both day and night, you can plan accordingly. Me, i’m the type to choose either a day set of parades or a night set of parades and dress according to the weather during that time. Some days are warm and the evenings get chilly. And sometimes it’s chilly all day and night or warm all day and night. This is not helping, I know! But stick with me and we’ll get you some outfit ideas that will suit you for any type of weather and event we have.

Layers

Some layers that I’ll throw out there for you are leggings, undershirts, tights, jeans, and hats. You can do base layers as any color. But on the outside, make sure you’re sparkly, glittery, or shiny with purple, green, and gold.

Mardi Gras Colors (Purple, Green, and Gold)

You cannot go wrong with the colors of purple, green, and gold. There are particular shades of these colors that are “Mardi Gras colors.” So check them out online before showing up in your violet purple sweater. You won’t fit in, though I have worn the shade out of desperation once or twice. You cannot have enough mixing and matching. So don’t hold back. We embrace tacky, loud, and enthusiastic.

Outerwear for Mardi Gras

I’ve realized that if I have a couple of options of outerwear with me, I am much happier. Sometimes it’s a jean jacket, sometimes a puffer jacket, sometimes a rain jacket. My goal is to try to be neutral if I’m not wearing the “right” colors of purple, green, and gold, so black or denim will always work. Since the parades and festivities are outside, you’ll want to be comfortable. Being comfortable over cute always wins, so keep that in mind.

Best Shoes to Wear to Mardi Gras

Since I’m a native and someone who attends many Mardi Gras year after year, I have purchased multiple pairs of shoes that I wouldn’t wear anywhere but in New Orleans. One pair is a limited edition Mardi Gras shoe, another are gold tennis shoes, and another are glitter tennis shoes. They’re an easy way to flair up my outfit. And they’re all comfortable enough to walk in. And yes, make sure you wear very comfortable walking shoes or you will regret your life. Sometimes you have to walk longer distances to your parade-watching spot or to a bathroom. Do not wear open toed shoes under any circumstances, and no sandals whatsoever. Boots or tennis shoes, if you ask me.

Glittery Matt

Accessories are the name of the game for the Mardi Gras season. They’ll get you through it feeling like you’re winning, and since Mardi Gras is a marathon and not a sprint, I want you to feel like a winner. Novices sometimes go too hard, only to crash and burn. I don’t want that for you, so we’ll stick to the reasonable pace. Here are a few accessories that will help you be more comfortable during your carnival season.

Crossbody Bag

For all of your needs (which really shouldn’t be a lot) please get a crossbody bag that you can sling across you and is safe against you. Mardi Gras has all kinds of thieves, as many large gatherings do in major cities and events, so put your keys, IDs, and cards in a little sack close to your body.

Portable Charger

If you’re out most or all of the day, it’s a good - actually, great - idea to take along a portable charger for your phone. You’ll surely be taking photos, videos, and getting random guys’ numbers. Ha - the good old days, ladies! Make sure you’re all charged up so you’re not left using my phone to call your Uber back to your hotel.

Sun Blocking Items

What I’m talking about is sunscreen and sunglasses. You’ll need both. Even if the weather looks gloomy, it can be glary and squinting only causes wrinkles. So lather on that sunscreen and pop those cute shades on your face. The shades can double as protection from getting a bead smashed in your face.

Head Piece

Maybe you like beanies, maybe trucker hats, or maybe headbands. I like all of the above, so depending on the day and how I feel and what I’m wearing, I’m accessorizing with a head piece. Some of the parade krewes even throw these so be on the lookout. This category also includes wigs. Go nuts with a wig - we love them and embrace whatever wild color you decide to don.

Minimal Makeup

Unless you’re glittering your entire face like my friend Matt did, you’ll want to not wear too much makeup. It’s unnecessary and as the day goes on it will melt off of your face. Margi Gras is about fun, not glamour. I take that back. It’s about Mardi Gras glamour, and that’s different than trying to look real cute. You’ll just look ridiculous to us locals.

Bag/Sack for Your Throws

At the parades, you will get bombarded with throws. This can include beads, hats, light up objects, hair clips, glittered shoes, tambourines, and any other things the krewes decide to throw at you. You’ll want a sack to put them in so you don’t have to use your two arms only. This is a very important item that rookies often don’t realize, so this is your gift from a seasoned vet. Take a bag or sack for your throws.

Folding Chair

When you arrive at your spot to watch the parades, don't be surprised by all the Chads who came before and set up, acting as if they own the public area. My advice is not to get into an altercation like I'm willing to do, and just find a spot where you can set up your folding chair peacefully. When the parades start, you can worm your way to the front by the floats like the rest of us do and catch your throws. Part of the Mardi Gras fun!

My friends, especially my friends who like to look cute at the expense of reason. Please, I beg of you, do not wear the following to any Mardi Gras event unless you are going to one of the Mardi Gras balls. If you get invited to one of those, we can discuss a completely different criteria and list of what to wear. For the rest of us who are “slumming” it on the streets, here is what we will avoid completely:

• High heels (seems obvious)
• Open-toe shoes
• Large purses or bags
• Expensive jewelry
• Materials that don’t do well in the rain or moisture
• All white
• Loads of perfume (we’re outside but typically in close quarters)
• Clothes with no pockets
• Umbrellas - no eyes will be lost on my watch

Mardi Gras Dress from Alice and Amelia

It’s important to have your wits about you at all times. Yes, you can relax as you settle into the comfort of your spot on the route, meet your neighbors, share some king cake and fried chicken, and get asked 1000 questions by locals. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and your belongings, though, at all times. If you’re not watching them, make sure someone you trust is.

• Zip up your bag, and make sure your bag is a zipper bag for more difficulty for thieves to get into it.
• Do not put your phone in vulnerable places. This is an item that repeatedly gets stolen Mardi Gras after Mardi Gras.
• Maybe leave the mask that you can hardly see out of at home. Make sure any accessories are ones that don’t obscure your vision
• Be sure that whatever you wear, you will be comfortable in that apparel for about 4-8 hours, depending on how long you choose to stay on the route.

Mardi Gras as Locals!

Now that I’ve given you a pretty good idea of what to wear to Mardi Gras and how to dress, are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year in New Orleans? We are ready to welcome you with open arms, donning our purple, green, and gold clothing and accessories, and king cake stuffed in our mouths. For us locals, this is one of our favorite times of the year, and we love sharing it with people from other places. Make yourself at home, be respectful, and enjoy the greatest free show on earth. Mardi Gras!

If you liked this blog, you may also like the one I wrote about how to experience Mardi Gras like a local and what to wear in New Orleans.

When you're ready to book your stay, here are my recommendations for where to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

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