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If you’re thinking of attending Mardi Gras, then you’re not alone — more than one million people visit New Orleans for the Mardi Gras celebrations. It’s the biggest festival in the country, and it’s easy to see why: this is an all-out extravaganza of fun and revelry that is a true spectacle to behold. It’s an experience that everyone must have at least once in their lives.
Attending Mardi Gras is about more than just witnessing the party. As an attendee, you’ll be part of the event, actively contributing towards making it special. So what do you need to do to make it special? At the bare minimum, you need to dress appropriately. Mardi Gras outfits can be extremely extravagant, and while you don’t have to go quite that far (though feel free!), it is important to wear the right clothing to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb. Plus, it’ll just help to get you in the spirit.
If you need a little help deciding what to pack for your Mardi Gras adventure, then this is the page for you. We’ll run you through everything you need to know about putting together a Mardi Gras outfit that you love.
Mardi Gras: All About Fun
Mardi Gras is a huge celebration that’s all about fun, so as long as your outfit falls into that category then you’ll be onto a winner. Anything goes at Mardi Gras — in fact, if you were looking for a rule as to what to wear to Mardi Gras, then here it is: there are no rules!
But this freedom comes with its own set of guidelines. When you’re free to wear whatever you want, your everyday clothing will not cut the mustard. You’ll see some wildly extravagant costumes at Mardi Gras, ones that are full of color and style that you wouldn’t usually see when you walk down the street. So have some fun with your outfit; this is one of the few occasions where you can wear anything you like. Make the most of it!
Not that you necessarily need to invest in a colorful headdress to fit in with the crowd. So long as it’s full of color, you’ll be fine.
Cute Boutique Tops for Women
You might want to wear an over-the-top Mardi Gras dress to the festival, but unless you live in New Orleans, you’ll need to think about how you’ll transport the outfit. The majority of those fabulous getups can’t simply be folded away with the rest of your luggage in your suitcase.
The solution? Buy a top that’s fun, stylish, colorful, and, most importantly, that you can take with you on a plane or a long car journey. At Hometown Heritage, we’re pleased to offer a great selection of cute boutique tops for women that come in a wide variety of colors, including the classic Mardi Gras colors.
Armed with a cute, Mardi Gras-ready top, you’ll be well on the road towards having a great outfit. And the best part? This top won’t just be for Mardi Gras; you can wear it again and again and again once the festival is over and you're back home.
All About Accessories
We think jewelry should be worn on any and all days but at Mardi Gras? It’s a necessity. Accessories can help to add an extra layer of fun and sparkle to your outfit. And unlike other scenarios, where you may prefer to use your jewelry sparingly to create an understated look, at Mardi Gras you can let all the limitations go.
Want to wear five necklaces, two pairs of earrings, and enough bracelets to fill your entire forearm? Trust us when we say that you won’t look out of place at Mardi Gras! In fact, even this look will be a little understated by the festival’s standards.
Keep in mind that Mardi Gras can get a little wild — it’s a party, after all — so it’s best to leave your family heirloom jewelry at home. Instead, look at picking up some affordable and colorful earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. You’ll hope that they make it home with you, but it won’t be the end of the world if they don’t — the main thing will be looking the part at the party.
Dress From the Ground Up
The top you wear will be the star of the show. But remember: your bottom half style selections will be the supporting cast, so it’s important to give this part of your outfit some attention too. They do say that you should dress from the ground up, after all! It’s recommended to wear boutique jeans and stylish (but comfortable) shoes to Mardi Gras. Those selections will help you to look the part and stay warm (it can get chilly at Mardi Gras!).
Bring Style, But Also Comfort
You’re very much encouraged to go the extra mile when you’re putting together your Mardi Gras outfit. But keep in mind that while the festival may at times mirror the most colorful catwalk you’ll ever see, it is still a party!
So it’s important to find the right balance between style and comfort. Mardi Gras is fun, but it’s also a test of endurance — you’ll be moving around a lot and will be up for more hours than usual. You’ll need your outfit to be conducive to comfort. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
If you take our outfit tips — nice jeans, a colorful top, and jewelry — you’ll have the right mix of style and comfort.
Mardis Gras Outfit Tips
Need some hard-and-fast Mardi Gras outfit tips? We’ve got your back. Follow these tried-and-tested tips to ensure you pack the right outfit(s).
When in Doubt, Stick to Mardis Gras Colors
It’s easy to get a little overwhelmed when thinking about what to wear to Mardi Gras, especially if you look at photos from previous festivals and see all the wild and over-the-top outfits that some people wear.
Keep in mind that you really don’t need to dress up anywhere near as much as those brave souls! Most people don’t. However, at the very least you should wear purple, green, or gold (or a mixture of all). They’re the Mardi Gras colors and will ensure that you blend in seamlessly.
Look Up Any Dress Codes
First thing first: what you’ve heard about there being no dress code at the Mardi Gras festival is mostly true. In public spaces, you can absolutely wear anything you want. The whole point is to feel comfortable and to express yourself, so go with whatever you see fit.
However, there often is a dress code for ticketed events. If you’re not planning to go to any of those (you can have a brilliant time sticking to just the public parties), then you can forget this tip. But if you are planning to go, then read up on the dress code before you travel so you know what to pack. You can also pick up whatever you need in New Orleans if it’s a specialist item (for example, a mask).
Check the Weather
If you live in the North, then you might be tempted to think that Mardi Gras will be sunny and warm because, well, it takes place in the South! But that’s not true. The festival takes place in February, which is the tail-end of winter in New Orleans. If spring is dragging its feet, then that could spell slightly cooler weather and even some rain.
Mardi Gras is an absolute blast regardless of the weather’s up to, but it’s important to be prepared. Monitor the forecast and consider packing some layers and waterproof clothing if it calls for it.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
You’ll do a lot of walking during Mardi Gras since it’s the only way to get around — the streets are full of people so taking a taxi or public transport just isn’t an option.
While the focus for your clothes should be ‘bright, colorful, and fun’ when it comes to your footwear it’s best to focus solely on comfort. No one will see what you’re wearing on your feet anyway, it’s the rest of your outfit that’ll do all the work. It’s best to wear footwear that you don’t mind getting dirty — Mardi Gras gets a little rowdy!
Top Off Your Outfit With a Great Attitude
Finally, remember to top off your outfit with a great attitude. That’ll make your outfit sparkle even more and ensure that you have an amazing time from beginning to end. Mardi Gras really is unlike anything else on this planet; soak up every minute!
Shop Hometown Heritage Today
If you’re just getting started with your Mardi Gras outfit, then be sure to check out the excellent items we have on offer here at Hometown Heritage. We have everything you need to put together a carnival outfit that adds to the sense of occasion and which very much looks the part. Our products are affordable and made to last, and we even throw in free shipping for your convenience, too.