What to wear to a Mardi Gras party, social dance, parade, dinner or session is a challenge. Due to the different traditions Mardi Gras outfits vary regionally. But don’t worry! This post briefly explains what Mardi Gras refers to, and who celebrates this holiday, and provides the historic background. While the focus is on how to dress for a Mardi Gras event in the US, dressing traditions of other countries who celebrate the day are briefly covered as well for educational purposes. Read to get inspired to create a stylish, head-turning costume to make an entrance at the event.
- What does Mardi Gras Mean?
- The Historic Background of Mardi Gras in the US
- What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Party Differs Among Regions and Traditions
- Which Colors And Fabrics Are Best for a Mardi Gras Event in the US?
- What to Wear at a Mardi Gras Party When Going with the Vibe
- Great Mardi Gras Outfits, Masks, and Costumes
- How to Accessorize a Mardi Gras Outfit?
- Mardi Gras Costume Ideas for DIY
- References
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What Does Mardi Gras Mean?
The term Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It refers to the 40-day fasting season between Ash Wednesday and Easter.
What Is the Historic Background of Mardi Gras in the US?
Historians argue whether the first Mardis Gras on American soil took place in the port city of Mobile, Alabama in 1702 or on March 3, 1699 in Point du Mardi Gras near New Orleans. In the former case, it would had been celebrated by French settlers, in the latter by French explorers Sieur de Bienvilleby and Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and their crew.
Historically, the people in French settlements celebrated the holiday with masked balls, lavish dinner and/or street parties. In 1827, students inspired by the celebration in Paris, wore colorful costumes while dancing thru the streets of New Orleans. Ten years later, the first Mardi Gras parade on record took place in New Orleans.
During the Spanish occupation, the celebrations were banned. They revived in 1812, when Louisiana became a US state.
What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Party Differs Among Regions and Traditions
Many countries with high Catholic population celebrate this Tuesday, and or the days before Ash Wednesday. Venice’s Carnevale with its masquerade balls dates back to the 13th century. Denmark’s Fastevlan means children dress up and gather candy like kids do in the US on Halloween.
In Germany, these days are called Karneval, Fastelovend, Fastnacht or Fasching depending on the region. However, costume-wise everything goes like on Halloween in the US. The celebrations include parades, Carnival sessions with fun speeches about politicians, and costume balls, but traditions differ locally. In Cologne, for instance, people burn the “Nubel” (a straw dressed doll of the size of a man) at the turn of the night of Nelkendienstag (fat Tuesday) to Ash Wednesday. They punish him for all things including cheating that people did under the influence during the week before Ash Wednesday.
In Brazil, people celebrate the carnival for a week with dancing and street parades. It is a great tourist and commercial event for the local dance studios. Costumes are tropically inspired, for US taste almost nude. Quebec, Canada, is famous for its giant Quebec Winter Carnival.
Which Colors and Fabrics Are Best for a Mardi Gras Event in the US?
When it comes to decoration and clothing, purple and green are best. You can add fuchsia, yellow/gold and/or black, if you like.
Sequins and shiny fabrics as well as tulle in these colors are good choices. Fringes and feathers in the above colors are also great. For an unforgettable statement piece, SpiritHoods offers stunning kimonos made with sequins, burnout velvet, lace, and gold foil – lightweight and flowy, they’re perfect for layering over any outfit and add just the right amount of drama and sparkle to your Mardi Gras look.
When you go to a place with many custom neon signs, white is a great choice. Because the white fabric reflects the colors of the neon lights your attire seems to be different with every turn on the dance floor.
What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Party When Going with the Vibe
When you want to go with the vibe with a sustainable costume/outfit with pieces you already own riot your closet for clothes and prints in the above mentioned colors and fabrics. Here are some Mardi Gras outfits you might be able to create.
- A peacock print dress; Pair a peacock print top or bottom with black pants/skirt or top.
- Sequin skirt/top with T-shirt/skirt and scarf in different colors of group of colors mentioned above.
- A black liquid leather piece paired with items from the Mardi Gras color palette.
- A LBD with Mardi Grass accessories.
- A cocktail dress or tea-length formal gown in one of the aforementioned colors.
- A 1920s style flapper dress.
Tip: For a final touch accessorize your sustainable Mardi Gras Outfit.
Great Mardi Gras Outfits, Masks, and Costumes
From sequined dresses and custom suits to feathered masks and layers of beads, putting together a standout Mardi Gras outfit often requires a bigger budget than expected. Between costume rentals, accessories, and last-minute additions, the total cost can quickly climb. If you’re short on funds but still want to celebrate in full style, a small loan to fund your outfit can offer a practical way to manage the expenses and enjoy the festivities stress-free.
Men’s Costumes for Mardi Grass
Women’s Costumes for Mardi Grass
How to Accessorize a Mardi Gras Outfit?
Typical accessories are a top hat, eye-masks, and feathers. Costume jewelry in green, purple and/or yellow like necklaces, earrings, bangles or bracelets are popular. A wig or fascinator in the these colors are a Do.
Go for purple and green eyeshadow. Alternatively, accessorize your eyes by cluing on green, purple and golden glitter, sequins and/or beads? Don a purple or green lip stick, if you like.
Don’t forget a fun and functional tote bag to carry your Mardi Gras essentials—whether it’s beads, snacks, or a spare pair of comfy shoes. A custom tote bag not only ties your outfit together but also keeps your hands free to enjoy the festivities.
Where to Find the Best Accessories for Mardi Grass
Mardi Gras Costume Ideas for DIY
- Sew Mardi Gras necklaces in gold, green and purple on the hem of a Mini black dress as “beaded” fringe.
- Glue Mardi Gras necklaces in gold, green and purple on an old pair of shoes.
- Use gold spray on an old pair of shoes.
- Make a tie-dye T-shirt. First tie most of the shirt except for a small area, and use yellow dye. After drying, tie the yellow section, and remove a small section of ties, and use a green dye. Again after drying, tie the green section, remove a small section of ties that not cover the yellow or green section. Now use purple dye. The result is a white, yellow, green, purple, and black tie-dyed shirt.
- Sew a green, purple, and yellow feather stole to a pair of leggings as a kind of skirt. Pair it with a T-shirt, and accessorize.
- Sew rows of green, yellow, and purple fringes on a black slip or T-shirt dress to look like a flapper dress.
- Using cheap fabric in green, yellow, and purple to sew a tired skirt or tired maxi dress.
References
History.com Editors, 2024. Mardi Gras 2024, A&E Television Networks.
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