What To Wear To Mardi Gras - The Best Mardi Gras Dresses (2024)

Last updated on : February 20 2023

History Of Mardi Gras

The annual festival, which is also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’ or ‘Shrove Tuesday,’ is mostly a carnival. The season starts on the 12th-night post-Christmas (January 6)and is celebrated in several countries worldwide.

New Orleans plays host to the biggest and most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.

The origins of the festival trace back to the 17th and 18th centuries in medieval Europe. In New Orleans, people started celebrating Mardi Gras in the 1730s. It all began with the governor of Louisiana hosting society balls recognizing the holiday.

It was in the late 1830s that the New Orleans celebrations included processions of horseback riders and people wearing masks.

Today, we still practice some of the traditions that started during this time. Likethethrowing of beads, the handing out of Zulu coconuts, the wearing of masks, and the Flambeaux.

Best Wardrobe Choices For Mardi Gras

Think about your wardrobe choices before you pack your bags for New Orleans. It's a big and long party and is taxing. So it's best to plan what you'll wear thinking about your look and comfort.

From makeup to shoes choosing the right apparel ensures you are at ease and confident during the festivities. The best part - the celebration is famous as alaissez-faire event, so there is no strict dress code you need to follow.

Here are a few tips that will help you out while packing.

Choose The Right Colors

The customary Mardi Gras colors are green, purple, and gold, and each of them stands for something. Gold symbolizes power, purple stands for justice, and the green represents faith.

Get into the Mardi Gras spirit by wearing these colors at the festivities.

Think About A Costume

If you're planning to wear a costume and want to make a statement, you need an over-the-top outrageous one.

During the celebrations, wild outfits are considered the norm – absolutely any crazy costume will work. However, before buying one, think about how you will transport it.A headdress may not fit into your suitcase.

Additionally, many events last throughout the day. Sochoose a comfortable costume wearable for long periods without any discomfort.

If you're going genuinely outrageous, consider buying or renting your costume in New Orleans itself. With the right planning (you'll need to reserve in advance), you'll have many options from which to choose.

The most popular costumes are the pirate, the court jester, French royalty, or French courtier. However, don't feel you need to conform, be yourself, and wear what makes you feel good.

If you prefer to keep things comfortable and straightforward, then try a sexy bandage dress. Pair with outrageous shoes and a wacky jacket. Throw on an elaborate mask, a small headpiece, full makeup, and a stacked hairstyle for dramatic effect.

Rules For The Ball - Dress For The Occasion

It is not easy to get tickets to a Mardi Gras ball in New Orleans. If you've managed, make sure you pack a suitable dress.

If your event is formal, then a floor-length gown is appropriate to wear. Match with heels for the occasion. Satin or crystal-embellished heels work well. And take along a pair of white leather (not cloth) gloves. These should be opera length if you're wearing shorter sleeves.

If it's cold, take a wrap or a bolero jacket.

Avoid anything sheer that exposes your body underneath. It's unlikely you'll get into the ball with too much skin exposed. Inappropriate wear includes cut-outs or two pieces that reveal your midriff.

Don't arrive looking casual and unkempt. Make sure your man adheres to the rules too. For him, it's a choice between a white tie and tails (very formal) and tuxedo (black tie).

Whether you want to look like a princess in a formal gown or sexy in a bandage dress, remember to dress appropriately for the ball you are going to.

Comfortable Shoes Are A Must

You need heels for formal events. However, carry a comfortable pair of shoes with you because you will be walking a lot.

During the celebrations, you cannot take cabs anywhere. The traffic is a nightmare, and roads blocked because of the various parades throughout the day.

Whether you are wearing boots or sandals, ensure they are comfortable to walk in for long periods.

Your shoes may end up getting dirty by the end of the day. So choose easily cleaned shoes or ones you don’t mind throwing out.

You won't be able to enjoy the parade and other celebrations in high heels because your feet will scream bloody murder. If you prefer to wear shoes that are not casual, consider inserts or other supports for your feet.

Makeup Tips

Costume or not, you need to stand out sexyduring the parades and other celebrations.

People bring out their vibrant, wackiest, and stylish best, and so should you. Mardi Gras is a time to let your hair down, be free, and indeed live in the moment.

Makeup is one of the best ways to make a lasting impression. So plan a few ideas for your makeup style for each day and event. Go over the top with this Cirque du Soleil makeup, or go all shiny and glittery with this Mardi Gras makeup look.

Feathers, vibrant eyeshadows, and makeup masks – anything and everything work for these festivities.

However, be sure that your makeup choice is realistic and can last the entire day with only light touch-ups.

Accessorize Wisely

There will be thousands of people on the streets watching the parades, mingling, and expressing themselves. So accessorize wisely and tastefully to stand out.

But remember that celebrations are long. Wear sensible jewelry and accessories that will not weigh you down.

Choose a bag that makes sense for your outfit and events. Chic backpacks and cross shoulder bags are popular options. Whatever you are planning to carry with you, ensure that it can hold your essentials like your phone, hotel key, credit cards, and cash. It also needs to fit a bottle of water, your touch up makeup, and anything else you need throughout the day.

Carry a small portable charger, if possible, to ensure that your phone does not run out of juice with all the selfie-clicking.

Keep all valuables and precious jewelry in your hotel room or at home – in the hustle and bustle of the parade, it is possible to lose things or get mugged.

Try A Mask

You will notice that the majority of people wear masks during the Mardi Gras parade.

Masks are excellent ways to get a finished and polished look. They also protect your face from the celebratory trinkets and beads thrown by people from their balconies.

Whatever mask you choose, ensure that it matches the dress you are wearing.

Choose Comfy Clothes

Whether or not you intend to wear costumes to the parade, you will need comfortable clothes: Pack jeans and several tops, and a couple of sexy Mardi Gras Dresses.

The event usually takes place at the end of winter. So there may be some lingering cold. Keep an eye on the weather when you are packing. There is no harm in carrying warm clothes to the event. Consider taking a light jacket to put on as the evening sets.

Keep in mind that it rains a lot in New Orleans. We recommended you either carry an umbrella or a poncho. Umbrellas are challenging to hold onto in a huge crowd, so most attendees choose raincoats and ponchos. Don't panic if you forget because you can quickly pick one up at a store in New Orleans.

Bandage dresses are fabulous dresses to wear to Mardi Gras festivities. They support your body, give you a natural sex appeal,and wearcomfortablyfor extended periods. Below we've listed out 10 to consider.

Our Top 11 Easy To Wear Mardi Gras Dresses

If you're looking for quick and simple solutions that stand out and impress, then consider a bandage or bodycon dress.

These dress types are excellent choices for Mardi Gras because they are statement pieces and comfortable to wear for long periods. They are easily worn during the day or at night. And they give your body the support you need while showing off your sexy curves.

They are also wrinkle resistant, easily spot cleaned, and made of a super durable supportive fabric that keeps its shape even in the event of random tugging (if you plan to earn a few beads during the parade).

Wear your dress with comfortable flats, a stacked hairstyle, and a mask for an ultimate Mardi Gras approved look that is both sexy and comfy.

Here are our top dress choices for this event.

1. Glamorous Gold

This ginger gold dress is a classic, wear it to any event or celebration on the day.

Thestriking v-neck and contoured fit show off your curves and bustline. It leaves you standing out in a crowd, with all heads turned to you. Spaghetti straps complete the look exposing your neckline and shoulders.

2. Shimmering Gold Metallic

Gold is a great Mardi Gras color. This gold metallic dress gives you an elegant style that is polished and complete.

It's sexy, eye-catching, and seductive. A low V-cut neckline withspaghetti straps shows off your neckline, shoulders, and back. And the deep gold color flatters.

The fabric is sturdy and robust. It fits super snug giving your body shape and poise, making it the perfect Mardi Gras dress.

3. Green Front Zipper

Be straight up and sexy in this front zipper bandage dress. The dress is timeless and ideal for occasions like Mardi Gras.The full-length front zipper slims you showing off your curves.

Bandage dresses hold your body like a second skin, and this is what this front zipper dress does - accentuating your curves and leaving little to the imagination.

Don’t worry about your flabs either; the dress act as shapewear too.

4. Black Strapless & High Slit

You don't necessarily have to wear the Mardi Gras colors when looking for your perfect Mardi Gras dress. Go sophisticated with this blackhigh slit bandage dresswith a strapless neckline instead.

The asymmetrical neck accentuates your bustline, while the bandage material hugs and supports your body. This black dress is ideal for dinners and evening wear.

5. Burgundy Purple Flared Midi Dress

If you want to stick to the Mardi Gras colors, try thisPurple Flared Midi Dress with its mermaid-inspired design.

The halter neck emphasizes your cleavage and exposes your shoulders and back. The skirt hugs your hips like a second skin highlighting your curves.

The longer hemline gives you comfort throughout the day and flexibility in your movement without the fear of “flashing” anyone.

6. Green Bandage Open Dress

In another Mardi Gras color, our Green Bandage Dress is strapless and sexy.

It hugs your body like a glove and doubles as shapewear. If you want a dress that pulls you in and is a perfect celebration fit, this is an excellent option.

7. Bright Red Party Dress

If you have tickets to one of the famous Mardi Gras balls, you need a dress that fits the occasion.

Try our bright red party dressfor a tasteful yet sexy look in party hues. The one-shoulder neckline and the hot red color turn you sexy. The detailing around the waist and the bust creates a beautiful contrast that makes the dress slimming.

8. Short Gold and Black Party Dress

Wear this lovely fit and flare dressto turn heads at the carnival.

The black horizontal detailing is attention-grabbing, and the short flared skirt jaw-dropping. Its body shaping and figure-hugging and entirely sexy.

Pair it with dangling black earrings, bold makeup, and a one of a kind hairstyle for the best style impact.

9. Bright Orange Bandage Dress

Flaunt the look of summer with this beautiful bright orange bandage dress.

The color and sexy deep-v neckline make it the perfect dress for both day events as well as night parties. Wear it during the Mardi Gras parade for a style that is well versed and easily paired with comfortable shoes.

The criss-cross bodice adds sexy appeal and shapes your curves excitingly while theabove the knee hemline keeps you comfortable.

10. Lace Corset Bandage Dress

Wear this corset shaped lace number for a hot night out at Mardi Gras. Comfortable and soft, this stunner turns heads and contours your shape for a curvy silhouette.

More beige than pink. We made this beautiful dress from our contoured bandage material with black lace overlay. Ribbed features give it an inspired corset look.

11. White Caged Bandage Dress

If you want to show skin tastefully at the celebration, then this white caged bandage dress is the way to go.

Forever faithful and dramatic. The dress is risky, bold, and blends seduction with raw sex appeal. Its cut almost down to the waist and shows off plenty of side boob. The hem mirrors the drama of the bodice and hits just below your knees for a perfectly balanced look.

Summary

Dressing up for Mardi Gras doesn't have to be a stressful task.

The celebrations in New Orleans are renowned all over the world. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and you'll have a fun-filled experience filled with memories for years to come.

Laissez les lon temps rouler (or let the good times roll)!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions most frequently asked by our readers.

1. What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a festival celebrated before the start of Lent in many countries worldwide. It's particularly well-known in New Orleans, Louisiana, involving parades, costumes, and lots of partying.

2. What should I wear to Mardi Gras?

The key to dressing for Mardi Gras is to wear something fun, colorful, and comfortable. Brightly colored and patterned clothing is typical, and it's not uncommon to see people wearing masks, hats, and boas. You'll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so wear shoes you can walk in for long periods.

3. Can I wear a costume to Mardi Gras?

Yes, costumes are very common at Mardi Gras. People often dress up in outrageous and whimsical outfits, and you'll see everything from superheroes to unicorns to clowns. Make sure your costume is comfortable enough to wear all day and appropriate for a family-friendly event.

4. Do I need to wear a mask at Mardi Gras?

It's not mandatory to wear a mask at Mardi Gras, but it's undoubtedly a popular accessory. Some people wear masks to preserve their anonymity, while others wear them simply for fun. Masks are often decorated with feathers, sequins, and other embellishments, and they're a fun way to add some flair to your outfit.

5. What should I avoid wearing to Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a festive occasion, but that doesn't mean you should wear anything you want. Avoid wearing offensive or insensitive costumes, as others might see these as disrespectful to the culture and traditions of Mardi Gras.

Additionally, avoid wearing anything too revealing or uncomfortable, as you'll be on your feet for a long time and may need to navigate crowded areas.

6. Is there a specific color scheme I should follow for Mardi Gras attire?

Yes, the traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen to represent justice, faith, and power. You can incorporate these colors into your outfit through clothing, accessories, or makeup.

7. Should I bring any specific accessories to Mardi Gras?

Yes, a few accessories can make your Mardi Gras experience more enjoyable. For one, a small cross-body bag or fanny pack can help carry your phone, money, and other essentials while keeping your hands free.

Additionally, wearing comfortable and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help keep you cool in the warm weather. And remember to bring a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun!

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