13 Stunning Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas for 2025
If you want to match the vibrant energy of a Mardi Gras celebration, you’ll need some epic Mardi Gras outfit ideas. Known for its lively parades as covered by History, Mardi Gras is a religious festival that serves as the “last hurrah” of sorts before the Lent period, during which observers of the holiday choose something to abstain from — usually alcohol or a particular food — until Easter.
You might be wondering, what do I wear for a Mardi Gras party? It doesn’t have to be totally extravagant, but you don’t want a boring outfit, either. This list has you covered with all sorts of fun looks, from classy Mardi Gras outfits for ladies to casual Mardi Gras Outfit ideas to Mardi gras outfit ideas for couples. Whether you go as a jester or a masquerade ball attendee, these Mardi Gras outfit ideas are sure to turn heads.
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- Casual Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas
- Classy Mardi Gras Outfits for Ladies
- Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas for Men
- Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas FAQs
Casual Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas
1. A Festive T-Shirt or Sweater
You don’t have to go big to show your Mardi Gras pride. A simple T-shirt or sweater is one of the best Mardi Gras outfit ideas if you’re attending a parade because it prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style.
Get festive with the traditional Mardi Gras colors or choose a top with a Fleur-de-Lis decal to really get in the spirit.
2. Accessorize With Beads and Feathers
Beads are a Mardi Gras must. Although you’ll catch plenty at the parades (that’s the hope, anyway), who says you can’t get a head start on the bling?
Feathers are another common addition to Mardi Gras outfit ideas, and they’re a fun and versatile accessory to elevate a casual look. A feathered hat or mask can go a long way toward making an ordinary outfit extra special.
3. Colorful Leggings
It doesn’t get much more casual than a pair of leggings and they’re the perfect base garment for Mardi Gras outfit ideas because you can do so much with them.
Opt for gold, purple or green leggings for a pop of festive color and pair them with one (or several!) of the ideas above for a complete look that impresses without trying too hard.
4. Rhinestones Galore
When in doubt, bedazzle it! There’s no such thing as “too much” on Mardi Gras. Excessive rhinestones can sometimes look tacky but when done right, they’re one of the most elegant ways to accessorize Mardi Gras outfit ideas.
From corsets adorned with gemstones to sequined leggings to crystal necklaces, you’ll bring the sparkle with this look.
Classy Mardi Gras Outfits for Ladies
5. The Queen
When it comes to classy Mardi Gras outfits for ladies, nothing quite compares to dressing like the queen you are. The embodiment of timeless elegance, the queen look starts with a floor-length dress with a full skirt and a flowing train. Choose fabrics in Mardi Gras colors to stay traditional or break the mold and go with your favorite shade.
Elbow-length satin gloves are a must, and bejeweled heels (or boots, if you’re walking in or attending a parade) add a touch of sparkle. Complete the look with oversized bead necklaces and a rhinestone-studded crown, and all eyes will be on you.
6. Carnival Performer
If you’re looking for elegant Mardi gras outfit ideas that are also a bit playful, a carnival performer is the perfect fit. This look is inspired by dancers in Brazil’s Carnival parades and consists of a sparkly bodysuit or corset, glittery fishnet stockings and a tall, feathered headpiece.
For the shoes, go with lace-up boots so you can dance all night long. It’s almost like a flapper girl outfit — just with a bit more edge.
7. Masquerade Ball
Perhaps the most iconic of all Mardi Gras outfit ideas is a masquerade ball gown. Inspired by the masked balls of Venice, this look is both sophisticated and mysterious.
It starts with a floor-length gown in a rich fabric such as velvet or satin, paired with lacy gloves, pearl jewelry and a pair of rhinestone-encrusted heels or flats. Finish with a traditional Venetian lace mask to spark intrigue in all the other ball guests.
8. Fur Coats
Fur coats add flamboyance and pizazz to Mardi Gras outfit ideas. Choose a coat in one of the traditional Mardi Gras colors, or find one with all three to attract even more attention.
Complete the outfit with a metallic dress and platform heels for a look that’s chic, classy and a little bit retro. Not only does this outfit serve looks, but it also keeps you warm since Mardi Gras is a winter holiday.
9. Add a Touch of Glam with Sequins and Glitter
Mardi Gras outfit ideas are all about being your loudest, most boisterous self and turning up the glam factor is the perfect way to achieve that. Something as simple as a sequined belt in a Mardi Gras color can make a statement (bonus points if the other colors make an appearance in your outfit, too).
Glitter is also a classic choice to add some oomph to casual Mardi Gras Outfit ideas. Whether it’s on your clothing or in the form of some sparkly eyeshadow, you can’t go wrong.
Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas for Men
10. Embellished Vest or Jacket
Glam isn’t just for women! Men deserve to have a little fun with their Mardi Gras outfit ideas too, and embellished vests and jackets guarantee you’ll stand out in the crowd. Sequins, rhinestones, glitter — it’s all fair game on Mardi Gras.
11. Jester
A jester is one of the most fun Mardi gras outfit ideas for men. It’s playful, eccentric and easy to style in the traditional holiday colors.
The outfit consists of a special coat known as a motley, an undershirt with puffy sleeves, tight-fitting pants called breeches and a classic cap ‘n’ bells hat. If you need Mardi gras outfit ideas for couples, you can also find female jester costumes at party stores and online.
12. King
If you’re in search of Mardi gras outfit ideas for men that really make a statement, be king for a day. You'll need a flowing velvet robe, a crisp suit and an impressive crown.
Once you have the basic look down, accessorize it with fun extras like a staff. People will bow down to you all night long!
13. Festive Suit
Are you attending a formal Mardi Gras event like a ball? If so, you’ll want Mardi Gras outfit ideas that are both sleek and festive. Go with a purple, green or gold suit if you’re feeling especially bold, or dress up a standard tux with beads, sequins or iron-on decals.
Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas FAQs
What Is Traditionally Worn for Mardi Gras?
Adult mardi gras outfit ideas cover a wide range of styles. From masquerade ball outfits to king, queen and jester costumes, there’s really no right or wrong way to dress.
Just be sure to wear beads and the traditional Mardi Gras colors, as Mardi Gras outfit ideas aren’t complete without them.
Does Mardi Gras Have a Dress Code?
Mardi Gras doesn’t typically have a dress code, but it depends on how you’re planning to celebrate. You’ll see all sorts of Mardi gras outfit ideas at large, public events like parades.
If you’re attending a ball or other private party, however, you’ll want to choose more sophisticated Mardi Gras outfit ideas that fit the theme.
What Colors Do You Wear on Mardi Gras?
The traditional Mardi Gras colors are gold, purple and green, and each one holds a different meaning. Gold represents power, green symbolizes faith and purple signifies justice.
After being chosen during the 1892 Rex Parade, these colors became the official colors of Mardi Gras, adorning Mardi Gras outfit ideas and even mardi gras food like king cake. Keep this in mind for your Mardi Gras party ideas!
Mardi Gras is a time for bold fashion choices that reflect the vivacious spirit of the holiday. Adult mardi gras outfit ideas like flowing gowns, bedazzled accessories and snazzy suits give you the opportunity to dress up and be someone else for a day.
These Mardi Gras outfit ideas show you how to get all decked out in purple, green and gold and create a look that captures the vibe you’re going for. Whether you turn heads with a classy getup or make people laugh with a playful costume, uniqueness is celebrated at Mardi Gras.
For even more fun ideas for Mardi Gras, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
