Mardi Gras Style: T-Shirts And Beyond

Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate and express your individuality through your fashion sense. While some celebrations may call for more formal attire, Mardi Gras is typically characterised by flamboyant and colourful outfits. The traditional Mardi Gras colour scheme includes purple, gold, and green, with olive green being a particularly popular shade. Men often opt for a black outfit styled with Mardi Gras-themed accessories, such as beads or masks, while others embrace the bright colours and showy textures of the festival. From sequined blazers to glittery tights and tuxedo t-shirts, Mardi Gras is a time to embrace the trashy and leave the classy behind.

Glitter and sequins

If you're looking to incorporate glitter and sequins into your Mardi Gras outfit, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

T-shirts

If you're looking for a comfortable and casual option, consider a t-shirt with a glitter or sequin design. You can find these with various Mardi Gras-themed designs, such as faux sequins, glitter accents, or even glitter tumblers to carry with you. Some t-shirts also feature funny phrases or Mardi Gras-themed puns. These shirts are often designed with a glitter effect, so you can shine without the mess of actual glitter.

Accessories

To add some sparkle to your outfit, consider accessories like glitter body gel, glitter hair spray, or sequin suspenders and bow ties. You can also find glitter or sequin masks, which are a popular choice for Mardi Gras celebrations. If you're feeling crafty, you can even create your own mask using glitter and sequin embellishments.

Costumes

For a more extravagant look, you can go for a full costume with glitter and sequin accents. Some popular options include disco-themed outfits with sequin shirts or pants, or even a Mardi Gras jester costume. If you're feeling particularly bold, you can try a glitter or sequin bodysuit.

Face and Body Glitter

For those who really want to shine, face and body glitter gels are a great option. These gels come in Mardi Gras colours like purple, green, and gold, and can be applied to your face, body, hair, and lips. You can also find glitter in the form of chunky glitter powder, which can be used for face and body applications or even nail art.

Nails

Speaking of nails, you can also incorporate glitter and sequins into your nail art. There are nail stickers and decals available with glitter and sequin accents, or you can simply add some glitter powder to your existing nail polish for a sparkly finish.

Remember, when it comes to Mardi Gras, the key is to have fun and be creative with your outfit choices. Don't be afraid to mix and match different glitter and sequin elements to create a look that's uniquely you.

Gold, purple, and green

The traditional colours of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colours first appeared in 1872, when the company Rex draped balconies with them to welcome a visiting Russian aristocrat, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia.

The choice of these colours may have been inspired by the tricolour flags of the United States, Great Britain, and France, which were the ruling countries of the world at the time. According to Errol Laborde, a local historian, the colours were also likely chosen based on the rules of heraldry, which is the system of creating coats of arms and other armorial bearings.

In heraldry, both metals and colours are necessary, and gold is a common choice to represent kings and kingdoms. Purple, being a royal colour, was also an obvious choice. The only acceptable colour choices left were red, blue, purple, green, and black, and it is thought that green was chosen over black.

In 1892, the colours gained official symbolism to go along with the Rex Parade theme "Symbolism of Colors". Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power.

Today, wearing the colours of Mardi Gras during Carnival is said to bring more beads! Here are some ideas for incorporating these colours into your Mardi Gras outfit:

T-shirts

A T-shirt is a great base for your Mardi Gras outfit. Look for T-shirts in purple, green, or gold, or featuring designs in these colours. You could also opt for a Hawaiian shirt in a fun, tropical print incorporating the Mardi Gras colours.

Accessories

If you want to take your outfit up a notch, add some Mardi Gras-themed accessories. Suspenders, bow ties, fedoras, and light-up cowboy hats are all popular choices, and can easily be found in the colours of Mardi Gras. You could also wear a mask, a sparkly headdress, or some feathers to get into the Carnival spirit.

Costumes

If you want to go all out, consider wearing a full costume. This could be anything from a jester outfit to a dinosaur costume, as long as it incorporates the colours purple, green, and gold. Get creative and don't be afraid to stand out!

Remember, Mardi Gras is all about having fun and celebrating, so choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Face masks and beads

Mardi Gras is a time to be creative and expressive with your wardrobe choices, and face masks and beads are a fun and essential part of that. While there is no dress code, the traditional colours of Carnival are purple, green, and gold, so these colours are a good place to start.

Face Masks

Face masks are a popular accessory during Mardi Gras, especially on Fat Tuesday. You can find simple, inexpensive masks in the traditional Carnival colours at souvenir shops on Decatur Street. If you're looking for something more unique, local artists in New Orleans create exquisite handmade masks. You can also find a range of options at the French Market, from mass-produced masks to wearable works of art by local artisans.

When choosing a face mask, consider the level of comfort and durability. You'll be wearing the mask for extended periods, so ensure it fits well and is made from comfortable materials. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own mask to add a personal touch to your Mardi Gras outfit.

Beads

Beads are another essential accessory for Mardi Gras. They come in various colours, styles, and themes. You can find simple bead necklaces or more elaborate options with medallions, masks, or other decorations attached. Beads can be worn as necklaces, draped over your shoulders, or used as decorative accessories on your mask or costume.

• Face Masks: Venetian-style paper mâché masks, sequin and glitter masks, satin eye masks, feather masks, and deluxe plastic masks.
• Beads: Flashing Hot Beads®, Fruit & Vegetable Beads, St. Patrick's Day Beads, and speciality beads with a mask theme, like the Mardi Gras Mask Necklace in various styles.

Waterproof clothing

Mardi Gras often involves standing outdoors for extended periods and walking long distances, so waterproof footwear is crucial to keeping comfortable and avoiding the "Mardi Gras muck," a mix of mud, parade debris, and thousands of feet. In addition to rain boots, waterproof shoes or boots with good traction are a sensible choice to navigate the potentially wet and crowded streets.

While there is no strict dress code for Mardi Gras, attendees are encouraged to wear costumes or, at the very least, accessories in the Carnival colors of purple, green, and gold. Waterproof ponchos and capes are available in these colors, providing both functionality and festivity.

For those who prefer a more subtle approach to waterproof clothing, waterproof makeup and body glitter are excellent options to add a touch of sparkle to one's appearance while also being prepared for potential rain. Waterproof makeup will ensure that your look remains intact throughout the celebrations, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

In addition to waterproof clothing and accessories, it is beneficial to carry a bag that can fit essential items such as your phone, wallet, and phone charger. A waterproof bag or one with a waterproof compartment can provide extra protection for your belongings, especially if you plan to be in crowded areas or be exposed to the elements for extended periods.

Overall, when planning an outfit for Mardi Gras, it is essential to consider both style and functionality. By incorporating waterproof clothing and accessories into your ensemble, you can confidently enjoy the celebrations without worrying about the unpredictable New Orleans weather.

Comfortable shoes

Mardi Gras is a long party, and you'll likely be on your feet for most of it, so comfortable shoes are a must. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right footwear:

Choose Comfortable Shoes

When selecting shoes for Mardi Gras, prioritise comfort above all else. You'll be doing a lot of standing, walking, and dancing, so make sure your shoes provide good support and won't give you blisters. If you're going to be outdoors, make sure your shoes are suitable for the weather and terrain.

Opt for Sneakers or Canvas Shoes

Sneakers or canvas shoes are a great option for Mardi Gras. They're comfortable, provide good support, and can be easily paired with a variety of costumes or outfits. You can find plain white or black sneakers and add your own Mardi Gras-themed laces, or go for a more colourful option with purple, green, and gold—the traditional Carnival colours.

Shop Around

You can find Mardi Gras-themed shoes at various retailers, including Amazon and Etsy. Etsy, in particular, has a wide range of options, including high-top canvas shoes, slip-on sneakers, and even light-up sneakers. Many of these shoes feature Mardi Gras-themed colours and designs, such as beads, masks, and feathers.

Consider the Weather

Don't forget to check the weather forecast before finalising your shoe choice. If there's a chance of rain, you might want to opt for closed shoes or boots to keep your feet dry. Similarly, if it's going to be hot, breathable shoes will help keep your feet comfortable.

Don't Forget to Break Them In

If you're buying new shoes for Mardi Gras, make sure to break them in before the event. Wear them around the house or on short walks to ensure they're comfortable and won't give you blisters on the big day.

Bring Backup Shoes

If you're planning on attending formal events during Mardi Gras, you might want to bring a pair of dress shoes. However, for the parades and street parties, comfortable shoes are a must. You can always bring a pair of heels or dress shoes in your bag to change into later if you're attending a formal event afterwards.

Frequently asked questions