It’s that time of year again! Mardi Gras season is back, and whether you’re throwing a party or heading to Louisiana to celebrate on Fat Tuesday, a cute Mardi Gras outfit is critical.
In case you aren’t familiar with the holiday, Mardi Gras is a one to three-month Carnival celebration known as a time for feasting, dancing, celebrating, bead-throwing, and partying the night away. The holiday officially begins on January 6th each year and lasts until Mardi Gras Day (AKA Fat Tuesday), which is the day before Ash Wednesday.
In 2024, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 13th. So that gives you time to plan and find the perfect outfit.
In college, we know there is always at least one Mardi Gras party happening on campus, so it’s essential to have some themed items on hand in February.
Read on for tips on creating a Mardi Gras outfit, plus 30 cute and on-trend Mardi Gras looks that will turn heads.
Related reading: 17 Fun Mardi Gras Nail Designs to Rock This Year
Table of Contents
What Makes Up a Mardi Gras Outfit?
Mardi Gras fashion is all about celebration — the bolder, the better for this holiday! You want to stand out and make people smile with your look.
The prominent colors of Mardi Gras are gold, green, and purple, so any outfit in those colors will work. Embellishments like feathers, sequins, and rhinestones are also common elements of Mardi Gras fashion. Remember, this is a holiday about being fearless with your look.
Mardi Gras Outfits for Ladies
Here are 30 cute Mardi Gras outfits and costumes that will turn heads this year!
Casual Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas
Mardi Gras Sequin Jacket Outfit
This outfit proves that you just need one statement piece for Mardi Gras! In this case, we’re talking about a beautiful sequin jacket. Throw it on with anything, and you’re good to go.
Casual Mardi Gras Striped Hoodie Look
I love this casual take on a Mardi Gras look. A sweater in the holiday’s colors is perfectly spirited, and the cute headband takes it over the top.
Rainbow Mardi Gras Dress
I mean, is there anything more beautiful than this dress? Wear it for Mardi Gras and again for parties, weddings, and bachelorette parties!
Mardi Gras Fringe Sweatshirt Outfit
If you want to go bold, this fringed sweatshirt is all you need. Wear it alone or over ripped denim shorts, and you have your outfit ready to go.
Cozy Mardi Gras Cropped Sweatshirt
Another simple and casual Mardi Gras look is this themed sweatshirt and high-waisted jeans combo. So comfy and subtly spirited!
Sequin Mardi Gras Tee Outfit
This cute t-shirt brings in Mardi Gras colors and sequin embellishment without looking crazy or over-the-top. Available in either black or white, it’s basically perfection.
Mardi Gras Graphic Tee
How cute is this Mardi Gras tee? Everyone knows King Cake is delicious, so pay homage to everyone’s favorite seasonal treat with this shirt that reads, “Let them eat King Cake.”
Y’all Shirt Outfit
If you live in the South or want to pay tribute to your Southern roots, you gotta pick up this “y’all” tee for Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras Sequin Sleeve Top Outfit
Sequins, stripes, embroidery, bright colors — this over-the-top tee has it all! Wear it with a colorful mini skirt for a fun look or with jeans or shorts to dress it down.
Cozy Casual Sweatshirt Outfit
This sweatshirt screams Mardi Gras thanks to its graphics and text on the back that reads “in my Fat Tuesday Era.” That said, it’s still cozy enough to wear any day of the year.
Purple Shorts & Graphic Tee Outfit
I love this adorable outfit combo from Obsession Boutique! Recreate it with purple shorts, a pretty headband, and a white tee (Mardi Gras themed if possible).
Graphic Sweatshirt & Patterned Pants Outfit
It doesn’t get simpler than this Mardi Gras sweatshirt, but the look is made 10x more exciting thanks to the green and white checkerboard pants. Such a sweet, casual combo!
Mardi Gras Sparkly Skirt Outfit
If you want to go bold, this is the Mardi Gras look for you! Mardi Gras colors, sequins, a statement skirt — what’s not to love?
Pair this with cowboy boots, and you’ll have the perfect look.
Simple Sequin Jacket Outfit
Here’s another bold Mardi Gras look that’s so much fun and is actually super easy to achieve!
This look is all about the silver sequin bomber jacket. Rock it with all black (and a Mardi-colored headband), and you have the perfect ‘fit while only having to buy one thing.
Satin Top & Sequin Jacket
Bright-colored flares, yes, please! Here, the pants are the star of the show, but honestly, the sweater could be worn with any bottoms for a Mardi vibe.
Plus Size Mardi Gras Outfits
Two-Piece Set Outfit
This long-sleeved top and mini skirt combo is one of those perfect, versatile sets you need in your closet. It’s subtly Mardi Gras colored, so it works for the holiday, but you can also re-wear it any time of year. Perfection!
Green Sequin Mini Dress
Prepare to turn heads in this one! A bold green sequined dress like this will give all the Disney Princess vibes on Mardi Gras and is sure to stun wherever you go.
Rainbow Holographic Jumpsuit
Can’t choose between green, gold, or purple sequins? Good news, you don’t have to! This gorgeous jumpsuit incorporates all the colors.
Plus Size Mardi Gras Sequin Pants
You can go bold while staying comfy in these awesome reversible sequin pants! They’re available in sizes up to 2XL and will dress up any basic top.
Mardi Gras Sweater & Cargo Pants
You don’t have to rock full-on sequins if you’d rather be a little more low-key. This bright green crop top and cargos combo would be perfect for Mardi Gras!
Green V-Neck Sparkle Mini Dress
One word: Stunning! This metallic mini dress catches the light and moves beautifully, making it perfect for a dressy Mardi Gras party.
Glam Girl Mardi Gras Outfit
This outfit is so stunning, and it’s crazily affordable, too. Give off total Disney Princess vibes in this gold sequin pants and crop top set!
Purple Metallic Jumpsuit
Want a Mardi Gras outfit in one piece? This is it! This killer metallic jumpsuit just needs sneakers and jewelry for the perfect Instagrammable ‘fit.
Sexy Mardi Gras Outfits
Butterfly Crop Top & Metallic Pants
I’m obsessed with this sexy, Y2K style take on Mardi Gras dressing. The sequin butterfly top is fantastic on its own, but it becomes truly otherworldly when paired with cool pink metallic pants!
Mardi Gras Tube Top and Skirt Set
If you just want to buy one thing and call it a day, get this little set. It’s got the Mardi Gras colors, and it’s pretty affordable for two pieces!
Mardi Gras Sequin Skort & Satin Shirt
I think this is my favorite look of all! It’s a stunning purple monochrome look with a glitter mini skirt, a matching satin button-down skirt, and purple heels. So pretty!
Long-Sleeve Sequin Wrap Mini Dress
This green sequin wrap dress from Lulus is a total classic and something you’ll wear again and again long after Mardi Gras. Invest now and thank yourself later.
Glam Gold Fringe Jacket
Here’s another look that’s guaranteed to turn heads! This gold fringe jacket is the ultimate statement piece, and it looks amazing with hot pants and a crop top.
Green Sequin Fringe Deep-V Mini Dress
It does not get more glam than this stunning dress! Featuring a low v-neck, gold fringe, and a beautiful forest green color, it’s everything you could want in a Mardi Gras dress.
Magenta Sequin Mini Dress
Finally, you cannot go wrong with a simple sequin mini dress for a sexy Mardi Gras look. This magenta one could not be more beautiful!
Mardi Gras Costume Ideas for Women
Some people love to wear costumes on Mardi Gras. If that’s the route you’re going for, here are some super cute Mardi Gras costume ideas to wear this year.
Mardi Gras Flapper Costume
Mardi Gras Tutu
Mardi Gras Metallic Purple Leggings
Mardi Gras Sequin Fringe Skirt
Mardi Gras Costume Accessories
Multicolored Mardi Gras Wig
Long Purple Wavy Wig
Mardi Gras Crown
Mardi Gras Shawl and Mask Costume Set
Mardi Gras Boas
Mardi Gras Costume Masks
Classic Metallic Masquerade Mask
Mardi Gras Multicolored Mask
Mardi Gras Feather and Rhinestone Mask
Mardi Gras Costume Tips
If you want to wear a costume on Mardi Gras, here are a few quick tips to get it right:
- Accessorize like crazy! You physically cannot wear too many accessories on Mardi Gras. More is more, so go for it with whatever extras you like.
- Have fun with your shoes but keep them comfortable. As we’ll mention again and again in this post, you need comfy shoes when you’re partying all day! Wear something cute, like a metallic boot or colorful sneaker, but save your highest stilettos for another day.
- Keep the mardi gras colors in mind. Green, purple, and gold are your go-tos. Incorporate them as much as possible into your look.
- Try wigs and/or masks to switch up your look. Both are super popular on Mardi Gras and are so much fun to experiment with!
- Don’t wear anything super expensive that can’t get ruined. Because beer spills are going to happen.
- Have FUN! Never, ever take a Mardi Gras look too seriously. It’s a Carnival celebration — let loose and enjoy!
What Shoes Should I Wear for Mardi Gras?
If you are attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans, do NOT mess around with uncomfortable shoes!
You will be walking all day, and cabs will be impossible to find, so you will be miserable if your shoes aren’t comfy.
Also, do NOT wear open-toed shoes or sandals to Mardi Gras in New Orleans or, honestly, any rowdy Mardi Gas party. The same rule we use for frat party shoes applies — your shoes will get beer spilled on them, and you may be stepped on. Protect your feet with something closed-toed.
Personally, my go-to for big parades and parties like this is a solid, beat-up pair of Converse or other sneakers. If you want something dressier, you can’t go wrong with a closed-toe pair of ankle boots.
What do you think of these Mardi Gras outfits for ladies?
Do you attend any Mardi Gras parties? Have you ever been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Any tips for your fellow fashion girls on what to wear? Tell us everything in the comments.