New to the Carnival Season of New Orleans? Then you must know that costume is the essence of this occasion!

During this season, you’ll stand out without a costume or accessories like glitters, feathers, or clever hats — unless that is what you’re aiming for. If you want to fit in, the least you can do is dress up in traditional carnival colors such as gold, purple, and green. 

If the ultimate advice is what you need, then continue reading. After all, New Orleans pays attention to their costume earnestly.

Mardi Gras Costuming Tips

1. Official carnival color scheme

Knowing it ahead of time could give you a leisurely way of planning your overall dress-up style. You won’t need to dwell too much on what color to wear or the best color combinations. It’ll save you time choosing the color scheme of your style.

So, remember these official carnival colors: purple, green, and gold.

2. Comfortability

It would be a long party — you’ll probably be moving around, attending multiple events, and staying out for most of the day. If you want to truly enjoy this occasion, then choose to dress comfortably from head to toe. Before anything else, make sure that you have a good plan about what you’re wearing.

3. Dress accordingly

You shouldn’t only have style in your mind, but also the weather. Be sure to check the forecast for that day so you can dress accordingly.

Choosing clothes you can take a piece from whenever you want (without affecting your overall style) is recommended. Layering might be your best option for unpredictable weather, but choose a good layering combination that you’ll be able to remove quickly. 

4. Choose shoes wisely

As much as possible, choose shoes that you’re comfortable with because you’ll walk and stand a lot for the whole day. If the shoes you’re satisfied with seem to be  too dull and straightforward for the occasion, then you can add some sparkling glitters, paints, or jewelry and remake them.

However, if you are planning to attend a formal event, then you can bring spare heels.

5. Headpiece

Never forget this one, for this might be the thing that would complete your overall look. If you are wearing a flamboyant headpiece, make sure that it is easily retractable so you’ll have an option to take it off a few times when taking a breather.

Wearing a wig can also be a game-changer. If you want to wear one but you don’t have any, don’t worry because New Orleans costume shops would indeed have a few you can choose from.

6. Accessorizing

Never settle for anything less! If you have a flashy and sparkly bag, then wear that. If you do not have one but have old bags, get crafty and design it as striking as possible.

Wearing feather boas instead of a scarf is also a suitable alternative. You can also wear gloves, whether fingerless, crochet, wool, or leather, as long as they match your overall style.

Also, adding some jewelry would never wrong you. Wearing a mask is also a common accessory, so you can also try it. 

At the end of the day, it will be based on how you carry it. Do not let it weigh you down, and be wise in choosing so you won’t compromise your style.

7. Never forget your makeup

Face paints, glitters, and colorful false eyelashes are some of the things that may add spice to your get-up. Choose colors that would match your style.

If you don’t plan to wear a mask, you should spend more time on your makeup. Truly ignite the creativity in your blood.

8. Bring your belongings

Do not forget to bring valuable things, such as a phone, wallet, water, snacks, and umbrella. You would spend your whole day out and about, so it’s convenient if you have all the essential things within your reach.

Costume Selection

If you already have an ideal costume in mind, then it’s time to consider where to get one. Even if you don’t have any plans ready, looking around might inspire you.  

You can visit Charismatico for astounding mardi gras outfits. Upon checking out their site, you’ll immediately see a variety of costumes to choose from.

Charismatico has been around since 2007, and they offer a wide variety of costumes for dancers, performers, parades, and so on. The brand specializes in knowing what one needs to wear to stand out while performing and what factors affect a performer during a performance so that the costume won’t drag them down.

Here are also some of the other shops and stores to watch out for:

• Fifi Mahony’s
• Funky Monkey
• Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing and Costumes
• Southern Costume Company
• Uptown Costume Dancewear
• The New Orleans Costume Center
• Nikki’s French Quarter Halloween Store

Witness Mardi Gras Costumes

Bourbon Street Awards

This event is something you wouldn’t want to miss. It is where you’ll get a glimpse of the most intricate handmade costumes. To watch this, early in the morning, go near the intersection of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, then wait for a while.

St. Anne Parade

If you’re interested in watching a parade of costumes that people crafted for a whole year, then you should not miss the St. Anne Parade. They do not have a fixed time or route, but you’ll see them at Mimi’s in the Marigny at 10 AM.