What to Wear to a Mardi Gras: 2026 Best Costumes That Steal the Party

Mardi Gras masks date back to the 1700s in New Orleans, so people could party without anyone knowing who they were. Today, they’re a signature part of the celebration.

You’ll still see feathered masks, glittery dresses, beads, and bold carnival costumes, especially during big parade days and formal Mardi Gras balls. These full looks are perfect if you’re attending a themed event or want to lean all the way into tradition.

For street parties and daytime parades, festive outfits with purple, green, and gold accents are far more common than full costumes.

Here’s the good news: you do not need a full costume to fit in. Tourists are the ones who mostly go all out with elaborate festival clothes, and that’s completely fine.

For New Orleans locals, keeping things casual and super comfy makes long parade days full of walking, dancing, and catching beads more enjoyable. Some prefer to celebrate in jeans paired with purple, green, or gold tops, themed t-shirts, or statement accessories like sparkly headbands.

Daytime parades involve nonstop movement: standing along the route, dancing between floats, and reaching for beads as they fly past. Your outfit should feel secure, breathable, and easy to move in, without losing that unmistakable Mardi Gras flair.

Focus on:

• Breathable fabrics that won’t trap heat
• Stretchy, secure tops that stay put while you move
• Broken-in shoes you can stand in all day
• Light mesh layers for changing temperatures

A fitted bodysuit or statement top paired with jeans, cargo pants, or a skirt works especially well for daytime parades. It keeps your look polished while giving you the freedom to move, dance, and enjoy the celebration without much discomfort.

While daytime parades stay casual and comfortable for hours of standing, evening Mardi Gras parties welcome dramatic statement pieces and elaborate costume elements. This is your chance to go all out with sparkle. Think sequin dresses, metallics, glitter, and rhinestone bodysuits that catch the lights.

A perfect example of this is the Juliana Sequin Diamond Bodysuit, designed with metallic sequins that shine under party lights, making it perfect for nighttime carnivals. However, bear in mind that New Orleans weather shifts throughout the day, so layering is highly recommended.

Best for: Night parades, dance-heavy days, high-glam looks

If sparkle is your must-have, the Hailey Rhinestone Fringe Bodysuit is perfect for you. The rhinestones catch light beautifully under parade lamps and at party venues, which adds luxurious carnival glamor that everyone loves.

You also get fringes that move with you when dancing, so everyone’s eyes will surely be on you. This figure-hugging bodysuit fits snugly. You’ll stay confident throughout multiple parade days and evening gatherings without worrying about costume malfunctions.

Our style tip: Pair with knee-high boots and this purple faux fur jacket for cooler evenings.

Best for: Traditional Mardi Gras vibes with drama

The Desert Feather Set in Purple Black honors the traditional justice color with luxurious purple feathers, which create amazing movement when you dance at parades. What we like about it is the way it makes every step look dramatic as the feathers catch the breeze.

You can buy the complete matching set for a coordinated look or grab individual pieces to mix with items you already own. This flexibility makes it perfect if you want to DIY and create multiple Mardi Gras outfits from one purchase.

Best for: All-day wear, parades to Mardi Gras balls

The shimmering metallic fabric of the Melanie Metallic Party Dress in Gold really screams power. Its flattering silhouette works for daytime parade watching and evening Mardi Gras balls (talk about versatility). This dress hits that sweet spot between casual and formal, meaning you’ll wear it multiple times throughout Mardi Gras season.

Now, if you prefer purple over gold, we also have the Purple Melanie Metallic Party Dress. It’s the same gorgeous fit but in traditional carnival purple.

Best for: Statement looks and waterfront celebrations

Some people prefer dresses that shift colors, which the Loulou Mermaid Sequin Outfit is perfect for. Its iridescent sequins catch the parade lights from every angle, making every movement eye-catching. You’ll also be showing off your curves with the mermaid silhouette that fits your body and flares at the bottom.

Since New Orleans sits right on the Mississippi River, you’ll look like a sea goddess in the waterfront carnival.

Best for: Comfort-first sparkle and all-day dancing

The Micca Mirror Festival Jumpsuit Pink adds vibrant, playful energy to traditional carnival colors. The mirror details catch light during both parades and indoor parties, which create constant sparkle as you move. This sleek fitted jumpsuit gives you a confident festival presence without worrying about separates coming untucked.

If you prefer it in gold to match the traditional Mardi Gras symbolism, check out our Micca Mirror Festival Jumpsuit in Gold.