Mardi Gras Colors & What They Mean: Your Festival-Ready Outfit Style Guide for 2026

Those purple, green, and gold beads you see everywhere during carnival? These official Mardi Gras colors carry real meaning, dating back to 1872, when the Krewe of Rex first established them. They represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.

In this article, we’ll talk about styling purple, green, and gold. Trust us, you don’t want to end up looking like a walking Mardi Gras float. You’ll get styling tips, see outfit ideas from Born in Stockholm, and learn to honor carnival tradition while expressing your personal style.

Now, let the good times roll to get you ready for the Mardi Gras season.

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a vibrant celebration known for parades, music, costumes, and indulgent food (people feasted before fasting began).

Brief History

Mardi Gras has roots in ancient Roman spring festivals, which were later adapted by the Catholic Church in medieval Europe. Medieval Europe kicked off this tradition, but Mardi Gras came to Louisiana when French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived in 1699 and named a spot "Pointe du Mardi Gras."

Today, the Mardi Gras Carnival brings millions together for processions, music, beads, and amazingly fun outfits. Every year, the first Mardi Gras parade takes place on Twelfth Night (Feast of the Epiphany) and ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

20 years after the purple, gold, and green were assigned as the three colors of Mardi Gras celebrations, the Krewe of Rex held the Symbolism of Colors parade in 1892. Prepare to learn some Mardi Gras history as we discuss what these specific colors represent.

You know the meaning, now it’s time to have fun with it. Mixing Mardi Gras colors the right way brings your look to life and surely turns heads from the first parade down to the last.

Quick Styling Cheat Sheet

Let’s get into more detail below.

Our no. 1 tip is to choose one main color as your outfit foundation to create a cohesive look that’s easier to style and way more flattering. Too many bold colors compete for attention. You’ll immediately notice that if you wear all three equally.

Instead, keep it simple. Go for a purple dress and add a touch of small gold earrings, or rock a green bodysuit with black pants. The color still pops, but the outfit feels intentional rather than overwhelming.

For the easiest styling, check out our metallic party dresses in single colors, all available in gold, purple, and green. They already bring shine and drama, so all you need to do is add minimal accessories, and you’re parade- or ball-ready in 15 minutes.

Here’s a simple ratio we usually follow to balance carnival colors: 60% for the main piece, 30% for the second color, and 10% for a pop of the third. This formula will keep your outfit looking intentional instead of costume-y. Nobody wants to look like they’re trying too hard.

For example, wear a gold dress, add purple shoes and a bag, and then finish with green earrings. If you need more ideas, browse our festival clothes, like this purple Frida ruffle rhinestone bodysuit, which mixes these proportions easily.

Neutrals like black, white, or nude keep bold colors from overwhelming your look. You can use them for shoes, base layers, or pants when your top steals the show.

Here’s how to put it into action:

• Pair purple sequins with black pants to let the sparkle stand out.
• Style a gold top with nude heels for a clean, elevated finish.
• Start with a neutral base and layer color on top for easy balance.

Also, check out our mesh jumpsuits. They act as sleek neutral canvases, making it easy for you to add colorful accessories and still look polished from head to toe.

Best mesh jumpsuit we recommend: Bonnie luxury mirror pearl mesh

Next up, style your Mardi Gras outfit by occasion. Here’s how to do it:

• Parades (Daytime): Go for themed festival outfits, but prioritize comfort. Choose breathable fabrics, easy layers, and shoes you can stand and walk in for hours.
• Night Parties & Clubs: This is your moment for full glam. Bring out statement pieces, bold cuts, and maximum sparkle that catches the club lights.
• Casual Celebrations: Keep it simple. Start with your everyday outfit and add one carnival accent: think a metallic top, bold earrings, or a pop of purple or gold.

Dressing with intention with these club outfits means you’ll look festive without feeling overdone, no matter where Mardi Gras takes you. For casual celebrations, just (as we mentioned) add one carnival accent piece to your regular outfit instead of going all out.

For more dedicated festival outfits, we’ve got you covered in the next sections.

You know what the colors mean and how to style them. Now you need the actual outfits.

Born in Stockholm is dedicated to designing festival fashion outfits that look bold, feel comfortable, and move with you. No pinching, no constant adjusting, and no suffering through long parade days just to look good. These pieces let you celebrate Mardi Gras in style while actually enjoying yourself all day.

Here are our top picks of eye-catching carnival outfits that are perfect for Mardi Gras 2026: