What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Parade

Figuring out what to wear to a Mardi Gras parade is part practicality, part tradition and a whole lot of fun. Parade day is one of those rare occasions when purple, green and gold, head-to-toe sequins, feathers and an over-the-top hat can all feel completely appropriate—even in the same outfit.

But a great Mardi Gras parade outfit also needs to work for hours of walking, standing, catching throws and celebrating outside. The trick is to start with comfortable pieces, prepare for the weather and then add as much Mardi Gras personality as you want.

Whether you are attending your first parade or already have a favorite spot along the route, here is how to build a look that is festive, comfortable and ready for Carnival.

Start With Color

The signature colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold and you can embrace all three at once or make one color the focus of your outfit. Try a purple top with gold accessories, a gold bodysuit with Mardi Gras accessories, or a neutral base topped with a purple, green and gold layer.

Mardi Gras Creations makes it easy to build around the traditional palette with Mardi Gras dresses, tops, polos, button-ups, sequins, outerwear and accessories.

And don't worry about being too colorful. Parade day is one occasion where more really can be more.

Build Your Outfit Around Comfort

Before the sequins, feathers and beads come out, think about what you will actually be doing.

A typical parade day can involve walking several blocks to the route, standing for long periods, sitting on curbs or portable chairs and staying outside for hours. Your outfit needs to move with you.

A reliable parade-day formula is:

Comfortable base outfit + walkable shoes + statement accessories

Women might start with a comfortable dress, top and jeans, or matching set. Men can build around a Mardi Gras polo, button-up or sweatshirt. Kids can start with polos, button-ups, comfortable tops or simple layers and add Mardi Gras color from there.

Once the basics are covered, it is time for the fun part.

Bring on the Bling

If there is one place you should never worry about wearing too many sequins or rhinestones, it’s a Mardi Gras parade.

A sequin jacket, vest, top, dress, skort or other statement piece instantly turns a simple outfit into something parade-ready. You also do not have to wear sequins from head to toe (but if you want to, go for it!). Pair one sparkling piece with denim, a solid-colored top or a bodysuit and let the sequins do the work.

For nighttime parades in particular, sequins and metallic details are especially fun as they catch the light along the route.

Mardi Gras Polos and Button-Ups Are an Easy Parade Option

Not everyone wants to dress like a walking disco ball—and that is perfectly fine.

Mardi Gras polos and button-ups are an easy way for men, women and kids to dress for the occasion while keeping the outfit casual and wearable. Pair a floral Mardi Gras shirt or pinstripe button up with jeans, shorts or khakis and add a hat or gloves depending on the weather.

Button-ups and polos are also especially useful for family and group outfits because everyone can coordinate through color without wearing identical pieces.

Layer Up for Unpredictable Parade Weather

Mardi Gras weather can be anything from burning hot to cold, rainy and windy—sometimes over the course of the same weekend or even the same day.

Check the forecast before heading out and build removable layers into your outfit.

For cooler parade days, Mardi Gras sweatshirts, jackets and quilted vests let you stay warm without covering up your Carnival colors. Beanies, gloves and other cold-weather accessories can become part of the outfit as well, rather than an afterthought.

A striped or color-blocked Mardi Gras vest over a simple long-sleeve shirt, for example, gives you warmth while keeping the traditional colors front and center.

The best rule: dress in layers you will actually want to carry if the temperature rises.

Choose Shoes You Can Walk In

Your shoes can make the biggest difference in how much you enjoy the day, but they don’t have to be boring.

Comfortable sneakers, boots and other supportive shoes are usually better parade choices than anything difficult to walk or stand in for several hours, and luckily there a tons of Mardi Gras inspired options from rain boots to cowboy boots to simple striped sneakers.

Whatever you choose, parade day is not the time to break in a brand-new pair of shoes so we recommend testing your shoes in advance to make sure they can stand up to the challenge.

Make Your Hat Part of the Outfit

Want an easy way to turn a simple outfit into a Mardi Gras look? Add a great hat.

Mardi Gras hats can be as subtle or elaborate as you want. Try a colorful beanie for a cold parade, a Mardi Gras cap for something casual or go all-out with feathers, appliqués, beads and embellishments.

A statement hat is especially useful if the rest of your outfit is relatively simple. Jeans, a solid top and comfortable shoes suddenly feel completely parade-ready when you add an over-the-top purple, green and gold Conductor hat.

Add a Parasol for a True Statement Piece

For an accessory that will stand out both on the route and in photos, consider a Mardi Gras parasol.

Feathered and embellished parasols bring instant Carnival drama to an outfit and work beautifully with dresses, sequin looks and more elaborate Mardi Gras ensembles.

Just remember that you will need to carry whatever you bring, so consider your parade plans before committing to larger accessories.

Finish With Mardi Gras Jewelry and Accessories

Sometimes the smallest details make the outfit.

Mardi Gras earrings, bracelets, ties, scarves, socks, bags, hair accessories and shoes can bring purple, green and gold into pieces you already own.

If you are new to Mardi Gras or simply want an easy outfit, start with clothing already in your closet and add a few Carnival-specific accessories. A neutral dress with a statement brooch and a Mardi Gras hat can work just as well as an entirely themed outfit.

What Should Kids Wear to a Mardi Gras Parade?

For kids, comfort should come first—but that does not mean their outfits cannot be just as festive.

Start with comfortable Mardi Gras polos, button-ups, t-shirts or other easy layers. Add a colorful vest, sequin piece, pullover or jacket depending on the weather.

Finish with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate accessories. On colder days, a Mardi Gras beanie and gloves are an easy way to add another dose of purple, green and gold without adding a complicated layer.

What Should Men Wear to a Mardi Gras Parade?

Men's Mardi Gras outfits can be as simple or bold as you want.

For an easy look, start with a Mardi Gras polo or button-up paired with jeans, chinos or shorts depending on the weather. Add a vest, jacket or sweatshirt for colder temperatures and finish with comfortable shoes.

For something bolder, introduce purple, green and gold sequins, a kilt, an embellished hat or a statement accessory.

The key is choosing something that feels festive while still being comfortable enough to wear for several hours.

What Should Women Wear to a Mardi Gras Parade?

Women's Mardi Gras parade outfits can range from colorful and casual to completely over-the-top.

Try a Mardi Gras sequin pullover with comfortable boots or sneakers, a rhinestone blazer over a simple outfit, a festive top with jeans, or a matching set in Carnival colors.

Then have fun with the accessories. Statement jeweled tie, hats, brooches, bejeweled gloves and feathered parasols can transform even a relatively simple base outfit.

If you love sequins, Mardi Gras is your opportunity to embrace them. If you prefer something more understated, let purple, green and gold colors and accessories carry the theme.

What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Parade When It's Cold

For a cold Mardi Gras parade, think festive layers.

Try a Mardi Gras sweatshirt or pullover, quilted vest, a reversible rain jacket, or a color block hoodie layered over a polo or sequin graphic shirt, and top it off with a warm hat or beanie.

Rather than hiding your Mardi Gras outfit beneath a plain winter coat, look for outer layers and accessories that incorporate Carnival colors.

What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Parade When It's Raining

Rain does not necessarily stop Carnival, so having a wet-weather plan is worthwhile.

Start with layers that are comfortable and relatively easy to dry. Add a rain jacket or poncho and choose footwear that can handle wet streets.

Purple, green and gold Mardi Gras rain boots are an especially fun way to keep the outfit festive when the weather is less cooperative.

You may also want a small waterproof or water-resistant bag for your phone and other essentials.

Mardi Gras Parade Outfit Ideas

Still deciding what to wear? Start with one of these easy combinations:

Classic Parade Look: Mardi Gras polo or button-up + jeans + comfortable sneakers + beads + Mardi Gras hat.

Sequin Statement: Sequin pullover or crop top + simple base layer + comfortable bottoms + sneakers or boots + statement hat.

Cold-Weather Carnival: Mardi Gras sweatshirt + quilted vest + jeans + beanie + comfortable boots.

Rainy Parade Day: Mardi Gras top + Mardi Gras reversible rain jacket + comfortable bottoms + purple, green and gold rain boots.

Women's Parade Look: Mardi Gras sequin pullover + sequin skort + comfortable shoes + statement gloves + embellished hat or parasol.

Kids' Parade Look: Mardi Gras polo or button-up + colorful or sequin vest + comfortable pants + sneakers + Mardi Gras beanie.

Maximum Mardi Gras: Purple, green and gold rhinestones + statement Conductor hat + jewels + comfortable shoes + absolutely no fear of being overdressed.

Shop Your Mardi Gras Parade Outfit

The best Mardi Gras parade outfit is one that lets you enjoy the celebration without constantly adjusting your clothes, worrying about your shoes or wishing you had brought another layer.

Start with comfort and the weather forecast, then make the look your own with purple, green and gold, sequins, stripes, feathers and plenty of personality.

Whether your parade style is one festive accessory or purple, green and gold from head to toe, this is the time to have fun with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to wear purple, green and gold to a Mardi Gras parade?

No, but purple, green and gold are the traditional Mardi Gras colors and an easy way to make any outfit feel appropriate for the celebration. Wear all three together or choose one or two as the focus of your outfit.

Can you wear sequins to a Mardi Gras parade?

Absolutely. Sequins are one of the easiest ways to create a festive Mardi Gras look. Try a sequin jacket, vest, top, dress or accessory in purple, green and gold. You can balance a statement sequin piece with simpler clothing or embrace sparkle from head to toe.

What should I wear to a Mardi Gras parade when it's cold?

Layer a Mardi Gras sweatshirt, jacket or quilted vest over a comfortable base. Add jeans or warm pants, comfortable shoes, a beanie, gloves and warm socks. Using purple, green and gold outerwear and accessories keeps your look festive even when you need extra layers.

What should I wear to a Mardi Gras parade if it rains?

Choose comfortable layers, a rain jacket or poncho and water-resistant footwear. Rain boots are particularly useful when streets and parade routes become wet or muddy. Keep your phone and essentials in a water-resistant bag or pouch.