Mardi Gras with kids calls for an outfit that can do a little bit of everything: look adorable in family photos, keep up with a full day on the parade route and—most importantly—be comfortable enough that they actually want to keep it on.
Fortunately, Mardi Gras outfits for kids do not have to choose between practical and festive. Purple, green and gold polos, playful button-ups, rugby stripes, dresses and sequin pieces make it easy to create a Carnival look while keeping comfort and weather-preparedness in mind.
Mardi Gras Creations carries dedicated children's and infant collections spanning polos, button-ups, T-shirts, sequin apparel, pullovers, dresses, bottoms and outerwear, with sizing options available from infants through big kids.
Here are 12 Mardi Gras outfit ideas for kids that are ready for parades, parties, school celebrations and family photos.
12 Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas for Kids
1. Classic Mardi Gras Stripes
A purple, green and gold polo or polo dress is one of the easiest ways to dress kids for Mardi Gras. It feels a little more polished than a T-shirt but is still casual enough for running around the parade route.
Mardi Gras Creations offers its signature striped shirt styles in toddler and youth sizing, including Rugby, Thick Stripe Rugby, White Chest Stripe, Black Chest Stripe and Infinity designs.
Wear it with: Mardi Gras polo + jeans + sneakers.
2. The Mardi Gras Polo + Khaki Look
For brunch, school events or family pictures, give the classic Mardi Gras polo a slightly dressier spin.
Purple, green and gold stripes provide all the Carnival color you need, while khakis keep the outfit clean, classic, and school friendly.
Wear it with: Striped Mardi Gras polo + khaki pants or shorts + sneakers or loafers.
3. The Pinstripe Button-Up Outfit
A Mardi Gras button-up shirt is a great choice when you want kids to look dressed up without putting them in formalwear. Mix it with jeans or a pair of shorts to match whatever the weather or event calls for.
Mardi Gras Creations carries children's button-ups, including a Toddler Unisex Pinstripe Button Up Shirt. The pinstripe design gives the outfit a polished Carnival feel that works particularly well for family photos, lunches and parties.
Wear it with: Mardi Gras pinstripe button-up + khaki shorts or jeans + sneakers.
4. The Mommy and Me Matching Sequin Set
Adding a little sparkle to an outfit is never a bad idea. From short sleeve shirts to pullovers and skorts, a matching mommy and me moment is the perfect look for family photos and adds sequin fun to parade time. A standout look could mean more throws!
Wear it with: Sequin pullover + sequin skort + glitter sneakers + rhinestone headband.
5. The Sequin Jacket + Jeans Look
For the kid who believes sparkle is a neutral, bring out the sequins.
Mardi Gras Creations' youth sequin jackets feature Carnival-colored sequins, a zip front and pockets and are offered in three different styles, classic, striped, and confetti. With sizes from infant 12M, 18M, and 24M to youth sizes XS through XL, this jacket design allows you to outfit the whole krewe.
Because the jacket makes such a big statement, everything underneath can stay simple.
Wear it with: Sequin jacket + white or black tee + jeans or leggings + sneakers.
6. The Accessorized Look
More jewels. More rhinestones. More Mardi Gras.
Any outfit can be elevated by adding the right accessories and for the little one who loves to pick out their own outfits, this is the moment where they can really shine (pun intended)!
With everything from bejeweled headbands to hats to rhinestone beanies accessories are the perfect way for your little one to add a bit of their own personality to their Mardi Gras look.
Wear it with: Striped sequin jacket + solid tee + black leggings or jeans + beanie + gloves.
7. The Sequin Skort + Mardi Gras Top
For an outfit that is made to move, start with a skort.
The youth sequin stripe skorts from Mardi Gras Creations features purple, green and gold sequin stripes in lavender, black or white, and are designed with spandex shorts underneath—making it a fun option for parade days when kids will be walking, playing and collecting throws.
Pair it with a Mardi Gras sequin shirt for a show-stopping look look or a simple tee to make the sequins stand out.
Wear it with: Sequin skort + Mardi Gras sequin pullover or polo + crew socks + sneakers.
8. The Sequin Vest + Simple Basics
A sequin vest gives you maximum Mardi Gras impact without requiring an entirely sequined outfit.
Mardi Gras Creations' Youth Purple, Green and Gold Sequin Vest uses color-blocked Carnival stripes and can easily be layered over a simple long- or short-sleeve shirt.
It is also an easy way to turn clothing already in their closet into a Mardi Gras outfit.
Wear it with: Sequin vest + white long-sleeve tee + jeans + sneakers.
9. The Mardi Gras Dress + Sneakers
For kids who love to dance and run around, skip the dress shoes but not the dress. Sequin babydoll style swing dresses paired with white sneakers are an exciting yet sporty look that allows little ones to have fun while still shining.
Wear it with: Mardi Gras dress + sneakers + comfortable shorts underneath if desired + festive hair accessory.
10. The Light-Up Tutu Parade Outfit
If there is ever an occasion for a light-up tutu, this is it.
The Youth Light Up Tutu from Mardi Gras Creations features purple, green and gold lights in three different settings, along with metallic foil stars for an exciting day to night look.
Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the tutu have its moment.
Wear it with: Light-up tutu + purple, green or gold tee + leggings + sneakers.
11. The Cold-Weather Mardi Gras Look
Cold weather does not mean covering up all the fun.
Start with a long-sleeve Mardi Gras polo or rugby shirt, then add a festive beanie and warm outer layer. Mardi Gras Creations' children's cold-weather accessories include rugby-stripe and sequin beanies perfect for whatever look you may have in mind.
Wear it with: Long-sleeve Mardi Gras shirt + jeans + warm jacket + sequin beanie + closed-toe shoes.
12. The Rainy-Day Parade Look
Mardi Gras weather does not always cooperate—and kids may be the only people genuinely excited about that.
Mardi Gras Creations offers rain boots in both youth and toddler sizes, as well a reversible rain jackets (who doesn’t love two looks in one!) in youth sizing. Pair with a puddle to turn rainy parade days into Carnival-friendly fun.
Wear it with: Mardi Gras polo or rugby shirt + jeans or leggings + reversible rain jacket + striped Mardi Gras rain boots.
How to Dress Kids for a Mardi Gras Parade
The best kids' Mardi Gras outfits start with one question: Will they still be happy wearing this several hours from now?
Parade days can involve walking, sitting, standing, climbing in and out of wagons and waiting between floats. Clothing should allow kids to move easily, and shoes should already be broken in.
From there, add the fun.
A purple, green and gold polo can provide the color. A sequin jacket can provide the sparkle. A Mardi Gras beanie can make a practical cold-weather layer feel intentional, but still fun.
The goal is not to pile on every Mardi Gras element you can find. It is to create an outfit that feels special enough for Carnival while still letting kids be kids.
Mardi Gras Outfits for Boys
For boys' Mardi Gras outfits, polos, rugby shirts and button-ups are especially easy starting points.
Pair a purple, green and gold polo with jeans for the parade route or khakis for a slightly more polished event. A pinstripe button-up can work for brunches and family celebrations, while rugby shirts offer a classic, casual option for all-day wear.
For kids who want something bolder, do not overlook sequins. A purple, green and gold sequin vest or jacket can be worn over a simple tee with jeans or shorts.
Mardi Gras style does not have to follow everyday rules.
Mardi Gras Outfits for Girls
Girls' Mardi Gras outfits can range from sporty to sparkly.
A Mardi Gras dress with sneakers is an easy parade-day combination, while a sequin skort and polo creates a preppy look with plenty of personality. For maximum sparkle, layer a purple, green and gold sequin jacket over a simple outfit.
A tutu, festive hair accessory or sequin beanie can also transform everyday basics into a Mardi Gras look without requiring an entirely new outfit.
Matching Mardi Gras Outfits for Siblings
Coordinating siblings does not mean putting everyone in exactly the same outfit. Instead, choose one element to repeat.
Put everyone in the same purple, green and gold stripe pattern but choose different silhouettes. One child might wear a rugby shirt while another wears the coordinating dress. Or put one child in a Mardi Gras polo and another in a button-up while repeating the same Carnival colors.
What to Wear to Mardi Gras When It's Cold
New Orleans Carnival weather can be unpredictable, so layers are especially important for kids.
Start with a long-sleeve Mardi Gras shirt or polo, add a sweatshirt or jacket and finish with a beanie. Closed-toe shoes and warm socks are a smart choice when temperatures drop.
A sequin jacket can also double as the statement layer, while a Mardi Gras beanie keeps the traditional colors visible even after heavier outerwear comes on.
What to Wear to Mardi Gras When It's Warm
For warmer parade days, simplify.
A short-sleeve Mardi Gras polo, rugby shirt or tee with shorts is an easy choice. Dresses can be paired with sneakers, while skorts give kids the look of a skirt with more freedom to move.
The Mardi Gras Creations children's assortment includes both short- and long-sleeve versions of several signature stripe designs, making it easier to adjust the same look for the forecast.
Shop Mardi Gras Outfits for Kids
Kids can get in on the Mardi Gras style just as much as the adults.
Mardi Gras Creations carries children's and infant polos, button-ups, T-shirts, sequin apparel, pullovers, dresses, bottoms, outerwear and accessories, along with signature Mardi Gras stripes offered in sizes from infant to big kids.
Start with the outfit that fits your child's personality. Maybe that is a classic purple, green and gold polo with jeans. Maybe it is a pinstripe button-up and khakis. Maybe it is a sequin jacket, sequin skort and enough sparkle to be visible from the next float.
For Mardi Gras, all three are perfectly acceptable answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mardi Gras Outfits for Kids
What should kids wear to Mardi Gras?
For a parade, start with comfortable clothes, broken-in shoes and weather-appropriate layers. Mardi
Gras polos, rugby shirts, button-ups, dresses and T-shirts are easy options, while sequin jackets, skorts, vests and accessories can add more Carnival personality.
What shoes should kids wear to Mardi Gras?
Comfortable, broken-in sneakers or other supportive closed-toe shoes are generally the easiest choice for long parade days. If rain is expected, Mardi Gras Creations also offers striped rain boots in toddler and youth sizing.
How can I make a simple kids' outfit look festive for Mardi Gras?
Start with jeans, leggings or shorts and add one strong Mardi Gras piece. A striped polo, sequin vest, sequin jacket, colorful beanie or tutu can turn everyday basics into a Carnival outfit.
How can siblings coordinate Mardi Gras outfits without matching exactly?
Choose one shared color palette or pattern rather than identical outfits. For example, one child could wear a purple, green and gold rugby shirt while another wears a coordinating striped dress. This creates a cohesive family look while allowing each child to wear a silhouette they like.
