What are the traditional Mardi Gras colors and meanings?

The traditional colors are purple (representing justice), green (representing faith), and gold (representing power).

How do I dress for a Mardi Gras parade?

Opt for comfortable layers in purple, green, and gold, topped with plenty of bead necklaces, a festive mask, and comfortable walking shoes.

Can I make a DIY Mardi Gras costume?

Yes, you can easily create a DIY look by wearing neutral clothes and adding a handmade feather mask, DIY tulle tutu, and layered bead necklaces.

AI-generated example

Mardi Gras Costumes

Celebrate Fat Tuesday in vibrant purple, green, and gold style.

Mardi Gras costumes are all about celebrating Fat Tuesday with high-energy colors, feathers, and mystery. Traditional outfits center around the official carnival colors of purple, green, and gold, representing justice, faith, and power. Whether you want to dress as a classic court jester, wear an elegant masquerade mask, or pile on metallic beads, these festive looks are perfect for parades and parties.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $20–75

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40 Mardi Gras costume ideas

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What you need for a Mardi Gras Costumes costume

Sequin Jacket or Vest
A blazer or vest covered in shiny purple, green, or gold sequins.
DIY: Fabric glue gold sequins onto an old green or purple blazer.
Amazon
Masquerade Mask
An ornate eye mask decorated with feathers, sequins, and metallic trim in carnival colors.
DIY: Decorate a plain plastic craft mask with purple and green feathers and gold glitter.
Amazon
Metallic Bead Necklaces
Multiple strands of shiny plastic beads in purple, green, and gold.
Amazon
Tutu or Metallic Leggings
A layered tulle tutu or shiny spandex leggings in purple, green, or gold.
DIY: Tie strips of purple, green, and gold tulle around an elastic waistband.
Amazon
Feather Boa
A fluffy feather boa in one or more of the traditional carnival colors.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Choose a base layer of solid black or white clothing, or go bold with a metallic gold shirt or leggings.
2
Layer on your primary statement piece, such as a sequined jacket, vest, or colorful tutu.
3
Drape multiple strands of purple, green, and gold metallic bead necklaces around your neck.
4
Secure your masquerade mask using its elastic band or ribbon ties, ensuring it sits comfortably over your eyes.
5
Drape a colorful feather boa over your shoulders or wrap it loosely around your arms.
6
Add optional festive accessories like a jester hat, glitter top hat, or colorful face paint.

Makeup & hair

Apply vibrant purple and green eyeshadow with gold glitter accents around the temples and cheekbones. Keep hair styled in voluminous curls or use temporary color sprays in purple or gold.

Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes if you are attending a parade, as you will be on your feet for hours.
Secure your mask tightly or choose a handheld stick mask if you wear glasses or find elastic uncomfortable.
Layer your clothing underneath if celebrating in colder climates, as February weather can be unpredictable.

Mardi Gras Costumes costume FAQ

What are the traditional Mardi Gras colors and meanings?: The traditional colors are purple (representing justice), green (representing faith), and gold (representing power).
How do I dress for a Mardi Gras parade?: Opt for comfortable layers in purple, green, and gold, topped with plenty of bead necklaces, a festive mask, and comfortable walking shoes.
Can I make a DIY Mardi Gras costume?: Yes, you can easily create a DIY look by wearing neutral clothes and adding a handmade feather mask, DIY tulle tutu, and layered bead necklaces.

Did you know? The official colors of Mardi Gras—purple, green, and gold—were established in 1872 by the Rex Organization during their inaugural parade in New Orleans.