ANATOMY OF A MARDI GRAS COSTUME
Although Mardi Gras is different this year, it's nice to see people still dressing up in festive ways, even if it's just to go to the grocery store or a local coffee shop. Some people are wearing their costumes from the parades they were supposed to march in, some are decorating themselves in traditional colors and beads, some just wearing fun, flamboyant things that just scream Carnival, keeping the spirit of Mardi Gras alive. In a way, our costumes are all we have to hold on to this year—and the House Floats too.
There are so many amazing things about Mardi Gras, one of them being—costumes. It's almost like we get a second Halloween but better (and less spooky). The creativity and thought put into Mardi Gras costumes are unbelievable and most of the time, they are handmade by the person wearing them. Every costume is unique, but there are some things that are usually part of a good Mardi Gras costume.
1 - A color palette or general theme
The people of New Orleans start planning their Mardi Gras costumes early, so a lot of thought goes into how we're going to dress. Sometimes costumes are based on the Krewe you're in and the theme of its parade or possibly a theme party you're going to, but if that's not the case it's best to start with something general like a color palette or general theme. Obviously, purple, gold, and green (traditional Mardi Gras colors) are always acceptable, but often you see costumes that have a certain color scheme. It's also common to see mythical creatures, unicorns, pirates, fruits, royalty, and satirical costumes.
2 - Layered pieces
The weather is so unpredictable during Mardi Gras, sometimes it's cold and rainy, other years it's been balmy and warm. Dressing in layers not only adds interest to our costumes but helps in unpredictable weather. You'll see people wearing everything from leggings, onesies, tutus, fabulous bondage wear and lingerie, tank tops, shirts, dresses—and if you're the daring type, there's always the surprise pair of pasties underneath it all.
3 - Comfortable shoes
These are a MUST! Mardi Gras is a walking holiday. You're either walking in a parade, on your feet on a float, standing up watching the parades, running around from place to place walking through mud and a mess of confetti and abandoned beads, it's hard to get anywhere with a vehicle since most of the main streets are closed. You'll see lots of rain boots, sneakers, and flats with fabulous costumes.
4 - Headdresses/Wigs
There are artists here in New Orleans who devote their careers to making Mardi Gras headdresses and wigs. The bigger, the better, and almost always custom made. The headdresses are elaborate and are the crowning detail to any Mardi Gras outfit. The closer you look, the more detailed they become, usually made with clever, crafty things. Wigs are also very common to see, in fun, bright, crazy colors. Shops like Fifi Mahoney's have amazing wigs that Tess, Nicki and so many others in the city love to wear.
5 - A Mask
The quintessential Mardi Gras costume piece. Float riders are required to wear masks by law! There's an entire history about Mardi Gras masks and you will see them all over the place during the season. You can get Mardi Gras masks almost anywhere in the French Quarter, from tourist shops to specialized mask shops. Plastic masks, paper masks, leather masks, masks made from makeup, you will never go wrong wearing a mask during Mardi Gras.
6 - A Fanny Pack
Mardi Gras gets messy, things get lost, and you really want your hands free for catching throws & beads, taking pictures, eating food, and dancing around. A great local's secret is to wear a fanny pack instead of lugging your purse around. You'll even see the men wearing some kind of pack on them in the form of holster bags and underarm wallets. It's a smart way to keep your keys, cash, ID,l and other things you'll need during the day with you without worrying about losing them.
7 - Important Beads
We do not keep EVERY bead necklace we catch. Often they end up being donated to bead repurposing groups around the city in heaping bags. But, "important beads" are any neckwear made by a Krewe that signifies their place in the current year's Mardi Gras. Many times, these beads are of heavier, better quality beads and usually have a large charm or emblem with the name of the Krewe and the year. Glass beads are also very special and very hard to find. So if you have them, it's nice to wear them with your costume.
8 - An umbrella/parasol
Unpredictable weather and just an overall Southern touch, are both great reasons to bring at least a cheap, retractable umbrella with you to either hide from the rain or block out the sun—it really can go either way. Plus, it's very common to see parasols popping up during a second line as a symbol of flair and flamboyance.
9 - Glitter
It doesn't matter your age, your sex, your costume, or even your Mardi Gras plans, if you aren't wearing glitter, you ain't doing it right. EVERYONE, absolutely everyone, wears glitter. A little dash at the top of the check, or slathered on to bare shoulders and chests, we love our glitter and the sense of whimsy it gives us on Mardi Gras. Elektra Cosmetics has become the signature glitter of every New Orleanian.
10 - A Drink in Hand
Normally, we're allowed to take drinks with us wherever we go, and it's always best in a "coozie." With our fanny packs giving us free hands for the day, we're able to carry around our cans, plastic go-cups, and packs of wine with us wherever we go.
