Mardi Gras offers the perfect opportunity to revel in luxury without a care in the world. Indulge and celebrate to your heart’s content at this annual celebration. New Orleans is generally considered the “capital” of Mardi Gras celebrations and is home to many of the largest and most exclusive Mardi Gras balls. These events are usually only open to the krewes, but many clubs and local organizations host balls that are open to ticket holders. So, what to wear to Mardi Gras? Try our selection of Mardi Gras dresses below.
If you are lucky enough to attend one of the Mardi Gras balls, you will need to find a dress worth celebrating! Generally, formal attire is required. More is better, so indulge in lots of sequins and bright hues. The customary Mardi Gras colors are green, purple and gold, so those are excellent color options to consider. Gold symbolizes power, purple represents justice, and green stands for faith. Here are several fabulous Mardi Gras dresses in the traditional colors that we think you will love.
Bateau Sequin Lace Gown by Tadashi Shoji
This head-turning gown by Tadashi Shoji shimmers thanks to the beautiful sequins that create an intricate design. The Bateau neckline is exquisite and alluring. The elbow length sleeves are the perfect length for this end of winter ball gown. The gold hue is perfect for Mardi Gras dances and festivities. Purchase this gown at Dillard’s for $548.
Ruffle Silk Organza Dress by Marchesa
This stunning Marchesa evening gown is perfect as a Mardi Gras dresses option. The hue and the wispy trail of feathery ruffles would look perfect with or without a mask at any ball. The luminous silk organza gown is soft and full at the base, which makes it perfect for dancing the evening away. The plunging neckline is dramatic and bold and dips in the back as well. This gorgeous evening gown sells for $3,995 at Nordstrom.
Strapless Draped Tulle Gown by Oscar de la Renta
What to wear to Mardi Gras? Well, this Oscar de la Renta strapless tulle gown just oozes femininity. This beautiful gown is artfully draped in shimmering gold tulle to create a dreamy silhouette. This gown is strapless and sleeveless, giving you the option to cover up with a favorite fur piece. The high-low hem rises slightly in front and cascades into a flowing train in the back. This tulle gown is available at Neiman Marcus for $14,990.
Ruffled Appliqued Gown by Marchesa Notte
Turn every head in the room with this appliqued gown from Marchesa Notte. This colorful design sports the traditional Mardi Gras colors beautifully. The gown is made of iridescent emerald mikado. The fabric is ruffled throughout the skirt to create a dramatic, Mardi Gras ball-worthy, effect. The tulle bodice has been appliqued with beautiful three-dimensional blooms. This gorgeous gown sells for $1295 at Net-a-Porter.
Strapless Ombre Tulle Gown by Pamella Roland
This ombre tulle gown created by Pamella Roland is mysterious and playful, which is perfect for Mardi Gras dresses, whether you are masked or not. The tulle is two-tone with an ombre effect and finished with floral beading. The strapless neckline is in contrast to the full length of the dress. The A-line silhouette is timeless and beautiful. Dance the night away in this floor length evening gown. This piece sells at Neiman Marcus for $6,490.
Any single one of these beautiful Mardi Gras dresses in shades of purple, gold, and green would be perfect to wear to a Mardi Gras ball. So, did you find your answer to what to wear for Mardi Gras? To learn more about how to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, see our story about doing the Mardi Gras Festival in luxury style. You might also get some inspiration from these New Year’s Eve dresses.
