A Texan’s Guide to Mardi Gras Attire

A Texan's Guide to Mardi Gras Attire // photo courtesy Dallas Vintage Shop

Many Texans aren’t very familiar with Mardi Gras, other than the occasional coworker who brings a king cake to work. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French, and marks a season of overindulging before the ritual of fasting during Lent. Celebrations typically start way before Fat Tuesday, which falls on Feb. 25 this year, as people are always looking for a reason to throw another party.

Dressing up for Mardi Gras season is all about fun and flare, with purples, greens and golds running rampant. Although it’s widely celebrated in New Orleans, we Texans have added our own style. North Texans can travel to Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans and Shreveport/Bossier to celebrate, or find a party here in our own backyard.

This is where Dallas Vintage Shop comes in clutch. Owner Jerry Purvis and his team have been outfitting partygoers for the most upscale and the wildest social events since 2000. Here is our guide to Mardi Gras costumes you can concoct at Dallas Vintage Shop, whether you are attending a formal event or something a little more wild.

Formal Mardi Gras event costumes // photos courtesy Dallas Vintage Shop
Formal Mardi Gras event costumes // photos courtesy Dallas Vintage Shop

Formal Mardi Gras Events

Mardi Gras balls began in the 1700s and by the end of the 1800s, had found their way to Texas. When attending a ball or other formal event, a black-tie tux and gown is most appropriate, paired with an elaborate masquerade mask. If you want to step it up, you could consider dressing in one of the three main colors of the season: purple representing justice, green standing for faith and gold signifying power.

Mardi Gras parade costumes
Mardi Gras parade costumes

Mardi Gras Parades

Parade attendees can really go for “wow” factor here: Jesters, showgirls, royalty, voodoo queens and devils are all acceptable costumes. We’re talking sequins and metallic cloaks, feathered robes and capes, tinsel wings, giant hats, flamboyant sportcoats, colorful vests and ties, bold beads and crazy glasses. You get the picture – the bigger and bolder, the better.

Mardi Gras bar scene costumes
Mardi Gras bar scene costumes

Mardi Gras Bar Scene

Bar scene and pub crawl outfits can be a little sexy, corny or even cheesy. Add some beads, a mask, a brightly colored hat and vest and you’re good to go. At some events, the best outfits may be rewarded with monetary prizes, so really go for it.

Mardi Gras private parties costumes
Mardi Gras private parties costumes

Mardi Gras Private Parties

This year, the Roaring Twenties will be a big party theme, and that means fringey, beaded and fancy flapper dresses. Dallas Vintage Shop is well stocked in these, as well as flapper headbands, gloves, wraps, broaches, plus suits, fedoras, top hats, vests, ties and even shoes in purple, green and gold.

Whether this is your first time dressing up for the season or you’ve been celebrating for years, Mardi Gras is always a time to dress up and have fun. Dallas Vintage Shop can help you find fresh ideas or help you refresh your old costumes for whichever way you choose to celebrate.

Dallas Vintage Shop >

 

Dallas Vintage Shop
1855 N Central Expy
Plano, TX 75075

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