New Orleans Halloween Costume Ideas

New Orleans Halloween Costume Ideas thumbnail
Historic New Orleans offers numerous ideas for Halloween costumes.

Halloween is the time to let your hair down and dress up as whatever, or whomever, you choose. This Halloween, take your cue from the city of New Orleans. Rich in history and full of color and verve, New Orleans presents several possible themes for interesting costumes at your next party.

  1. French

    • The French played a big part in the history of New Orleans, and their influence is still felt across the city -- particularly in the French Quarter. Women may want to choose a French maid costume with stockings, a short skirt, frilly apron and a feather duster as a prop. Men can go for tight-fitting black pants, a horizontally striped shirt, a beret and a scarf tied jauntily at the neck. A moustache completes this look, as does a palette and paintbrush.

    Mardi Gras

    • When people think of New Orleans, they inevitably think of Mardi Gras. Choose a costume that represents the biggest party of the year. Masks, feathers, glitz and glitter are a must for this costume. Accumulate plenty of beads to wear around your neck, just like during real Mardi Gras. Choose a harlequin costume with black and white diamonds and lots of red accents, or come as a court jester in a mutli-colored outfit. No matter what your costume, the more theatrical, the better, for Mardi Gras.

    Voodoo

    • New Orleans has always had a connection to voodoo, so it's only natural to dress up as a voodoo priest or priestess -- particularly Marie Laveau, the most famous voodoo queen of all. Women may choose a white, off-the-shoulder peasant blouse; colorful head wrap; and a brightly-colored, long skirt. Big hoop earrings, lots of gold jewelry and a gris-gris pouch to hold charms and potions, worn around the neck, are must-have accents. Or come as a zombie, raised from the dead by a talented voodoo priest or priestess.

    Historic

    • New Orleans is the pinnacle of Southern history. Slavery, plantations and pirates all played a part in this city's beginnings. Women may choose to come as a southern belle, complete with a hoop skirt and parasol; or dress as the madams who plied their trade in certain parts of town -- choose a velvet gown, heavy makeup and lots of jewelry to tempt the men to your house of ill repute. Men may want to come as pirates or swashbucklers, both important in this port city, or consider dressing as the evil fictional character, Simon Legree -- the ruthless slave master from the novel said to inspire the Civil War, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Make a Voodoo Doll Costume

    Most people are familiar with the infamous voodoo doll used in a number of horror films over the years. The shaman or...

  • How to Experience Halloween in New Orleans

    Some locals in New Orleans have called Halloween their "second Mardi Gras." Halloween is a big attention getter, not only to locals...

  • Southern Belle Beauty Tips

    When it comes to beauty, Southern belles may be considered masters of glamour and style. In the South, the standards of attractiveness...

  • What to Wear to a New Orleans Theme Party

    While costumes of any color combination are welcome at a festive Mardi Gras party, purple, green and gold are the traditional colors....

  • How to Take a Vampire Tour in New Orleans

    So you are a vampire enthusiast. Perhaps you have garlic in your purse and holy water in your back pocket. Whether you...

  • Adult Mardi Gras Costume Ideas

    Adult Mardi Gras Costume Ideas. A Mardi Gras parade, ball or party provides an unparalleled opportunity for wild and fantastical costuming. Every...

  • New Orleans Voodoo Wax Museums

    New Orleans Voodoo Wax Museums. One of the oldest cities in America, New Orleans possesses a history and culture rich in French,...

  • Walking Tours in Historic New Orleans

    Walking Tours in Historic New Orleans. You can explore New Orleans' historic French Quarter, Garden District and their surroundings through a variety...

  • New Orleans Bayou Party Theme Ideas

    New Orleans and the Southern Louisiana bayous provide a rich variety of culturally inspired party themes. To host the perfect New Orleans...

  • How to Learn Real Voodoo

    Voodoo is more than chants, zombies and spells. According to Johanne Delira, a fourth generation Voodoo Priestess and author of "The Voodoo...

  • What to Wear on the Carnival Fantasy Out of New Orleans

    Your Carnival Fantasy cruise date is fast approaching and you are wondering what to pack for your fun-filled days and nights. Casual...

  • How to Make Victoria Doll Hats

    Queen Victoria of England wore many types of headgear, including a miniature crown she had custom made. In her later years, she...

  • Why Are Masks Worn on Mardi Gras?

    Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and excess before Lent, the Catholic period of abstinence and penitence, and it has been...

  • New Orleans Patio Ideas

    New Orleans Patio Ideas. An outdoor patio is a must-have in New Orleans because of its high temperatures and humidity levels. The...

  • How to Make a Voodoo Doll Keychain

    The Voodoo religion's origins come from West African religious traditions. The word "voodoo" means "god, spirit or sacred object." Practitioners believe that...

  • Bachelor Party Ideas in New Orleans

    Bachelor parties are a great way for all your male friends to bond and have lots of fun before you settle down...

  • Mardi Gras Prom Themes

    Mardi Gras prom themes capture the essence of jazz and New Orleans's famed annual party. Prom is the last senior-year school event...

  • How to Roleplay a Southern Belle

    If you have to role play a southern belle, either for a part in a play or even if you're just dressing...

  • French Maid Costume Ideas

    The French maid costume is based on the common 19th century uniform of female servants. Over time it has become the stereotypical...

Related Ads

Featured