Ideas for a Costume for a Mardi Gras Masquerade Party
Mardi Gras is a time set your wild side free. Costumes are as ubiquitous during the celebration as they are during Halloween. The costumes are typically flamboyant and brightly colored with lots of embellishments such as feathers, baubles, jewelry, beads and masks. While Mardi Gras costumes can be anything your imagination conjures up, there are some that tend to show up year after year. Does this Spark an idea?
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French Revolution Costume
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French Revolution costumes are common at Mardi Gras because of New Orleans' French heritage. For the men, you'll need long trousers called pantaloons or knee-high breeches. Add a long cut-away coat that has a high waist, narrow tail and high collar. Wear a white shirt and vest. The hat will complete the costume. Use a black felt hat turned up in front. It can feature lots of ornaments, like a tricolor cockade. For women, ornate gowns with puffed sleeves, low-cut neck and lots of lace will do the trick.
Jester
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The jester is a common costume for Mardi Gras. The outfit should be bright and gaudy. You'll require the classic floppy three-pointed hat, known as the "fool's hat", which was originally created to resemble the ears and tails of a jackass. The points should be adorned with jingle bells. The breeches should be tight with each leg a different color. Felt shoes with curled-toes also adorned with bells add to the fun. Complete the costume by carrying a scepter.
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Royal Regalia
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Mardi Gras celebrations are filled with kings and queens. Kings wore bright velvet coats or robes trimmed in fur, lacy shirts and long black pants. The crown is the crowning touch. Add a scepter to round things out. For the queen, wear a long, ornate gown--the more colorful the better--with lots of jewelry. A high powdered wig and tiara will send a royal message.
Pirate and Pirate Wench
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Wear a classic pirate hat: felt, turned up in front, with a skull-and-crossbones logo on the front. Don a striped shirt and dark breeches that go to the knee with a big, ornate buckle. Of course, don't forget the requisite eye patch and a play sword for proper swashbuckling. Wenches can wear long, gauzy ragged dresses and puffy blouses with a kerchief tied around the head.
Mad Hatter
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The Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland" commonly makes an appearance at Mardi Gras. First and foremost, you'll need the iconic Mad Hatter hat. The tall brimmed hat should have a band so you slide in a patch that indicates the size, such as "In this size, 10/6." The outfit is completed with a brightly colored wig, waistcoat and ornate, over-sized bow tie.
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References
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