The Mardi-Gras Fashion Edit
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Mardi Gras Style: Masks, Beads, Skulls & That “Fat Tuesday” Energy
Mardi Gras isn’t just a party. It’s a whole mood: bold color, dramatic sparkle, and stories woven into every bead, mask, and symbol. If you’re planning early, you’re not “extra.” You’re prepared. There’s a difference.
Below are a few statement pieces inspired by the pageantry of Mardi Gras, plus the little bits of history and meaning that make the sparkle hit harder.
Mardi Gras Mask Bead Sequin New Orleans Earrings
October may seem a little early to start planning Mardi Gras costumes, but not in Italy. In Venice, the revelers of La Serenissima used to count down to October 5, the first day they were allowed to wear masks in the run-up to Carnevale.
They wore masks for months. It was freedom, anonymity, and flirtation rolled into one. A mask wasn’t just decoration, it was permission to become someone else for a while.
These earrings bring that same theatrical spirit to New Orleans style: bold beadwork, sequins, and pure celebration energy.
Mardi Gras Sugar Skull Embroidered Earrings
Traditionally, sugar skulls are created as ornamental gifts for children and family members during Día de los Muertos, but in New Orleans they’ve also become a popular symbol for Mardi Gras (and Halloween).
Unlike the spooky, grim skull imagery tied to fear, these bright skulls are a celebration of life and remembrance, a reminder that joy and legacy can exist at the same time.
Mardi Gras Multi Layered Seed Beaded Long Necklace
Mardi Gras beads aren’t just “pretty parade souvenirs.” They’re one of the most iconic symbols of the celebration, and they carry real meaning behind the sparkle.
Symbolism of Joy:
Beads represent the peak Mardi Gras spirit: bold, playful, and unapologetically festive.
The tradition of tossing beads helps spread the celebration from float riders to the crowd, turning everyone into part of the show.
Lucky Beads:
Many people treat beads like good luck charms. Catch a strand tossed from a float, and you’re “supposed” to get a year of good fortune.
That’s why people go full competitive goblin mode during parades.
Association with Mardi Gras Krewes:
Many bead designs connect back to specific krewes (the social clubs behind the parades).
Collecting different strands becomes a wearable scrapbook of who you saw, where you were, and what you caught.
Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Text Beaded Earrings
Mardi Gras is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), marking the close of the pre-Lenten season.
The name literally means “Fat Tuesday”, tied to the tradition of using up rich foods (like fats and sweets) before Lent’s fasting and abstinence begins.
Translation: one last glorious, glittery hurrah. And honestly, if you’re going to commit to a theme, this is the one.
Want to style these for a full look? Go bold: saturated jewel tones, metallic accents, and one statement piece that does all the talking.