Mardi Gras season has arrived once again, and who doesn’t want to look their best at the numerous masquerade balls, parades and parties that lead up to Fat Tuesday? Dressing up for Mardi Gras is a tradition, and can be as simple as donning the purple, gold and green colors that represent it, or as elaborate as wearing ornate costumes and masks. For those attending some of the more fancy masquerade balls, dressing up in elegant ballroom gowns and tuxedos is part of the dress code.

Every year, Mardi Gras falls on a different day, but always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is 46 days before Easter. Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras marks the final day of the Carnival season, and is a time for celebrations and indulgences before the start of Lent. http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/mgdates.html Carnival begins each year on January 6, known also as the twelfth Night, occurring exactly 12 days after Christmas. Many people have come to refer to Carnival as Mardi Gras season, which marks the start of parades, balls and parties in cities like New Orleans, Rio de Janiero, Memphis, Tennessee and Mobile, Alabama.

If you want the inside scoop on how to dress for Mardi Gras, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information so you can look your best, whether in costume, hiding behind a mask, or simply dressing up in gold, purple, and green.

Dressing up for Mardi Gras can be a fun and creative adventure, especially if you decide to wear a costume. Mardi Gras costumes can be simple or elaborate, and may represent ancient characters or more modern personalities and themes. Costumes can be purchased online, or at costume shops or Mardi Gras stores in cities like New Orleans or Memphis. To save money, you can even rent costumes, or make your own. See mahalo's guide on how to make Mardi Gras costumes for more detailed information. Popular Mardi Gras costumes to consider include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Pirate or Pirate Wench
2. King of Hearts
3. Jester
4. Harlequin Clown
5. Devil
6. Peacock
7. Cat
8. Fairy
9. Voodoo Priest
10. Voodoo Priestess
11. Mardi Gras King
12. Mardi Gras Queen
13. Parrot
14. Marie Antoinette
15. Buccaneer
16. Greek Goddess
17. Nordic Viking

Many parade and party goers opt to add accessories to their costumes that lend a distinct Mardi Gras feel. These include hats, wigs, capes, glasses, fake eyelashes, etc.http://www.costumzee.com/tag/mardi+gras/ Some people even dress in fun costumes that are not necessarily traditional Mardi Gras fare. Among these are assorted fruits, animals, superheroes, musicians, historic figures, fantasy characters, etc. In fact, during Mardi Gras, most costumes are welcome. The more elaborate and colorful, the better!

For those that prefer not to spend the money on costumes, or take the time to make your own, Mardi Gras masks are a great substitute. In fact, Mardi Gras masks have been around for centuries, originating with secret organizations made up of carnival crews and the upper class. The idea was to remain anonymous, stirring up an air of mystery.http://www.mardigrasday.com/mardigras/mask.php Today, masks remain a quick and easy way to show your festive spirit, while at the same time tapping into your creativity, letting your alter ego run free.

• There are numerous places to purchase masks, including online, at Mardi Gras stores, costume shops or craft stores. Masks come in all varieties, including plastic, paper mache, and cardboard. You can purchase elaborate masks with ornate decorations, including feathers, beads, sequins, glitter, fancy ribbons and lace, or masks with popular Mardi Gras characters or themes. Masks may be attached with string, or held in place by a stick. Popular Mardi Gras masks may include, but are not limited to:

1. Jesters
2. Cats
3. Zebras
4. Butterflies
5. Tigers
6. Devils
7. Long-nosed masks

• If you would prefer to save money, you may want to make your own Mardi Gras masks. See Mahalo's guide on how to make Mardi Gras masks for additional information.

Not everyone likes to dress in costumes or hide behind masks at Mardi Gras, but that does not mean you cannot show your festive spirit. In fact, if you are looking for a cost effective way to attend Mardi Gras, while still keeping up with Carnival traditions, you can simply dress up in the staple Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green. Why these colors? They represent the spirit of the season. Purple represents justice, gold represents power, and green represents faith.http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/mgcolors.html

• Women
• Women can wear a variety of outfits that show off the three colors of Mardi Gras by wearing gowns, simple dresses, skirts and blouses, or pants suits. Add purple hose, stockings, or shoes. Other options include fancy Mardi Gras hats and gloves

• Men
• Men searching for the perfect purple, gold, and green attire can rent or purchase tuxedos, with a matching tie. If you have a date, you can even coordinate. Top hats make for a great accessory. Additional options include jackets, a nice dress shirt, and slacks.

• Adding purple, gold, or green Mardi Gras beads to your ensemble will also give you a festive flair, especially the rest of your outfit is not color appropriate. Like St. Patrick's Day, the idea is to show you are in the Mardi Gras spirit by at least making an attempt to participate in the tradition.