Imagine strolling through a vibrant carnival, surrounded by the sights and sounds of artistic expression. But what do you wear to make your presence felt? Let’s get inspired! When it comes to choosing an outfit for this festive occasion, personal style is key. So, let’s dive into some practical tips and ideas to help you find the perfect ensemble that reflects your unique flair.
From classic summer carnivals to street festivals and music extravaganzas, themed celebrations and cultural events, we’ll explore the many facets of carnival fashion. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make a statement!
Guide to Choose Carnival Outfits
When embracing the vibrant atmosphere of carnivals, it’s essential to choose an outfit that reflects your personality. While there’s no strict dress code, dressing in bold and bright colors can help you get into the spirit. Just be sure to prioritize comfort – you don’t want any restrictive clothing holding you back from fully experiencing the excitement.
Consider mixing and matching different fabrics like metallic, sequins, or feathers for a statement piece, or opt for softer options like jersey, cotton, or cashmere for a more relaxed look. For those looking to get creative with DIY costumes, materials like brocade, faux leather, and neoprene can be great for building structure. Patterns are also an excellent way to add visual interest – think polka dots, stripes, paisley, florals, or even mismatched prints for a playful touch.
What to Wear to a Carnival?
When it comes to carnival fashion, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the key is to find an outfit that reflects your unique personality and style. Here are some popular carnival looks that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Summer Carnivals
At carnival events, comfort and practicality are key when it comes to choosing your outfit. This is especially true for large-scale carnivals that often take place in hot or warm weather. To ensure you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day, consider wearing outfits with maximum movement space, light fabric, and breathable materials.
Here are some inspiration-filled options:Classic Denim Shorts-and-tee Combo: A timeless favorite that works well on any body type, denim shorts paired with a graphic tee is an easy and practical choice for carnival attire. Add some flair with rhinestone belt, chunky hoop earrings, and stylish glasses. Summer Dresses with Small Prints: When choosing your dress, prioritize weather-friendly fabrics such as lightweight cotton or silk.
Opt for dresses with small prints like floral, splash patterns, or polka dots and pair them with minimal jewelry and small earrings. Don’t forget to wear skin-colored shorts underneath your dress for added protection against windy conditions. Skirt and Blouse: A flowy maxi skirt paired with a fitted blouse or a ruffle mini skirt with a long blouse creates a chic and comfortable outfit perfect for a date night at the carnival.
Add statement necklaces, colorful bracelets, bangles, flower crowns, headbands, hair clips with feathers, and bags to elevate your look. A Bright-Colored Romper: A romper is an excellent choice when you know you’ll be indulging in multiple carnival rides. Its practical design ensures it won’t fly up or become uncomfortable during the day. Accessorize with a contrasting-colored belt, oversized sunglasses, and flats for a stylish yet functional look.
Floral Jumpsuit for Day Time: A light-colored jumpsuit is an excellent daytime option for carnival attire. Funky yet light colors like yellow, blue, and pink are always refreshing choices. You can also opt for a monochrome look to stand out from the crowd. For inspiration, take cues from fashion influencers like Chiara Ferragni.
Street Carnivals
Pair a vertically striped blouse with wide-legged trousers for a chic and versatile outfit that flatters all body types. While other patterns like chevrons or paisley motifs can also work well, opt for smaller prints or widely spaced motifs on your tops to create a balanced look.
To complete the ensemble, choose from an array of footwear options such as wedges, pumps, strappy sandals, or kitten heels. For added flair, pair with accessories like a matching cross-body purse and long earrings.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to accentuate your curves, consider pairing a dark-colored top with brighter trousers – this trick is especially effective for those with curvy figures.
Music Carnivals
If you’re looking for an artistic and creative style, a bohemian-inspired outfit can be the perfect way to express yourself. By incorporating elements from different cultures, you can curate a unique look that reflects your personality. One great combination is pairing a bold, boho-inspired top with flared pants. The key to pulling off this look is adding statement accessories like layered necklaces, a belt, and a headpiece.
This not only adds visual interest but also gives the outfit a touch of whimsy. For a more laid-back vibe, consider swapping out the headpiece for a pair of trendy sunglasses. If you want to take it up a notch, try layering a thermal shirt or tee under your top for added depth and texture. To complete the look, add some effortless glamour with a clutch or small crossbody bag and keep jewelry simple with tassel earrings.
Themed Carnivals
As the world gears up for various spring racing carnivals, one aspect that unites them all is the stylish attire worn by women. To make a statement, consider pairing contrasting colors like black-and-white dresses or monochrome outfits. You can also add visual interest with dresses featuring pockets, patterns, or intricate details. When it comes to accessories, fascinators adorned with feathers, flowers, or embellishments are perfect for adding a touch of glamour.
Alternatively, opt for wide-brimmed hats or net headbands for a more understated look. For inspiration, take a cue from the Melbourne horse-racing carnival’s stylish attendees, such as Nicole. Similarly, when it comes to Carnival Cruise, the focus should be on flowy, comfortable outfits that can withstand the windy atmosphere. Jumpsuits, flowy skirts and tops, capri pants with sleeveless blouses, and cocktail dresses are all great options.
However, a flowy maxi dress with floral prints or a monochrome maxi is particularly well-suited for the occasion. Remember to avoid fitted dresses in favor of more relaxed, flowy silhouettes that can keep up with the wind.
Famous Cultural Carnivals and Outfits to Wear
Stepping away from general carnival attire, let’s dive into some style inspiration that’s specifically designed to make a statement at some of the most renowned carnivals around the globe. From vibrant colors to intricate designs, these looks are sure to turn heads and capture the essence of each festival’s unique spirit.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival (Brazil)
When it comes to attending a Rio Carnival, you don’t have to dress to the nines in terms of extravagance, but you do want to make a statement. As an observer, you can opt for something more relaxed while still incorporating bright and vibrant colors into your outfit.
The scorching Brazilian weather means that light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are a must-have. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, patterns, and hues to really make your outfit pop.
Some of the most iconic Carnival looks include flowy sundresses, tops paired with flowing skirts, and sleeveless numbers accompanied by flared pants – all in bold, eye-catching colors and patterns. To take things to the next level, add some flair with feathers, furs, sequins, or beads, and don’t forget a few statement accessories like headbands or bandanas.
Mardi Gras (New Orleans, USA)
When it comes to dressing up for New Orleans Carnival, the rule of thumb is that the wilder and more vibrant, the better. You can opt for just about anything as long as it’s bold, bright, and a little bit unconventional. The traditional colors of purple, green, and gold are always a great starting point, each one carrying its own unique significance. To really make your outfit pop, consider adding some statement-making accessories like feathers, sequins, masks, rhinestones, or plenty of glitter.
And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out this stunning example of Carnival style! [Image Source: Instagram]
Notting Hill Carnival (London, UK)
As you join the carnival, infuse your attire with a vibrant fusion of Caribbean flair! Consider mixing and matching pieces that reflect the island vibes, such as flowy sundresses with tropical prints or colors inspired by your favorite Caribbean destinations. For added whimsy, incorporate bold co-ordinates, denim-on-denim outfits, or statement skirts and blouses.
To complete your look, top it off with a pop of personality courtesy of colorful sunglasses, bandanas, hair beads, cornrows, or show-stopping feather headbands.
Venice Carnival (Italy)
When planning a trip to Italy in late January, make sure to experience the iconic Venice Carnival, typically lasting 10 days. To fully immerse yourself in the festivities, consider dressing up in attire reminiscent of the event’s masquerade tradition. A stylish ensemble could include a mask, a one-piece jumpsuit adorned with feathers, high heels, and dark colors such as black and maroon.
For added flair, pair these pieces with sheer tights and gloves to create a sophisticated look that would be perfect for a masquerade ball-themed carnival! If you’re looking for inspiration, take a cue from the stylish celebrities who have rocked all-black ensembles, as showcased in our previous article featuring 25 Celebrities All Black Outfits Styles for Fall.
The Fastnacht or Karneval in Köln (Germany)
As the event unfolds before your eyes, why not let your fashion sense shine through? Choose from an array of vibrant and playful outfits that blend fun patterns like patchwork or stripes. Alternatively, opt for a whimsical dirndl-inspired skirt paired with a floral top – the perfect combination for a carnival-style attire.
If you’re attending with friends, consider dressing up in animal-themed costumes or going all out with a group costume.
For added flair, don’t forget to accessorize with quirky animal ears or hats that pop with color. And if you want to get even more creative, why not draw inspiration from other Halloween costumes? The possibilities are endless!
Make-Up Tips for Carnivals
When it comes to carnivals, bold makeup is acceptable, but be mindful of the overall aesthetic. If your makeup overshadows your outfit, it can become overwhelming. To strike a balance, opt for soft tones like pinks, blues, or natural hues like bronzes and browns. A touch of sparkle can also add flair, but avoid overdoing it.
That being said, there are exceptions to this rule – if you’re attending a themed or cultural carnival, you may want to go all out with your makeup look, as inspired by these easy and stylish eye makeup tutorials.
