What’s purple, green, and gold all over? Mardi Gras and every Emory girls’ profile picture. This past weekend students got the chance to trade the usual Maggie’s attire in for basically anything they wanted for the free-for-all known as Mardi Gras. With my first Mardi Gras experience under my belt, I have been dying to assess the fashion choices seen at this annual event.
KEY POINTS:
COLOR THEME: Way back before Emory students made the trek to NOLA, the King of Carnival, Rex, selected the Carnival’s official colors to be purple, green and gold. These are not colors people normally have in their wardrobe, or at least I didn’t. Sticking to the color theme adds to the spirit, so the majority of Mardi-goers dressed in theme. This included crop tops, leotards, tights, leggings, jean shorts, headbands, sunglasses, suits and everything in between. Lots of tutus made an appearance because when else is it appropriate to whip out a tutu?
FANNY PACKS: Fanny packs are the future. You heard it here. Seriously, I think everyone would have lost everything they own if not for these saviors. Though normally reserved for grandparents, fanny packs have emerged as a necessity for concerts and festivals alike. Mardi Gras is another no judgment zone for fannies to come out to play. #fannies4ever
AMERICAN APPAREL: I’d like to thank American Apparel; without you, this weekend would not be possible. At one point I actually forgot I was on Bourbon Street and thought I was back home in the Westchester Mall. All kidding aside, the metallic leggings offered in every color were perfect for this occasion in addition to the zip ups hoodies for the chilly nights. Metallic leotards were also frequently spotted as a more revealing option that switched it up from the classic legging-tank combo. Oh, and they also sell fanny packs. American Apparel makes for a one-stop Mardi shopping excursion, but doesn’t allow for much diversity when everyone ends up buying the same few items…
RANDOM: Some opted the random route, and since Mardi is a free-for-all, really anything goes. For example, instead of solid colored leggings some went with ones with crazy patterns. Shirts with tie-dye, funny sayings, and even fringe made an appearance. Though this option wasn’t as in spirit with Mardi colors it definitely was more fun and added that zsa zsa zsu that me and Carrie Bradshaw were both looking for.
BEADS: Thank God for a tradition that comes with an accessory. Whether you earned your beads or not, these plastic babies took all outfits from 0-100 real quick. If you got ones with plastic private parts you’re the real MVP. Still, the normal colored ones stacked up nicely to add the final touch to an already fun outfit.
Count me in for next year- BRB gotta start planning my outfits.