Who would’ve guessed that behind New Orleans, little ole St. Louis has the biggest Mardi Gras celebration? Answer: not many people, including me. What is Mardi Gras, you ask? Honestly, I have no idea. You would think after four years of French I could tell you, but no (say “no” with a sassy French accent s’il vous plaît). The even better news about Mardi Gras? The fiesta is also on Valentine’s day so you can show your “assets” to strangers and darty instead of wallowing in your pain of being single. Kidding about the first part – please keep it classy people. In order to make sure you have an incredibly fun, safe and stylish Mardi Gras, here are some useful tips:
1. Don’t forget your U-Pass for when you take the metro downtown. If you don’t have one, well I don’t know how to help you. Go ask someone in the DUC or something. Sry.
2. Buddy system! It’s incredibly easy to get lost downtown and very overwhelming, so make sure you are always with at least one other friend. I got separated from my friends freshman year and ended up crying in a port-a-potty. Don’t do that.
3. Charge yo phone. How else are you going to take Instagram-worthy selfies? (Keep those to a minimum. I only go on Instagram for food pictures, so please don’t waste my time).
4. Don’t die. Kidding, but not. Know your limits. It can be a really long day, so make sure you are properly hydrated and have eaten a good breakfast.
Now for the fun part. What the heck do you wear?
For starters, you should go for clothing that doesn’t show off too much of your “female assets.” Of course it’s tradition to um, flash, for beads, but why not just get some of your own beforehand so you don’t feel the need to pretend you’re on Girls Gone Wild? People also hand out free beads on the streets when you go downtown so you’ll have quite the collection – but actually, all of those accumulated beads hurt your neck. Mardi Gras is no joke everyone.
Mardi Gras color scheme: purple, yellow/gold and green. What do these colors mean? No freaking idea, but I know you should have at least one of these colors on your body.
Wear this Nasty Gal lavender crop top with high-waisted jeans or a skirt. Better yet: you are basically guaranteed to wear it to the next Harry’s night because you’ll look that good in it.
After Party Vintage Kylie Iridescent Crop Top ($45, Nastygal.com)
This designer skirt is perfect for Mardi Gras and is perfect for any type of night out. Yes, the color is a bit aggressive, but it pairs easily with black, white and grey crop tops. Boom. It’s like 5 outfits in one.
T by Alexander Wang Stretch Tech Suiting Pencil Skirt in Orchid ($250, Shopbop.com)
If you’re not feeling a skirt, it’s a good thing colored jeans are still trendy.
Hudson Nico Super Skinny Jeans in Jaded ($175, Shopbop.com)
Leggings are slimming, comfortable and versatile, so why wouldn’t you wear them? The texture and color of these bad boys makes them more than just your average leggings, and the color is perfect for the celebration. Wear them with a grey knit sweater for a casual and festive outfit that you can also wear to class.
Stretch Velvet Legging in Green (on sale for $13, Store.americanapparel.net)
A cross-body bag like this one (or maybe even a fanny pack?) is the way to go. Make sure to pack it with the essentials of oil blotters, lip balm, pass, and cash. It is a big celebration that attracts a lot of people, so always know where your possessions are at all times.
Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Bag in Ultra Violet ($195, Shopbop.com)
Opt for comfortable shoes like these kicks. You can thank me later.
Women’s Nike Blazer Mid Vintage Sneakers in Orewood ($100, JCrew.com)
Don’t forget a jacket. It’s a good idea to bring a rather inexpensive one because the probability of someone spilling on you is high, and it’s still a pretty chilly February. What’s better than a bright purple/blue faux leather jacket? Nothing I tell you. And you’re staying within the prescribed color theme!
Faux Leather Moto Jacket in Royal ($32.80, Forever21.com)
Now is the time to bring out all the crazy costumes and accessories you have stored under your bed. Have fun with it; this is a crazy party after all, so why not go a little nuts?
Adult Mardi Gras Venetian Mask ($22.99, Target.com)
I’ll meet you on Soulard at the funnel cake booth on Saturday (I swear there’s an illegal substance in it because it tastes so good). Happy Mardi Gras!
Article cover image via history.com