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12 Pride & Mardi Gras Outfit Ideas We're Totally Loving
17 February 2022
By Kristen Daly
Across the globe from Sydney to San Francisco to Sao Paulo, queer pride event season is shaping up to be major in 2022. We’ve faced many interruptions in recent times, but with so many exciting Mardi Gras or Pride events set to safely go ahead, the vibes, as they say, are strong.
Designed by and for LGBTQIA+ communities, these parades and festivals are a cherished opportunity to celebrate queer love and advocate for a more just world, where a rainbow of sexual and gender identities are fully accepted. They also promote freedom of expression through a kaleidoscope of colour, music, dancing - and incredible outfits!
If you’re attending as an LGBTQIA+ legend, it’s your time to feel free, fabulous and completely yourself. It’s also a chance for respectful allies to honour the spirit of Mardi Gras and Pride. With this intention set you can’t mess up your look; any style or trend is hot, if you’re rocking it. But there are some time-honoured themes to guide you as you outfit plan.
Tried-and-true styles like rainbow colours (ofc), sequins and sparkles and leather and lingerie looks are at the top of our inspo list - along with recent trends including co-ord sets and eclectic textures from mesh to crochet.
Covering new-season apparel, accessories and beauty, here are 12 Pride and Mardi Gras outfit trends we are loving and ideas for how to style them.
The Party Top
If you’re wondering what to wear to Mardi Gras or Pride and don’t know where to start, the party top is destination number one. She’s in her ‘jeans and a nice top’ era, but switch the jeans for a skirt or pants and take the nice top from a 5/10 to a 12/10 - now you’re ready!
This year we’re lusting over plunge-neck glow mesh pieces, and we wanna go bold with gold. The colour of trophies, lavish jewellery and rapper Lil Nas X’s three custom Versace ‘fits at last year’s Met Gala (yep still thinking about it), it’s our favourite party hue right now.
We’re also loving a Hollywood-worthy glam green moment. Think Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet in that silk chiffon jungle-print number (also from Versace - you know the one), or Britney Spears in the jewel-tone green top and booty shorts at the MTV VMAs (yellow snake optional). You may not break the internet like they did but you’ll be drowning in fire emojis.
The Sparkly Dress
We. Are. Obsessed with our Kaylah Glow Mesh Dress - and not just in the original silver hue (which is striking), but this magnificent, multicoloured and iridescent version that reveals flashes of pink, yellow, green and more at every turn. A rainbow dress that serves rainbow but in a new and unexpected way? That’s Pride 2022 baby. We love classic rainbow stripes and logos, but it’s also fun to put a fresh spin on things and this number delivers.
Elsewhere, we can’t get enough of sparkly big-sleeve pieces that make us feel like we’re shimmying on a dancefloor to Donna Summer’s I Feel Love circa 1977. Disco for the win!
The Matching Set
At Showpo we care a lot about two piece and co-ord sets. What’s not to love? It’s an outfit all in one, which is a practical and affordable choice for your Mardi Gras or Pride, and the overall effect is designed for high impact. There are also so many choices this season, from sleek tops and pants in liquid-like sequins and metallics, to trendy rainbow crochet sets.
The dark horse winner, though, might just be our Shawndee two piece set. A silky smoking jacket and matching mini shorts, all in a kaleidoscopic patchwork of florals and artful prints? It’s luxurious, comfortable, all-gender-friendly and very Mardi Gras/Pride.
The Sheer Gear
Showing off skin at Mardi Gras or Pride is a time-honoured tradition! In a frequently very conservative world where non-straight, non-cis and non-binary bodies are still discriminated against, this is a blessing. We adore a classic plunging neckline or cut out, but adding an element of mystery through sheer clothing is also incredibly fun and sexy. This season go for a sheer party mini dress or take up the bra-as-top trend with a lace corset or bodysuit.
The Leather Pants
Another look at the LGBTQIA+ history books reveals a longstanding subculture of BDSM, fetishes and other subversive forms of sexual expression. The most obvious aesthetic nod to this, aside from chains, whips and other tools of kink, is our old friend leather. It’s a Pride look that never fails, especially nowadays with so many faux leather options available.
Just ask cutie Troye Sivan, who donned a tank, faux fur throw and leather-look vinyl pants to Sydney Mardi Gras last year. Brava! This year we’re picking a black PU pair in classic matte, or with that shiny wet-look effect. Add a party top and heels and you’re ready to slay.
The Pink Piece
Girly, a dirty word? Certainly not in the queer community. Lucky for the girlies, then, that there are so many fire looks in pink available this season. Fuschia, bubblegum and classic hot pink are still trending upwards, and they look divine paired with a satin mini dress, halterneck top or corset-and-skirt combo. Or take this power hue to the next level with a well-cut power suit. Add some blue and white, and you’re also repping the trans flag (iconic).
The Mesh Moment
Mesh is best, now and always! Soft mesh fabrics paired with second-skin silhouettes emerged as a huge trend a few years back and they’re not going away anytime soon. It’s a versatile look that shows off your curves while adding a little edge to your vibes.
Styled to perfection in recent times by the cool teens in HBO hit show Euphoria, especially trendsetter Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer, plain or printed mesh tops are our fave - but you can also be a mesh prince or princess in statement pants or sets.
The Hero Heels
Now we couldn’t do a Mardi Gras/Pride outfit list without heels, could we? Reader, we wouldn’t dare. Our standout pair has to be these lace-up lilac heels by Public Desire. Gladiator-style wraparound straps, mesh detailing, a clear front strap and stiletto heel? These are simply sickening. But we’d also go for a pump in a pop colour (think corporate queen vibes) or a trendy strappy number with a slightly-more-practical block heel.
The Practical Shoe
Buuuut if you just can’t imagine walking that parade, standing for hours watching onor strutting around an afterparty in sky-high heels, a more practical boot or platform might be for you. With so many flat(ish) shoes trending right now, there’s no reason for comfy to equal boring. Our #1 pick is a slip-on or lace-up combat boot, preferably with a chunky lug sole. Go for goth vibes with a black look or mix it up with some tie-dye (another trusty Pride trend).
As our love for cinematic masterpiece Brokeback Mountain might demonstrate, we also adore cowboy boots as a queer aesthetic! They’re comfyand fun to wear but will also take that mini dress, playsuit or co-ord set look from meh to magic.
Want your feet to breathe a little? Consider instead one of this season’s biggest footwear trends: the platform shoe. Easy to slip on, and now available in fun shades like lemon yellow and fuschia, it’s perf for stomping around in AND rounding out your ‘fit.
The Statement Belt
Need a final last-minute fix to take your Mardi Gras or Pride look from blah to iconic? Enter: the statement belt. Available in a range of styles, with oversized buckles, diamantes and drop-down chains all common themes, it exists simply to be extra. We’ll take three, please.
The Final Accessories
So you’ve sorted your cute Mardi Gras or Pride outfit, including clothes and footwear. Now you need some frosting! We love an effing huge pair of earrings or similarly sparkly jewellery, plus a statement bag to match. You’ll need that bag to protect a few things, so pick one that looks gorg but also has a sturdy top zip or fastening. And if you’re donning sturdy footwear don’t forget that other must-have accessory - some on-theme but comfy crew socks.
The Beauty Go-Tos
Last but not least - we know you wanna give face and hair this Pride season! Some god or goddess-level makeup may be involved, and it doesn’t hurt to get your bod glowing too (especially if you’re showing off a lot of it). The main rule here is there are no rules. Do your hair or leave it be, go bare faced or use the entire palette - no matter what you’ll be stunning.
We love a luminous shimmer for our eyes, cheeks, torso, legs, etc (we could go on), and a hairstyle to get them all talking. For those of us with long tresses, mermaid waves are still a key trend - and you know they’ll look cute with that party top, sheer dress or statement pant.
That’s it readers - our 12 personal best Mardi Gras and Pride style trends. Now get to your event, have fun and cause a little commotion! <3
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As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:
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Pride and Mardi Gras Events: These events are celebrations of LGBTQIA+ communities and their achievements, as well as an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. They are often marked by parades, festivals, and parties that promote self-expression, diversity, and inclusivity.
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LGBTQIA+: This acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual/Ally. It represents a diverse range of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
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Rainbow Colors: Rainbow colors, symbolizing diversity and inclusivity, are commonly associated with LGBTQIA+ pride. The rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, consists of six colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
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Sequins and Sparkles: Sequins and sparkles are popular elements in pride and Mardi Gras outfits, adding glamour and vibrancy to the attire. They can be incorporated into dresses, tops, skirts, or accessories to create eye-catching looks.
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Leather and Lingerie: Leather and lingerie looks are often embraced during pride and Mardi Gras events. Leather outfits symbolize a connection to the LGBTQIA+ leather subculture, which has a history of embracing alternative expressions of sexuality. Lingerie can be a bold and empowering choice for self-expression.
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Co-ord Sets: Co-ord sets, short for coordinated sets, consist of matching or complementing tops and bottoms. They offer a cohesive and stylish outfit option that requires minimal effort to put together.
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Eclectic Textures: Eclectic textures refer to a mix of different fabric textures and patterns. In the context of pride and Mardi Gras outfits, this can include mesh, crochet, or other unique and eye-catching materials.
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Sheer Clothing: Sheer clothing, made from transparent or semi-transparent fabrics, allows for a playful and sensual look. It can be incorporated into dresses, tops, or bodysuits, adding an element of mystery and sexiness to the outfit.
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Statement Belts: Statement belts with oversized buckles, diamantes, or unique designs can be used to elevate an outfit and add a touch of individuality. They can be worn around the waist to cinch a dress or paired with pants or skirts to create a focal point.
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Hero Heels: Hero heels are standout shoes that make a statement. They can be lace-up, have mesh detailing, or feature unique design elements. Heels are often associated with a sense of empowerment and confidence.
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Practical Shoes: For those who prefer comfort, practical shoes like boots or platforms can be a good alternative. Combat boots with chunky lug soles or cowboy boots can add a touch of edginess to an outfit while providing more support and comfort.
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Beauty Go-Tos: Beauty go-tos for pride and Mardi Gras events include makeup and hair products that allow for creativity and self-expression. Luminous shimmers, bold eyeshadow palettes, and hairstyling tools like wavers can help create a festive and glamorous look.
These are some of the main concepts discussed in the article. If you have any specific questions or need further information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!