28 Carnival Outfit Ideas
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
I think it’s safe to say that the traditional carnival has loosened its affiliations with religion. Aside from the famous festivities located in Rio and Notting Hill, a good majority of invitees associate the spectacle with traveling circuses, rides, and clowns.
Of course, this doesn’t discredit those who view them as holy events, but most attendees perceive them purely as public celebrations.
Whatever the occasion is, you’re probably in need of a few carnival outfit ideas. It’s a playful event that requires the brightest of clothes, which presents a unique opportunity to finally wear *that* piece in your closet.
Care for some inspiration? If so, I’ll share a few carnival outfit ideas that will make you feel like the life of the party. My top five list may or may not include:
- A Maddy carnival outfit-inspired look
- A Rue carnival outfit-inspired look
- A Rihanna carnival outfit-inspired look
- Carnival theme party outfit ideas
What Makes Up A Carnival Outfit?
The typical carnival outfit consists of a stiff blazer, wool trousers, and a button-up shirt—just kidding. Such an extravagant event calls for a playful assortment of clothing, so I encourage you to let loose and be creative.
Some trendy garments include multi-color crop tops, cheeky denim shorts, fishnet stockings, mini dresses, and silk robes. It’s worth noting that most celebrants opt for colorful makeup to help complete their look.
History Of Carnivals
Carnivals are found in nearly every country across the globe. Consequently, the origin story behind the festivity is often shrouded in mystery. What I do know is that they’re commonly associated with Roman Catholicism.
That said, some historians point to their roots being in ancient Egypt or Greece. In recent years, most carnivals have loosened their ties with religion. These days, they’re more informally known as a ‘traveling amusement park.’
What Are Some Popular Carnival Outfit Ideas?
As previously mentioned, the best carnival outfit ideas rank high in creativity and color.
This isn’t the time to wear neutral tones and traditional silhouettes, since this festivity is all about vibrancy and celebration. If you’re looking to kick things up a notch this year, here are some notable OOTDs for trendsetters to consider.
28 Carnival Outfit Ideas
#1:
Euphoria is full of iconic looks. Naturally, it would be a disservice for me to not include Maddy’s OOTD in my carnival outfit ideas list.
Here, she’s sporting a cute bralette and a pair of high-rise pants with cut-outs on the sides. Sultry in aesthetic, it’s the perfect ensemble to wear if you’re looking to attract potential Nates.
#2:
I’m fully aware that this isn’t what Rue wore in “Shook Ones Pt II,” but it’s definitely a more colorful option compared to her original ensemble in the episode.
Composed of a tie-dye oversized tee, a burgundy hoodie, biker shorts, and a pair of Chuck Taylors, this carnival outfit ideas contender still exudes that celebratory spirit but in a more comfortable way.
#3:
Aside from her music, Rihanna absolutely kills it with fashion. Obviously, not all of her carnival outfit ideas looks are SFW, which is why I recommend this toned–down ensemble.
It features a printed bralette and a matching midi skirt in black and white. The body jewelry is a nice touch, as it helps brighten up the whole OOTD.
#4:
Dyed in pink and orange, this carnival outfit ideas contender is slightly reminiscent of those circus tents you’d find in amusement parks.
It’s definitely suitable for summer, considering its silhouette. Best paired with statement jewelry, this is the OOTD to don if you’re gearing up for a party.
#5:
A solid majority of carnival outfit ideas are quite revealing in nature. If you’d prefer something more conservative, I recommend this playful ensemble.
Featuring a yellow button-down top, paisley-print pants, and a cute pink handbag, it’s a great example of modest partywear.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Carnival Outfits
As you’ve probably already noticed, most carnival outfit ideas are highly experimental.
Trendsetters work hard to differentiate themselves from the crowd, which results in unusual color combinations and avant-garde silhouettes. If you’re not blessed with styling prowess, here are share some fashion tips to avoid.
- Costumes: If you’re an attendee, I recommend sticking to casual outfits instead of literal carnival costumes. Trust me, you don’t want to be confused with a cast member.
- Neutral tones: This isn’t the time to wear solid beige, black, and white. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace color.
- Stilettos: When it comes to carnivals, chances are that you’ll be walking around a lot. So, I recommend swapping your heels for a comfy pair of sneakers instead.
Best Places to Buy Carnival Outfits
Before this carnival outfit ideas guide comes to a close, I’d like to leave my readers with a few store recommendations.
- House of Sunny
- Dolls Kill
- Nasty Gal
- Moda Operandi
Final Thoughts
Carnivals offer a unique opportunity to discard your everyday wardrobe. It’s time to swap your beiges, blacks, and whites for bright pinks, oranges, and blues.
If the outfit you’ve put together is outside of your comfort zone, then you’re definitely doing something right.
From Euphoria-inspired ensembles to full-coverage alternatives, here’s to hoping that you’ve gathered enough Carnival outfit ideas to last you through summer.
Looking for more outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered:
