Carnival Costumes
There’s Rio Carnival and Carnival of Venice. Both are festivals known for elaborate costumes and celebrations that end on Mardi Gras. But their styles are entirely different. Knowing which one you’re attending is really important when shopping for an outfit. A tropical bird or club-ready outfit isn’t going to work in Venice and medieval garb and gilded masks won’t fly in Rio.
So, you may be wondering how to make a Carnival costume. First, be clear on which Carnival you’re attending. Then, give our Carnival costumes guide a quick look for inspiration! With various exclusive styles to wear as is and accessories to turn simple costumes into Carnival-ready stunners, we’ll help get you set up with a costume that’s perfect for the celebrations!
Rio Carnival Costume Ideas
If you’re celebrating Carnival in Rio or dreaming up a house party with a Rio Carnival theme, the following costume ideas are a must-see! Because even if you’re not joining the parade with a towering crown of feathers or from atop a pair of stilts that give your colorful clown costume an incredible boost, you’ll want to channel the flashy fashion Carnival is known for.
Take the following suggestions for inspiration and pair them with an eye-catching multicolor wig, incredible platform boots, or a set of theatrical wings and you’re in business!
Carnival Outfits
The stunning peacocks with vibrant feathers and sky-high crowns are typically reserved for parade participants. The audience is more likely to be seen in an outfit along the lines of this golden disco jumpsuit. Especially when heading to celebrations outside the parade. After all, Carnival is a party. Disco costumes are made for parties. This one comes with the glitz, glamor, and accessories to make it great for Carnival and more.
Carnival Halloween Costumes
Whether strutting in the parade or channeling that Rio spirit for Halloween, our Carnival collection has you covered. Our exclusive feisty flamingo costume brings sassy style to any event with its hot pink color, sparkling velour fabric, and playful feather peplum. Meanwhile, like so many of our adult styles, its minimalist shape is a great choice for hotter weather and chilly nights where tights add fun and warmth to the look!
Carnival of Venice Costume Ideas
Taking your Carnival cues from Venice instead? Masquerade inspiration is going to be your friend. In fact, that’s the entire look! Elaborate gowns, suits fit for kings, towering powder wigs, and dazzling masks are the only way to go. Luckily, our full selection stretches from storybook king and queen costumes to Victorian ghosts and vampires that work as a starting point just as well!
Check out our brief overview of how you can bring your rococo, steampunk, and plague doctor ideas together with ready-to-wear costumes and accessories available here!
Masquerade Costumes
Venetian Carnival-goers channel the luxurious style of royalty and centuries-past high society with intricately detailed gowns and suits. Our Louis XVI costume offers an easy start. With its shimmer and golden trims, it carries the appropriate glitter. But to elevate the look or complete another French Revolution era costume, a classic Bauta-esque white mask or half-mask similar to Colombina mask is a must!
Venice Masks
We’ve already hit on the topic of masks, but there are plenty more masquerade mask styles to see! This feathered style combines the popular plague doctor beaks seen during Carnival and over-the-top detailing for a truly versatile style. But whether you pick the exclusive or go with a classic Mardi Gras-appropriate option, just remember a royally styled wig, top hat, or diadem can take the mask choice to the height of Carnival fashion!
