Plus Size Mardi Gras Dresses

Shop Sydney's Closet's elegant collection of formal plus-size evening gowns for Mardi Gras 2026.  You'll look glamorous enough to reign supreme as Queen of the Carnival Ball.  Mardi Gras... Read More

Shop Sydney's Closet's elegant collection of formal plus-size evening gowns for Mardi Gras 2026.  You'll look glamorous enough to reign supreme as Queen of the Carnival Ball.  Mardi Gras is a time for revelry, excitement, and embracing the vibrant tradition of women dressing to the nines for the endless rounds of Balls.  

At Sydney's, delight in discovering plus-size Mardi formal gowns designed with a hint of magic and mystique.  Choose from luxurious and rich evening-wear fabrics like satin, velvet, and lace that add opulence to your formal look.  Intricate beading, shimmering sequins, and delicate embroidery add a touch of sparkle for the big night.  Whether you prefer a classic and timeless design or a more modern and daring silhouette, you'll find a ball gown that makes lets you stand out in the crowd at this iconic annual celebration. 

Ball Gowns in Plus Size for Mardi Gras

When the invitation calls for a glamorous Mardi Gras ball, a stunning ball gown is the ultimate choice.  If you're wondering what to wear to a Mardi Gras ball, look no further than our collection of exquisite plus-size ball gowns, especially if the dress code calls for black tie attire. Imagine yourself gliding across the dance floor in a breathtaking gown, the soft fabric swirling around you as you twirl to the music. Our collection features a variety of silhouettes, from flowing A-lines that create a graceful and ethereal look to dramatic mermaid styles that hug your curves and accentuate your every move.

Plus Size Masquerade Dresses: Embrace the Mystery and Intrigue

Add a touch of mystique to your Mardi Gras celebration with a captivating masquerade dress. Step into a world of intrigue and enchantment as you don a dress that embodies the spirit of mystery and allure. Our collection of plus-size masquerade dresses features a variety of styles, from elegant and sophisticated to playful and flirty.

Choose a dress with intricate lace that whispers of romance and elegance, or opt for shimmering sequins that catch the light and create a dazzling effect. A dramatic silhouette with a plunging neckline or a thigh-high slit can add a touch of daring and confidence to your look. And don't forget the most important accessory – a beautiful mask that adds an air of mystery and intrigue, allowing you to embrace the playful spirit of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Style Guide: Accessorize Your Festive Look

The right accessories can elevate your Mardi Gras attire from fabulous to extraordinary. A statement necklace can add a touch of glamour, drawing attention to your neckline and complementing the embellishments on your dress. Chandelier earrings can frame your face beautifully, adding a touch of sparkle and movement.

A shimmering clutch will not only keep your essentials close at hand but also serve as a stylish accessory that complements your overall look. And of course, a pair of comfortable heels will ensure you can dance the night away without missing a beat. But for a truly authentic Mardi Gras touch, consider adding a feathered mask or a vibrant headpiece that captures the spirit of the celebration.

Mardi Gras Traditions: A Celebration of Culture and Community

Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it's a celebration of culture, community, and the spirit of revelry. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient Roman celebrations, and the tradition has evolved over centuries to become the vibrant and festive event we know today.

The colors of Mardi Gras – green, gold, and purple – hold special significance. Green represents faith, gold symbolizes power, and purple signifies justice. These colors are often incorporated into Mardi Gras decorations, costumes, and even the iconic Mardi Gras beads.

Masks have also been a part of Mardi Gras celebrations for centuries, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the festivities. Originally used to conceal identities and allow people to celebrate freely, masks have become a symbol of Mardi Gras, representing the spirit of transformation and liberation.

Beyond New Orleans: Mardi Gras Celebrations Around the World

While New Orleans is renowned for its extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, the festive spirit extends far beyond the Big Easy. From Mobile, Alabama, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Venice, Italy, Mardi Gras is celebrated in various forms around the world, each with its unique traditions and customs.

In Mobile, Alabama, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, the celebration dates back to the early 1700s. The city boasts a rich Mardi Gras history, with elaborate parades, masked balls, and vibrant costumes.

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is a world-renowned celebration, known for its dazzling parades, samba music, and elaborate costumes. The Carnival spirit takes over the city for days, with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate and dance in the streets.

Venice's Carnival is a more elegant and refined affair, with masked balls, elaborate costumes, and a focus on historical traditions. The city's canals and bridges become a stage for masked revelers, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

Sydney's Closet: Your Mardi Gras Style Destination

At Sydney's Closet, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect dress for every occasion. Our collection of plus-size Mardi Gras dresses is designed to make you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to embrace the magic of Carnival.

Shop Our Collection and Let the Good Times Roll!

Ready to find your perfect Mardi Gras dress? Browse our collection and discover a world of style, festivity, and confidence.

Shop for women's plus-size Mardi Gras ball gown and masquerade dresses at Sydney's Closet. Find the best selection of elegant plus size Mardi Gras dresses designed with strict attention to detail that flatter fashion-savvy curvy ladies who wear plus sizes 14 to 40.

Discover our selection of sophisticated long evening Mardi Gras formal dresses in trendy designs so you'll look stylish as you let the good times roll during Carnival. Look for styles featuring cap, and short or long sleeves if you want to cover your arms at the dance. 

Choose from a wide selection of formal, plus size Mardi Gras outfits in the three traditional colors that mark the magic and merriment: green, gold and purple. For the ultimate glitz and glamour, select a festive gown sewn in dazzling sequins to wear to the ball. Or opt for a sleek, and oh-so sophisticated design sewn in a timeless satin from our collection of plus size black tie event dresses or evening ball gowns.

What is the dress code for Mardi Gras balls?

That's a tough fashion question to answer because organizers of each private ball set their individual dress code requirements.  It's best for you to check, well ahead of the big night, the website of the private mystical society hosting the formal dance event. That's wear you can learn what to wear and what not to wear (think a short cocktail dress).

Your invitation will also spell out the dress code. If you see the phrase "Costume de Rigeur" it means the ball organizers have set a super strict dress code for their ball.  Plan on wearing a long formal evening dress or a ball gown as a fashion mandate with absolutely no exceptions.  Be prepared for a patrol of fashion police to be enforcing the "de rigeur" code.

Another option is to check with your host or hostess to understand what the dress code means for that ball. Remember, it is an honor to receive an invitation to a ball hosted by one of the mystical societies or krewes that also stage parades. You don't want to insult your host or hostess by not respecting and adhering to the dress code on the invitation.

Do keep in mind, the fashion you wear must be tasteful. Daring to bear too much skin could result in your getting banned from the ball at the front door. Read our blog to learn more about dress code for Mardi Gras balls. 

Details that Dazzle the Formal Dress

Accessories play a key role in styling your head-to-toe formal look for the ball. That night you want to wear dressy high heels in satin or with crystal embellishment. (But stash a pair of comfy flats in your evening bag to kick off the heels after a night of dancing and hiking all over town!)

Add a small beaded or satin evening purse for a feminine touch that gives you a place to stash your phone, lipstick, keys and money. For a true touch of tradition, consider wearing a mask for photos.  Party-goers celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans for almost 300 years started adding the tradition of wearing masks about 200 years ago.

Mardi Gras Calendar

Mardi Gras 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17. But remember, the celebration isn't just that one big day. Your social calendar will be booked with parties and balls for a whole season of parades, picnics, music, and Mardi Gras balls. 

The excitement starts with Carnival in early January and concluding on Fat Tuesday, always the day before Ash Wednesday.  In New Orleans, look for more than a dozen Krewes to stage events in the French Quarter, Metairie, Slidell, Abita, Westbank, Mid-City and Uptown New Orleans.

Mobile, Alabama will also host dozens of carnivals and balls. There will also be celebrations in St. Louis and others around the world.