What To Wear In New Orleans (easy ideas for any time of year!)

In a city known for incredible food, jazz music, eccentric nightlife, and famous festivals, New Orleans is all about enjoying the good times.

This unique city, located in southern Louisiana, is a must see!

Read on for everything you need to know about what to wear in New Orleans, including casual, nightlife, festival outfits, and a packing list!

What To Wear In New Orleans

Casual Outfits

As far as vacation destinations go it doesn’t get much more casual than New Orleans.

There are, of course, occasions which require dressing up but for the most part, low-key outfits are king here.

Late-winter, spring, and fall is when New Orleans sees the most visitors.

During these times the weather allows for some flexibility with outfit choices since the weather is warm but not stifling.

Go for summer dresses, shorts and a tank top, or a cute romper, and don’t forget good walking shoes!

The closer you are to winter the more likely you’ll need a couple extra lightweight layers, a long sleeve shirt, jacket, and pants, for example.

Whether you’re out exploring the Garden District, enjoying beignets at Café Du Monde, or bar-hopping Frenchmen, below are some outfits perfect for your New Orleans vacation.

All items are linked in the caption below, and most pieces come in a variety of fun colors.

What To Wear When It’s Really Hot In New Orleans

Summer months in the Big Easy are extremely warm and humid, making outfits a little challenging.

Look for light, breathable clothes made of either linen, cotton, or rayon.

Below are a couple pieces which are made of the above materials.

These nice, breathable options will help combat the hot and sticky summers in New Orleans.

A hat, reusable water bottle, and sunscreen are also important items to keep on hand during the sweltering hot summer days.

Outfits For Outdoor Excursions

Planning to go for a bike tour, hike, or a swamp tour?

As mentioned above, Louisiana is very hot and humid so you’ll want breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen if visiting in summer.

Outside of summer you can pass with moderately breathable fabrics such as nylon and polyester, which are commonly used in activewear.

Be sure to also carry sun protection such as a hat, sunblock, and shades.

Below is the hiking gear I recommend.

Dinner Or Evening Wear

For most visitors, dinner is the dressiest occasion in NOLA.

A nice blouse and jeans or a simple summer dress are typically appropriate attire.

However, if you’re going to upscale restaurants, or are simply dying to wear a Mardi Gras-esque cocktail dress, go all out!

You’ll find dinner outfits can be all over the board and for most restaurants there’s no specific dress code.

The important thing to know is that as long as you’re at least a little dressed up you’ll be good most places. 

Check out these New Orleans outfit ideas for dinner:

Nightlife Outfits

When it comes to nightlife in New Orleans, casual wins again.

You could take just about any outfit I linked above and make it work on Bourbon or Frenchmen Street.

Want to go with a little more coverage? Or lean a little more towards club attire? Have at it! It’s a crazy mix out there, with most leaning away from formal attire.

Keep in mind bars are small, crowded and therefore, hot.

Also, Bourbon Street is particularly dirty, especially at night.

We’re talking trash and mystery puddles — sneakers or closed-toe shoes are essential here.

If you absolutely can’t stand the thought of going out in something other than high heels, wear at least a solid, chunky heel… But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Below I put together some outfit inspirations for a night out of dancing and live music in New Orleans.

Again, all items are linked in the caption and most pieces come in multiple color options:

Mardi Gras Outfits 

Mardi Gras kicks off Lent in a rather un-holy, but very fun way — celebrating Fat Tuesday with a massive party, extravagant parades, costumes, beads, and general over-indulgence.

According to many this is the best time to be in New Orleans.

The festival is an exciting opportunity to dress up a regular party outfit with some funky pieces you’ll probably never use again.

That sequin jacket, tutu, or body glitter collecting dust in your closet? Now is the time.

There are no limits as to how outrageous your outfit can be. As a general rule of thumb, the more sparkles and outrageous-ness the better.

Just remember your outfit needs to be comfortable enough for a long day surrounded by a lot of people.

A sleek jumpsuit could totally be a moment but consider all the public restrooms you’ll be using in that get up.

Again, closed-toe and comfortable shoes are a must, the streets get very dirty over the course of the festival.

The Mardi Gras festivities begin annually in early-January ending with a final hoorah on Fat Tuesday which marks the last day before Ash Wednesday.

Fat Tuesday normally falls in late-February or early-March.

In regards to weather the temperature can vary but is often warm during the day and cold at night. A fun jacket is a great idea to combat the cool evenings.

Tip: If it’s a particularly cold Mardi Gras gloves are a good idea for catching beads.

Overall have fun with your outfit! Dress as normal or abnormal as you wish, but know most will be doing the latter.

Looking for a totally unique piece? Nasty Gal has some really fun pieces for women and Etsy is where you can find some incredible masks.

Below are some more ideas for your Mardi Gras outfit:

New Orleans Packing List

Below are the items I’d pack for a long weekend in New Orleans:

• 2 pairs of shorts
• 3 t-shirts, crop tops, or tank tops
• 1 cotton maxi dress or casual pant suit
• 1 linen set or romper
• 1 light jacket or jean jacket
• 1 pair of strappy sandals or comfortable flats
• Pair of sneakers
• Purse/ Clutch/ Crossbody/ or Fanny Pack
• 1 rain jacket (seasonal)
• Rain boots & any necessary rain gear (seasonal)
• 1 pair of jeans (if visiting in winter)
• 1 – 2 sweaters (if visiting in winter)
• 1 warm jacket (if visiting in winter)
• Light gloves (if visiting in winter)
• Socks
• Undergarments
• PJs/ loungewear
• Toiletries (TSA approved travel size containers)
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Face Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Bug spray (you’re going to want the strong stuff if doing outdoor activities such as a swamp tour or kayaking)
• Hand sanitizer (travel size & natural)
• Phone charger / charger for any electronics / multi-devise charging station

Optional Packing List Items:

• Small umbrella
• GoPro
• Camera
• Backpack/ Daypack
• Money pouch

Airport & Packing Essentials 

Below are a couple items I like to have on me for travel days.

These make the packing process and airport experience more seamless and enjoyable.

Again, all items are linked in the caption below.

New Orleans Weather

Generally speaking New Orleans is warm and humid.

Summer is the rainiest season, followed by winter, and hurricane season is summer through fall.

Below are NOLA’s monthly average temperatures:

• January (high/ low F°) – 64° / 45°
• February – 66° / 47°
• March – 73° / 54°
• April – 79° / 61°
• May – 85° / 68°
• June – 90° / 74°
• July – 92° / 76°
• August – 92° / 76°
• September – 88° / 72°
• October – 81° / 62°
• November – 72° / 53°
• December – 65° / 46°

Best Things To Do In New Orleans

Now that you know what to pack, check out these popular things to do during your New Orleans vacation.

• Go for drinks or a nice dinner in the Garden District.
• Tour a swamp.
• Explore the pretty buildings along the streets of New Orleans.
• Watch the street performers in Jackson Square.
• Relax in City Park or Audubon Park.
• Visit a jazz club.
• See the Mississippi River.
• Explore the French Quarter.
• Go for a delicious foodie tour.
• See an above ground cemetery.
• Dance the night away on Bourbon or Frenchmen Street.

For my full list be sure to check out these 23 Things You Must Do In New Orleans.

I hope you’ve found this information regarding what to wear in New Orleans to be helpful, have a great time in the Big Easy.

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below!

Much thanks to a girlfriend of mine from Louisiana for providing tips and guidance while putting this post together!

If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional New Orleans guides below or check out this guide!