Updated October 14, 2026
What to wear in New Orleans
New Orleans rewards bold. Purple and gold (or yellow), sequins and a little sparkle all fit right in, and a cute black top works for any night of the trip.
| Plan | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Bourbon Street and Frenchmen at night | A black corset or going-out top with a mini skirt or jeans, or a sequin or metallic mini |
| A chapter formal or date party in the city | A purple, gold or yellow mini dress, or something sparkly |
| Brunch and a day in the French Quarter | A light dress or a set in a breathable fabric |
| A game, the Sugar Bowl or a tailgate | Your team's colors (see game day outfits) |
| Halloween or Mardi Gras weekend | A costume-ready look, or purple, green and gold (see Mardi Gras outfits) |
Purple and gold
Purple, green and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras, and you'll see them all over the city year round. Purple and gold are also LSU's colors. Pick one of them for at least one night: a purple mini, a gold metallic dress, or a yellow set.
Black tops for every night
Pack one or two black going-out tops: a corset, a lace or sheer top, fringe, or a halter. Pair one with a mini skirt one night and jeans the next, and change the look with gold jewelry.
Shoes, bags and the weather
- Shoes you can walk in. Bourbon Street is crowded and the streets get messy, so skip stilettos and white sneakers. Cowboy boots, block heels and low wedges all work.
- A crossbody bag. It keeps your hands free and your phone with you in a crowd.
- Something light. New Orleans is humid most of the year, with afternoon storms in the warm months. Breathable fabrics help during the day, and a light layer helps inside, where the air conditioning is strong.
- Dinner plans. Some of the city's classic restaurants have a dress code, so check before you book.
When SEC students go
- Fall: game weekends, chapter formals and Halloween in the French Quarter.
- New Year's: the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome.
- Winter and spring: Mardi Gras season, then Jazz Fest in late April and early May.
How renting for a NOLA trip works
- Pick your looks. Browse night-out pieces and filter by size and color. Each listing shows the owner's photos and rental prices.
- Book them together. Choose a rental length that covers the trip. Owners set a flat price for each length they offer (2, 4, 5, 7, 14 or 30 days), so one rental covers the whole weekend.
- Ship it to where you're staying, or meet up if the owner is local.
- Send it back with the prepaid label, or hand it back for a local rental.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear on a NOLA trip?
Most girls pack one going-out look for each night: a black top with a mini skirt or jeans, a purple or gold mini, and something sparkly. Add a light dress for brunch and comfortable boots or block heels for walking.
How much does it cost to rent NOLA outfits?
Night-out pieces on e.closet have a median rental price of $45 for the shortest length the owner offers. Delivery and a small service fee show at checkout.
Can I rent outfits for a whole weekend?
Yes. Pick a rental length that covers your dates, and book several pieces so you have a look for every night.