16 Outfit Tips to Look Cute and Stay Cool in New Orleans

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: July 30, 2022 References

You want to look good strolling down the streets of New Orleans, whether you’re attending a jazz concert, enjoying creole food, soaking up the culture, or partying all night. As they say in the Big Easy, laissez les bons temps rouler, which means “let the good times roll.” It’s sizzling hot in New Orleans, but the right outfit will keep you cool and stylish. We’re here to help you plan the perfect vacation wardrobe that will take you from day to night.

1

Choose loose, light-colored outfits to help you stay cool.

Pick light colors because they reflect light, while black absorbs it. Loose, lightweight fabrics also help you stay cool in the heat.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} Pack several outfits if you can, since you might get really sweaty as you explore the city and may want to change your clothes before dinner. That way, you’ll look amazing and stay comfortable for your entire trip.
- New Orleans is usually toasty between April and October. Keep in mind that the “feels like” temperature will always be higher than the actual temperature because of the high humidity.
- You may experience some cool days in April, September, and October, even though they’re hot months. Similarly, you may experience some warmer days during the cooler months of November through March.^{[2]
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  Research source}

2

Wear shorts, a top, and walking shoes for a day look.

Keep cool in lightweight clothing as you take in the city sights. New Orleans is hot, and the high humidity makes the “feels like” temperatures soar. You’re going to be walking a lot, so shorts and a top are perfect. Opt for walking shoes, like sneakers or cushioned sandals.^{[3]
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Research source} We love these outfits:
- Denim shorts, a tank top, and white sneakers.
- Denim shorts, a flowy top, and cute sandals.
- Wide-leg shorts, a tank top, and sandals.
- High waisted shorts, a crop top, and sandals.

3

Stay cool in a summer dress or romper.

Look cute while beating the heat and humidity in a dress or romper. Choose one in an airy fabric that will keep you cool. Wear your romper with sneakers or sandals because they’re better for walking around the city.^{[4]
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Research source} We like these dresses and rompers:

4

Carry a sweater or wrap to put on if you get cold.

Bring a warm layer to wear inside local restaurants, galleries, and shops. New Orleans businesses keep you cool by turning the AC down low, and you may find yourself shivering while you sip your drinks or eat delicious creole dishes. Put on a light sweater or wrap if you get cold.^{[5]
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Research source} You can’t go wrong with a sweater, but you might prefer a wrap if you’re going out to dinner.
- A hoodie would also work great.

5

Hit Bourbon Street on hot nights in a dress, romper, or shorts.

Pick something light and airy so you can stay cool while bar hopping. New Orleans weather is already steamy, and you’ll be on the go all night. You’ll warm up fast as you stroll down Bourbon Street hitting the bars and dancing the night away.^{[6]
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Research source} Go ahead and show some skin.
- Take your outfit from day to night by switching up your makeup. Go with a bold lipstick or bright eyeshadow.

6

Dress up with a midi dress and sandals or platform heels.

Take a midi dress from day to night. In general, New Orleans is pretty casual, so you don’t need a formal dress.^{[7]
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Research source} Sandals are the perfect shoe to go with your midi dress, but you might prefer to wear platform heels for a dressier look.
- On a cold night, throw on a cardigan or leather jacket.

7

Carry a rain jacket during the spring and summer months.

Be prepared for rain in New Orleans between March and August. If you want to keep dry, bring a light rain slicker or poncho.^{[8]
X
Research source} Showers may come and go unexpectedly, so you might pick one that’s easy to carry. You might like these styles:

8

Put on a wide brimmed hat for added sun protection.

New Orleans is sunny and hot, so bring a hat that provides great shade. Wide brim hats are perfect for protecting your skin from UV rays.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} You’ll also look insta-worthy in all of your vacation pics! You’ll look sweet and stylish in these gorgeous hats:

9

Wear oversized sunglasses for stylish eye protection.

You’ll be outdoors a lot in the Big Easy, so pack sunglasses. Whether you’re strolling around the French Quarter, exploring the Garden District, or touring a swamp, you’ll need sunglasses to block the sun’s rays. Make sure your sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays so they fully protect your eyes.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} We recommend these fashionable sunnies:

10

Opt for pants or leggings if it’s chilly outside.

Stay warm in fall and winter by wearing pants in a lightweight fabric. Average temperatures can get as low as the 60s during the day and the 40s at night during December through February.^{[11]
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Research source} Jeans and thick legging are both great options for a casual look. If you want something dressier, go for linen trousers.
- Pair your jeans with a t-shirt or a cute top.
- Your trousers will look great with a plain white tee or a flowy blouse.

11

Put on a light jacket if the forecast is for cold weather.

You'll likely need a jacket during fall and winter. If you’re traveling between October and March, pack a light jacket to keep you warm. You won’t need a heavy coat for the Big Easy.^{[12]
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Research source} These jackets would be perfect for your trip:
- Denim jackets are cute with dresses.
- Leather jackets pair great with jeans but can also add a rocker vibe to your dresses.

12

Wear a jumpsuit and jacket for a stylish way to stay warm.

A jumpsuit is perfect for jazz bars, galleries, shops, and Bourbon Street. Style your jumpsuit with a complementary outer layer. Go with a cute blazer, an open-front cardigan, a denim jacket, or leather jacket.^{[13]
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Research source} You can always remove your jacket if you get too hot. Here are some cute jumpsuits that will look perfect on your New Orleans trip:
- Faux wrap jumpsuit
- Belted wide-leg jumpsuit

13

Rock jeans and a light jacket during cold Bourbon St. nights.

Layer up in chilly months so you can remove clothing if you get warm. Temperatures can fluctuate in the Big Easy, and you may work up a sweat from all the walking around.^{[14]
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Research source} These outfits will keep you comfortable and stylish at the same time:
- Dark wash jeans, a flowy blouse, and a brown leather jacket.
- Black denim, a band tee, and a black leather jacket.
- Bootcut jeans, a plaid shirt, and a military jacket.

14

Bring a fanny pack or cross-body bag.

Pick a purse that will leave your hands free for drinks or shopping. Fanny packs are making a comeback, and they’re perfect for a casual vacation around New Orleans. Wear your fanny pack where it’s comfortable to you. Crossbody bags also make it easy to carry your items while keeping your hands free.^{[15]
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Research source} As an added bonus, they’re super stylish. These bags would be perfect for your trip:

15

Dress in comfortable layers if you’re attending Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras occurs in February or March, when temperatures are cool. Most events are casual, and you’ll likely be walking all day long as you go from event to event. Jeans, a short-sleeved top, and a light jacket or sweater will be perfect.^{[16]
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Research source}
- Stick with the theme by sporting Mardi Gras colors, which are purple, green, and gold.

16

Check the dress code if you’re going to a Mardi Gras ball.

Plan to wear a costume or formal attire to a ball. An evening gown with comfortable heels will be perfect for formal balls. However, some events call for full costumes, including a Mardi Gras mask. Make sure you can comfortably move in your costume because it’s going to be long day of fun and extravagance.^{[17]
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Research source}
- You can easily acquire a Mardi Gras costume in the Big Easy if you prefer. You might like to rent your costume so you don’t have to pack it for travel.

Warnings

Leave your heels at home unless you plan on going to a formal event.^{[19]
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Research source} New Orleans has some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones, that can make heels a trip hazard.

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Don’t wear Mardi Gras beads if it’s not Mardi Gras—unless you don’t mind people knowing you’re a tourist.

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