What To Wear in New Orleans: The Ultimate Guide

When I think of iconic places in the United States, a few come to mind. New York City might be the first city you think of, or perhaps Los Angeles or Hawaii. One of the most unique and iconic cities in the states is New Orleans.

If New Orleans is on your bucket list of cities to visit (and trust me, it should be), then you’ll want to visit prepared with the cutest outfits and most comfortable clothes for travel.

I’ve put together this ultimate guide to prepare you for your next trip to The Big Easy.

Brief History of New Orleans

Housed in the southern state of Louisiana, New Orleans is a city rich in history and culture. This city was founded by French colonists in the early 1700s, who named the city after Orleans in France.

Eventually, Napoleon sold this land to the United States. New Orleans would grow to become one of the largest and most pinnacle cities in the south of the United States. 

Why Visit New Orleans?

New Orleans offers so much to see and do. From exploring the iconic French Quarter during the day to partying the night away on Bourbon Street at night, there’s no limit to when you can have fun in this beautiful city.

New Orleans is world-renowned for its music scene. It’s known as the birthplace of jazz and home to many of the greatest jazz singers, such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton. When visiting New Orleans, it’s always a good time to learn about the history of jazz, with numerous murals and museums across town for just this purpose.

Creole cuisine is also a significant part of the unique culture of New Orleans. Tasty dishes that are native to cajun cooking, such as gumbo, beignets, etouffee, jambalaya, and more, line the city streets in restaurants that vary from five-star dining to quaint hole-in-the-wall family-owned joints.

When you visit New Orleans, try some Creole cuisine. Perhaps have dinner at Dooky’s Chase, a restaurant known for its role in the civil rights movement, or have dessert at Brennan’s Restaurant, the birthplace of the Bananas Foster.

You can’t visit New Orleans without recognizing its rich culture and history. Learn more about it in fun and unique ways; perhaps book a bus tour around town or take a walking voodoo tour through the French Quarter.

Dress for the Gulf Coast Weather

When packing for a trip to New Orleans, you want to be aware of the weather along the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans is, after all, a beach city.

Gulf cities have tendencies for high temperatures along with high humidity, so I always like to pack light, moisture-wicking, and breathable clothing. New Orleans does have a tendency for lots of coastal storms to pass through, so having rain gear is always a plus.

New Orleans Essentials

What you wear in New Orleans can be entirely unique and up to you, but there are some essentials that I always like to have on me that I want to share with you.

Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must-have when visiting New Orleans. So much walking is to be done, whether it’s in the French Quarter, the Garden District, or even walking along the sandy beaches. I always bring a pair of sturdy boots for days spent touring or those rainy evenings and a pair of luxe sandals for brunches and beach days. 

An Outfit for a Night Out

The nightlife in New Orleans is one of the most unique and iconic features of the lively city. So, of course, I have to have some great outfit options for a night out. I love to sip on a Hurricane while walking down Bourbon Street in a romper or jumpsuit with some sky-high pumps.

If I’m trying to prioritize comfort, I love pairing a tight-fitted crop top with some vintage jeans and sturdy boots to match.

The Perfect Bag

Having a gorgeous bag to keep all my most important belongings on me is always a must-have. If I’m spending the day at the beach or touring the town, I keep a larger tote on me to store my essentials and also extra items I may need.

I cart along extras like a towel, sunscreen for skin protection, a hairbrush, etc. If I’m headed out for the night with my friends, I bring something small to keep the essentials in, like my wallet, keys, and phone. 

Brunch in New Orleans

When I visit New Orleans, the cuisine is absolutely top of my must-try list. For brunch, I love to try the world-famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde or sometimes try out tacos at the Rum House on Magazine Street. When I’m brunching with friends, I dress for the occasion, and with a city as lively as New Orleans, I can really get creative with it.

A colorful and breezy dress with some chic heels or sandals if I’m doing a lot of walking is my go-to. I like to pop on a big sun hat on those sunny summer days. If it’s in the cooler months of the year, I love to wear a pair of trousers with a blouse tucked in and maybe a flowing belt to up my style.

Dinner Date Outfit Ideas

Brunch isn’t even my favorite meal when visiting New Orleans. The dinner is to die for! Of course, you have to try some gumbo when you’re visiting New Orleans, but there are other amazing savory cajun dishes, too, like crawfish etouffee, boudin, and po’boys.

I love to make an occasion out of dinner in New Orleans with a date night, and of course, I have to get dressed to the nines. One of my favorite date outfits for New Orleans that can turn into an outfit for a night out is a sultry one-piece paired with some elegant trousers or a skirt. This leaves me prepared to leave dinner and hop into a nightclub if I want.

Outfit Ideas for a Night Out on Bourbon Street

One of the most popular activities in New Orleans is partying. Spending the night wandering down Bourbon Street, popping into bars and clubs, is always a good time. This is even more popular because, unlike most cities in the United States, you can carry alcohol on the streets with you. 

When I visit Bourbon Street, I love to either dress up completely, with stunning dresses or perhaps a gorgeous matching set, or go for a casual cool look, with a crop top paired with a moto jacket and some vintage jeans and perhaps some moto boots to match my jacket. 

Vacation to The Big Easy

If you’re like me and love to visit the beautiful city of New Orleans, you also will want to be prepared for what you should wear in this iconic southern city.

Whether you’re touring museums, walking through the Garden District, or even spending the night out on Bourbon Street, there’s going to be the perfect outfit for the occasion.

With this guide on what to wear in New Orleans, you should feel confident and prepared for your next visit to The Big Easy.

Sources:

Jazz Origins in New Orleans | NPS

Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Gulf Coast Marine Forecasts by Zone | About the NWS National Program The National Weather Service

How the Louisiana Purchase Changed the World | History| Smithsonian Magazine