Box Costumes

• Box costumes are very simple, inexpensive and fun to make. You can go as anything from a rubix cube, to a present, cereal box, even a dozen eggs if you've got enough boxes and people. For individual costumes, just take a large cardboard box and cut out ample neck and arm holes. Then decorate each side of the box with paint or construction paper. You can even attach more cardboard to alter the basic shape. The bottom can be left open and undecorated to accommodate your legs. Groups of people can use the box costume idea to dress up as a parade, with each individual painted as their own float.
  
  

Pirate

• New Orleans loves its own historical pirate, Jean Lafitte, and pirates are a Mardi Gras staple. To do the pirate costume, all you need is a long sleeve white blouse, black pants, boots, a bandanna and belt. Embellish the basic outfit with small accessories, such as an eye patch, dashing hat or plastic sword for all your swashbuckling needs.
  
  

Old Woman

• Simple and inexpensive, the old lady costume can be loads of fun. You'll need an old nightgown, a bonnet or wig, and a shawl. There's no makeup necessary, since part of the fun is the incongruity. To take it a few steps further you can also add on costume glasses, a walking cane or a big bad wolf, whatever you have on hand.
  
  

The Jester

• The jester is another staple of Mardi Gras and it's easy to find inexpensive costumes at party supply or costume stores. If you want to make a costume yourself, you'll need a body suit and some fabric paint in whatever colors you like, although purple, green and gold can never go wrong at Mardi Gras. Paint the left half of the torso one color and leave the other half alone, repeating that for the lower body. For those with better painting skills, try stenciling or painting a checkered pattern on the painted side. Dress the costume up with a jester's hat and some bell-embellished booties.
  
  

Princess

• The princess costume can be less expensive than you think. A lot of people donate their prom or formal gowns to thrift stores and the gown is the biggest part of this costume. The rest can be done with beauty makeup, fancy shoes and an inexpensive tiara. A fake frog can also be a funny addition to this costume.