All that shimmers, sparkles and shines: Mardi Gras fashions hit the shelves in Lafayette

Mardi Gras is not the time to go for neutrals. This time of year in Louisiana calls for standing out — whether in yelling, leaping and lunging for the best throws at the parade, or in finding an outfit for the ball that brings that indefinable "wow" factor. 

When it comes to putting together a Mardi Gras outfit, there's no such thing as too bright, too glamorous or too fun — but Lafayette boutiques that specialize in Mardi Gras and other formal wear can provide something for everyone, whether the customer prefers subtlety, or likes to push the sartorial envelope. 

"It just depends on what the customer wants," said Luke Benton, owner of Mary Ellen's Tuxedo Shop in Lafayette. "One type is just like, 'What do I need to get in to the ball?' That's the two-button basic jacket with a black vest and tie. The other type wants to go to the ball and be seen. And you can almost tell them as soon as they walk through the door, because they want to be seen here, too." 

READ MORE: Carnival season in Lafayette officially begins. Here are the krewes with upcoming balls.

For the man looking to stand out in his Mardi Gras finery, Mary Ellen's has a number of vest and jacket options that garner a second glance — from jackets with a subtle Mardi Gras confetti pattern, to bright paisley prints. 

"We'll probably rent this one about 15 times through the season," said Benton, gesturing to a hot pink formal jacket. "They're limited in number, so you'll really have a unique look at the ball."

Benton emphasizes that Mardi Gras menswear encompasses more than color and pattern — it's all about being dressed to have a great experience with friends and family. 

"It's about the ball. It's about the fellowship and memories you're making. For example, our modern fit coats have a little more room in the shoulders, which gives you more freedom if you're dancing and want to keep your coat on," he added. 

However, Benton also has a warning for men who are less accustomed to being fitted for formal wear — it's not necessarily supposed to be the most comfortable piece. 

"It's not a T-shirt," he said. "In the context of a wedding, for example, you want everyone to look nice and kept and have everything in its place if you're taking pictures. Most men, the first thing they'll do is hold up their arms and say, 'It's tight here and short here.' Well, yes, but how often will you be holding your arms like that? It should be nice and comfortable with your arms down by your side."

And if the jacket ends up coming off at some point due to too much dancing — that's just Mardi Gras for you. 

Looks for women 

Women's formal wear for carnival season tends more toward glitz and glamour. At Haven Boutique in River Ranch, owner Kylie Smith makes seasonal shopping trips to markets in Dallas, Las Vegas and other cities to stock the latest styles. Her shelves are full of vintage-inspired sequined gowns, fun looks for parades and parties, and unique formal looks that can transition well from Mardi Gras balls to prom season. 

"This week, everyone has been shopping for the Rio ball," said Smith.

The Krewe of Rio is hosting the first ball of the season in Lafayette on Jan. 11.

"We've noticed this year there's a lot more shimmer. It's very glamorous and vintage, yet still modern and up-to-date," Smith said. "We also have these more old-fashioned, simple satins where you can dress it up and wear it again to a different ball. Because a lot of people aren't just going to attend one." 

Smith said Mardi Gras fashion stands out due to its distinctive blend of bold, yet timeless, style. 

Smith has observed that when it comes to Mardi Gras style, Lafayette and New Orleans tend to go for different looks. "New Orleans is a slightly different type of vibe," she said. "They want the feathers, the short feathered skirts or the short tinsel skirts."

Her Lafayette customers are often looking to get the most wear out of an item through customization. 

"They'll come and grab a denim dress and go home and bedazzle it and do whatever they want to it, and then throw a high boot with it and wear it tomorrow, and then take it to a concert, too," said Smith. "For me, I don't really look at what's selling somewhere else because it might be a completely different vibe from us." 

Mardi Gras is on March 4 this year, so most shoppers will be out looking to buy ballgowns around the end of January. If people are looking to rent a tux, early birds are more likely to get their pick of this season's more unique styles.

Benton said tuxedo shoppers tend to come to Mary Ellen's to reserve their rentals the week of their event, so fewer looks will be available as the Lafayette ball season hits its stride through January and February. 

"For a Mardi Gras ball, it'll be all sequins, all sparkles, all flashy," Smith said. "It goes back to the 1800s where people would go to the ball in their mask, and they'd be in long formals, and get to be someone else for the evening.

"It's the ability to blend the traditional and theatrical, with unrestrained creativity."