Hey, fashionistas! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for your next adventure, and New Orleans, with its vibrant culture, delicious food, and never-ending music, is a destination that should definitely be on your radar. We have already covered things to do in New Orleans on the blog. But what do you pack for a city known for its eclectic style, spontaneous rain showers, and a calendar filled with festivals?
Fear not! Having explored the nooks and crannies of both the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia, I’m here to guide you through crafting the perfect outfits for your New Orleans adventure.
Whether you’re brunching your way through the Garden District, catching a show at the Saenger Theatre, or bar hopping in the French Quarter, I’ve got you covered.
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A Little Bit About the New Orleans Street Style
New Orleans is a city that dances to the beat of its own drum. The street style here is as diverse as its culture – a melting pot of French, African, Spanish, and American influences.
During the day, you’ll see everything from laid-back boho chic to sharp, smart-casual ensembles. As the sun sets, the city’s attire shifts to more glamorous, bold, and sometimes, wonderfully eccentric outfits, especially during festival seasons. New Orleans encourages individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your wardrobe choices!
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15 Outfit Ideas for New Orleans
Sightseeing Chic: A lightweight, breathable sundress paired with comfortable sneakers and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun as you wander through the French Quarter.
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Brunch in the Garden District: Opt for a flowy midi skirt and a tucked-in blouse or cute jumpsuit. Add a pair of block heels for a touch of elegance that’s still walkable.
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Swamp Tour Ready: Quick-dry shorts and a breathable tee with waterproof boots. Don’t forget your sunglasses and a waterproof jacket, just in case.
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Mardi Gras Madness: It’s all about colors, beads, and feathers! A vibrant, sequined dress with comfortable boots to dance the night away.
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Jazz Night Out: A sleek jumpsuit paired with a light jacket for those cool, jazz-filled evenings.
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Art Gallery Hopping: A chic, artistically patterned maxi dress or cute trousers and top with comfortable sandals and a crossbody bag for all your essentials.
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French Quarter Bar Hopping: A pair of high-waisted jeans, a statement top, and ankle boots. Perfect for navigating those historic streets in style.
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Haunted Tour Haunts: Dark jeans, a comfy sweater, and sneakers. Add a touch of mystery with a wide-brimmed hat.
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Riverboat Cruising: A striped, nautical-themed dress with a lightweight scarf and flats for a breezy look on the Mississippi.
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Fine Dining in the City: A cute maxi or cocktail dress with a touch of sparkle and elegant heels. New Orleans’ culinary scene deserves a little glam.
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Streetcar or Bike Rides: Jumpsuits, summer dress or casual shorts, a graphic tee, and canvas shoes for exploring the city’s historic lines with ease.
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Antique Shopping in Magazine Street: A vintage-inspired blouse and skirt combo with comfortable loafers for that perfect blend of old and new.
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Festival Fun: A breathable, brightly colored midi or maxi dress and a wide-brimmed hat to keep cool and stylish under the Louisiana sun.
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Exploring City Parks: Athletic leggings, a tank top, and running shoes for a morning jog or a leisurely walk in City Park.
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Theatre Evening: A sophisticated knee-length dress and a classic blazer with comfortable heels for a night of drama and delight.
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Seasons in New Orleans – Things To Consider When Packing
New Orleans experiences a subtropical climate, meaning it’s warm nearly year-round, but also quite humid. Summers are hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must. Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit, with milder temperatures and less humidity.
Even so, an umbrella or a rain jacket is a wise addition to your suitcase because showers can come out of nowhere. Winters are mild but can be chilly, especially in the evenings, so packing layers is key.
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New Orleans Monthly Weather
As I mentioned above, New Orleans, with its subtropical climate, offers a range of weather conditions throughout the year, marked by hot summers, mild winters, and a fair amount of rainfall. Below is break it down month by month guide of what to expect:
January
- Temperature: Cold for New Orleans standards, with average highs around 62°F (17°C) and lows around 43°F (6°C).
- Weather: Generally mild but can be chilly, especially in the evenings.
February
- Temperature: Starts to warm up slightly with average highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C).
- Weather: Still cool with a gradual increase in temperature towards the end of the month.
March
- Temperature: Marks the beginning of warmer weather with average highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C).
- Weather: More pleasant, with increased humidity and occasional rain showers.
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April
- Temperature: Warmer still, with average highs of 78°F (26°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C).
- Weather: Generally lovely, with more frequent rain showers.
May
- Temperature: Begins to feel like summer with average highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C).
- Weather: Warm and humid, with the rain becoming more common.
June
- Temperature: Hot, with average highs around 90°F (32°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C).
- Weather: Very humid and rainy, marking the start of the hurricane season.
July
- Temperature: Among the hottest months, with average highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C).
- Weather: Peak humidity and frequent thunderstorms.
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August
- Temperature: Similar to July, with average highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C).
- Weather: Very hot and humid, with continued risk of thunderstorms and hurricanes.
September
- Temperature: Starts to cool slightly, with average highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C).
- Weather: Still quite humid, but the frequency of rain begins to decrease.
October
- Temperature: Noticeably cooler, with average highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 62°F (17°C).
- Weather: Less humid with more comfortable temperatures and less rainfall.
November
- Temperature: Cooler still, with average highs of 71°F (22°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C).
- Weather: Mild and pleasant, with lower humidity.
December
- Temperature: Cool, with average highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C).
- Weather: Generally mild but can feel chilly, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
Keep in mind, New Orleans’ weather can be unpredictable, especially with the occasional cold front in winter or the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes in late summer and early fall. Always check the forecast close to your trip and pack accordingly!
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New Orleans Packing List Essentials
- Comfortable Footwear: You’ll do a lot of walking, so bring shoes that won’t give up on you.
- Rain Gear: A compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket for those unexpected showers.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun year-round.
- A Wide-Brimmed Hat: For style and sun protection.
- A Versatile Bag: A crossbody bag is perfect for keeping your hands free and your belongings secure.
- Light Layers: Evenings can be cooler, especially outside of summer.
- Festival Attire: If you’re visiting during one of the city’s many festivals, don’t forget to pack something fun and festive!
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New Orleans is a city that embraces individuality and expression, making it the perfect backdrop for fashion-forward adventurers.
Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the culture, dressing the part will make your experience even more unforgettable. So pack your bags with these tips in mind, and get ready to explore the Big Easy in style. See you in NOLA!
