Queer Christmas is around the corner, and letting loose on the dance floor couldn't come sooner. That's right, Mardi Gras has landed in Sydney for another year, and it's bringing all the energy and glitter in the world with it. This year, the parade itself takes place on the evening of Saturday 28 February, however the festivities of Mardi Gras will span February 13 until March 1 2026.

There's also no been a better time than the present to remind ourselves of the origins of the Mardi Gras parade, which was first devised as a protest-turned-riot incited by local law enforcement. All these years later, Mardi Gras has stood the test of time as a symbol of joy and celebration, but also as a defiant and deliberate choice to occupy space and be seen. As we march forward the 2025 Mardi Gras theme, ECSTATICA, we're making a clarion call to imagine and demand a future where queer folk can thrive.

So what does that future look like? Fashion is a way to externalise our identity, intentions, and manifest who we want to be. It's also historically been a way for queer folk to recognise each other. While dressing for Mardi Gras as a queer person is a deeply personal endeavour and therefore non-prescriptive, there are some themes and cult figures that have always stood out as inspiration. Beyond rainbow dressing and glitter (biodegradable only of course) leather, latex, and barely-there looks are prolific at pride, each tied-up with identity and subculture like those pictured in a Robert Mapplethorpe or Catherine Opie photograph.

On the other hand, for allies, attending Mardi Gras offers the freedom to explore your own tastes, be bold, and get creative with your style, as long as you're doing so respectfully, mindful of the space you take up. Below, find a selection of pieces to shop if you're attending Mardi Gras. Unless you're queer: you don't need our help, you already have great style. For the rest of you, forget the costume, nothing stands out like a well-appointed look.

CHRISTOPHER ESBER U Prong Tee

LIONNESS Eastside Mini Dress

ABRAND 00 Mini Skirt Lace

DAZIE Discoteca Sequin Mini Skirt

SUPERDOWN Martine Top

PALOMA WOOL Blue & Gray Smoke Shorts

MARC JACOBS Kiki Boot

FENTY BEAUTY Diamond Bomb

SIMONE ROCHA Sequinned Tulle Top

GANNI Western Boot

ASTA RESORT Yasmin Hand Beaded Bralette

ALIX HIGGINS Baby Tank

VENROY Asymmetric Ruffle Halter Top

BANGN BODY Illuminating Firming Lotion

HAUS OF DIZZY Pride Flag Heart Pin