Carnival in Venice: Any (Costume) Suggestions?

Why not treat yourself (or ask someone else to treat you) to a colorful silk (or faux silk)outfit (maybe flowing pajamas, or a simple pants suit, or a long robe or shift?) that would coordinate with one of your masks? Or buy some inexpensive polished cotton in a bright print and make a simple long tunic type top- wear over leggings and a colorful T shirt or turtleneck. To either of these, add a 'fascinator' of feathers and ribbons and maybe some wristlets, anklets, and a belt of matching ribbons and feathers. You could make those yourself, too. Maybe even pack the items and assemble them once there so nothing gets damaged.

I have found some interesting informations about Venice Carnival in this website: http://en.venezia.net/13/10/2014/venice-carnival-2015.html.
Nothing there about costumes, but i know that near St. Mark's square you can rent a "tabarro" (a typical venetian mantel) and buy masks, you can try that!

When I was there a couple of years ago, there was a small market near the Piazza that had nice hats and velvet cloaks at reasonable prices. And instead of a mask, get your face painted.

Thank you all so much for your responses!!!! You are giving me a lot of great ideas. I just remembered that I already have a couple of velvet capes in the closet. Maybe I can improvise what Toni so beautifully called a 'fascinator' with ribbons, feathers and tulle to make the cape a bit more imaginative. Combine that with one of my existing masks, and I just might be in business.

If you haven't checked out Pinterest - that would be a veritable treasure trove of ideas - including I'm sure a lot of DIY costumes!

When I went a few years ago I took a velvet cloak, a long silk skirt, and I bought a beautiful mask while I was there. You really don't need anything too elaborate to feel festive and in the Venetian mood. I hope you have a wonderful experience.... for me it was magical. I was with three other friends who were photographers, so each morning we would get up before dawn and go down to the square to take photos. There were not many other people up that early, but the Venetians would appear in full costume, posing for photographs.

We also went to a 'hot chocolate ball'.. It cost about $100 each (was one of the cheapest) but it was so much fun. We had a wonderful concert, great ambiance, and a wonderful array of desserts and a hot chocolate fountain.... we were pleasantly surprised that we had not paid $100 for a cup of hot chocolate:)

Be sure to get up early at least one morning, because by around noon the place is wall to wall people! It is also nothing like Mardi Gras.... Just be sure you have warm enough clothing... thin layers work really well. Have a great trip.

A velvet cape sounds ideal. When I visited Carnival in Venice several years ago, I was a bit disappointed in both myself and other tourists who just went with a mask and not much more effort.

@Nicole P -- Thanks for the idea about Pinterest. I just joined, and I will check it out.

@Laura -- The more I think about it, the more I think that a velvet cape with some interesting decoration on my head and shoulders is probably the way I will go.

@Terry kathryn -- Thanks so much for your input. I am a painter more than a photographer, but I hear what you are saying about getting up early in the morning. I will try to make a point of being in St. Mark's very early in the morning. (By the way, I am a professional artist and will be staying with two other artists, and so this will be a bit of a working holiday.) I will also investigate the balls. I was assuming that they would all be way out of my budget, but I think I could swing 100 Euros if I could find a ball at that price. I have another question. I know that in New Orleans, people really don't do full costumes until Mardi Gras day. My impression of Venice, however, is that masking is pretty common at least a week before the final day of Carnival. Is that right?

Carnivale in Venice starts more than two weeks before Mardi Gras. What dates will you be there? By the first weekend (Feb 7-8, this year), all the decorations are in place, there are throngs of people and dozens and dozens (if not hundreds) of costumes to be seen on locals and tourists alike, and the festivities are in full swing.

Terry Kathryn's advice is great, and she is very stylish. I would be one of those people schlepping around with a mask and my normal tourist clothes, but my hat (or mask) is off to you who really put some thought into participating in local events.

@Chani - Thanks again for the feedback. I will arrive in Venice on the 10th, which will give me a week or so. I am just wondering if I should expect to be in costume the whole time, or just toward the latter part of the visit. Or maybe I should go a little lighter -- with maybe a half-mask and some face paint -- toward the beginning of the week, saving the more elaborate treatments for later in the week?

@Zoe -- Thanks! I just know from my New Orleans experience that I hate that fish-out-of-water feeling I get when people look at you as if to say, "You stupid tourist - where's your costume???" :-) I learned my lesson once in Nola, and I will do my best to avoid that in Venice.

Oh my - there is nothing like Venice early in the morning. I foolishly didn't realize that until our third trip there in 2010. Went back again this year with my mom along - and she is an early riser as well (hubby snored away in bed) and both our mornings we went to Rialto and St Marks - just - wow - I recommend to everyone to get out early before it fills up with people...you won't regret it! We went out at 7am, but even 8am it's still mostly empty. I do a little (not very) professional photography (but I've sold some photos on etsy!) and morning is one of the best times for light - and lack of people...how incredible to be out and have Venetians in full Carnivale gear posing for you - this is on my photography bucket list now!