From elaborate costumes to impromptu looks: what will be trending at the Florianópolis Street Carnival?

References to the circus and pop culture, as well as crochet and glitter, should dominate the scene in costumes and accessories.

Between playfulness, creative improvisation, and individual expression, the Carnival 2026 It promises to transform Florianópolis' concert arenas into a grand stage of styles and references. The trend is for this diversity to appear in both elaborate costumes and improvised looks, with room for pop references and classic reinterpretations.

Known for creating exclusive pieces for Carnival for about ten years, stylist Kariane Gava Wendhausem observes that some aesthetics are regaining strength in the 2026 festivities. “Carnival has always been a circus, drama, exaggeration. What changes is how each person appropriates it. Because it is democratic, the festival is the individual expression of each person,” she says.

A playful circus, but nothing obvious.

The circus universe, with a more vintage aesthetic, is making a strong comeback. Stripes, intense red, pierrot ruffles, voluminous cuffs, dramatic collars, and references to carousels and opera are being reinterpreted. "When hasn't the circus been part of Carnival?", Kariane provocatively asks, noting that the aesthetic has been gaining popularity in recent years.

Crochet, beads and texture

Accessories take center stage with crochet, beanies, hand-applied embellishments, and large beads, many of them transparent. Beads, bugle beads, and rhinestones appear on bodysuits, tops, and head accessories. The idea is to bring texture and movement, combined with meticulous finishing.

Costumes for couples and pop culture references

Couples and friends should opt for matching costumes, but without resorting to literal copying. Pop culture remains strong: Stranger Things should once again feature prominently, in addition to characters and figures from recent popular culture, such as the character from The Secret Agent played by Wagner Moura. "There will be all these references, but always with different details, in each person's own version," explains the stylist.

Makeup as a costume

Makeup takes center stage: shimmering, colorful, sometimes intentionally contrasting. Eyeshadow extending to the eyebrows, dramatic aesthetics, references to the 80s, and original versions of circus makeup help create characters even with simple looks.

Conscious improvisation

Not everything needs to be a ready-made costume. Lace, bikinis, hot pants, micro shorts, gym clothes, and forgotten closet staples take center stage with creative layering. Mixing textures, colors, and proportions is encouraged: the less obvious, the better. After all, Carnival allows for exaggeration without asking permission.

An accessory that completes the look.

When time (or budget) is short, accessories become the star. Collars, hats, headbands, appliquéd flowers, cuffs, and multiple necklaces can transform a basic look into a complete costume. The tip is to choose one statement piece and let the rest follow, always prioritizing comfort and stability to withstand hours of partying.

About the Street Carnival of Florianópolis

The 2026 Florianópolis Street Carnival program begins on February 13th and is the responsibility of Hit Makers, a company of the 4ZERO4 Group, winner of the bid to organize and operate the festival until 2027. According to CEO Fernando Ligório, the planning is focused on promoting a diversity of attractions, decentralizing the festival, and coordinating with public authorities to guarantee security, mobility, and a positive experience for residents and tourists throughout the days of revelry. Among the attractions confirmed so far are Ferrugem, Gloria Groove, and Jammil. Check out the complete Florianópolis Street Carnival program: www.instagram.com/sigacarnavalfloripa.

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*With information from the press office.