If they are going to throw themselves off one of those hotel balconies on Bourbon Street, the less worn the better.

New Orleans can be informal, but if you are going to Galatoire's or the more expensive restaurants for dinner, dress up.

New Orleans can be very formal and fashionable in its own way, once off Bourbon Street.

The extent of casual depends on where you will dine. Like Mes says, if you are going to Galatoire's you should dress up. Also dress appropriately for Commander's Palace and many other restaurants.

Tell them who cares what you believe and let them figure it out themselves.

depends on what you plan on doing. if you plan on barhopping along Bourbon, then yes casual. Word of warning about that. I was there over NYE a few years ago and went to a place toward the end of Bourbon Street. We had to walk down a parallel street because Bourbon was almost impassable. It is ridiculously crowded.

Dress depends entirely on where you are going.

If to an upscale restaurant - you definitely will want to be presentable - not super casual.

On Bourbon Street, there will be people wearing no clothes at all.

Otherwise, men and women in NO both like to dress up to go out. LBD's for the ladies and dark jackets or suits and bow ties for the men at the nice restaurants would not be overkill.

Bow ties?

Is this a special requirement in NO?

Or are you suggesting a sort of faux tuxedo look?

FWIW, jackets and ties used to be required for men at many of the "better" (meaning old established) restaurants in town like Commander's Palace -- but no longer are. You will still see men in suits and ties, and other men in khakis and a shirt, women in LBDs, and women in slacks and a sweater.

No need to be snarky nytraveler. If you've been to Nola, you'd know that bow ties are quite popular for both day and evening attire.

http://new-orleans-bow-ties-2.myshopify.com/