What to Wear on Your Next Vacation to Mexico | Bella Style Living (2024)

FAQs

How should I dress to go to Mexico? ›

Mexican style includes everything from traditional dresses to fashionable jeans and stylish tops. Most Mexicans dress more modestly, including wearing jeans and pants even in the warmest months. Packing dresses, lightweight long pants, and capris will help you blend in more, especially outside of coastal areas.

Ideal for nighttime or colder months, long-sleeves and sweaters will keep you cozy once the sun goes down. This is what I wear most of the time during winter. They aren't necessary for summer, but I would consider bringing a few for spring and fall.

In general, Mexico City fashion is more casual than in the United States or Europe. Amongst chilangos (Mexico City locals), you'll find that most folks dress modestly with jeans and teeshirts. Even in the hottest parts of the year, most locals will wear pants rather than shorts.

If you want to blend in, don't wear shorts and a backpack. Mexican women get dressed up to go out, with careful grooming of hair, some makeup, ironed clothes and shined shoes. And if you prefer to avoid comments from people on the street and metro, avoid the 'tight & short'. You'll enjoy yourself 100 times more.

Opt for Versatile and Comfortable Clothing

Opt for basics like stretchy jeans, leggings or travel-friendly trousers as a foundation. Pair them with blouses, tops, or sweaters in neutral tones, allowing you to effortlessly create stylish ensembles.

Dress up your look with accessories.

Though you'll want to choose comfortable clothes that wear well while traveling, you can still be fashion forward. Make your look a bit more bold by adding a printed scarf or fun handbag to your outfit. Layer a few necklaces to dress up your look, or add a stack of bangle bracelets.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to pack enough clothes for at least one change of clothing per day, plus a few extra items for contingencies. For a seven-day vacation, this would mean packing at least 7-8 outfits, plus additional items like swimsuits, workout clothes, and outerwear depending on your plans.

For example, Mexicans tend to dress more formally and conservatively than Americans or Europeans, especially for work or social events. They also tend to avoid wearing shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops in public places, as they are considered too casual or inappropriate.

People tend to dress more modestly than in the US, especially in rural areas. Big cities, like Mexico City, Lima and Bogota (just to name a few) are less conservative and people here are more fashionable just like in major US cities like LA and NY.

Resort Casual

You can comfortably wear swimsuit coverups, jeans, capris, and shorts with a t-shirt or polo. Tennis shoes, sneakers, and sandals, are all acceptable as well. You can even wear flip flops with this relaxed dress code!

What to wear in Mexico and not look like a tourist? ›

Depending on Your Destination

Women who don't want to attract excessive attention from men would be well advised to avoid short skirts and shorts and revealing clothes in general, but especially when traveling alone. Lightweight pants and long skirts are good options, as are blouses and tops that cover your cleavage.

The most common traditional Mexican garments are the huipil, a loose-fitting tunic worn by women; the sarape, a colorful woolen blanket-like shawl worn by men; and the sombrero, a wide-brimmed hat that protects the wearer from the sun. Long, flowing skirts have also been a staple of Mexican fashion for centuries.

Blue jeans are quite common in Cancun among the locals, probably more so than the tourists that are generally clad in shorts,polos, tees and bathing suits. You'll be fine wearing jeans for arrival and departure among other types of clothing.

Your packing list for Mexico resort vacations in summer should include: Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as shorts, tank tops and summer dresses. A raincoat or poncho in case of showers. Sandals or comfortable walking shoes.

Wear lots of layers!!!

I like to wear clothes with lots of layers so that I can easily adjust what I'm wearing if it's hot or cold. I usually wear both a scarf and jacket to the airport with a light T-shirt or dress underneath, so that I can take both of them off once I arrive.

Again, from a strong Mediterranean influence, Mexico City is relatively formal compared to more northerly cultures and those influenced by such cultures. With that in mind, no matter the time of year, it is not really the place to wear shorts or sandals or flip flops.

Most public bathrooms don't have toilet paper. That means that you always want to make sure you have some toilet paper on you when you're traveling. In fact, traveling with out TP is one of our top things not to do in Mexico. This is especially true if you're on a road trip and stopping in lots of public places.