What to Wear in Mexico - Vacation Lookbook and Outfit Inspiration - Two Sisters Abroad (2024)

FAQs

How do people dress up in Mexico? ›

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.

Always dress in layers, evenings during the rainy season are some of the coldest times of the year in Mexico City. For these months you will definitely need a sweater, fleece, or light jacket if you want to enjoy all of that great outdoor seating at restaurants. Bring socks.

Long Sleeves/Sweaters. 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.

Typical Mexican dress does not follow the same conventions as European styles of clothing. Instead, rectangles of elaborately woven cloth are sewn together to create boxy garments. These often feature brocading which decorates the fabric's surface with shapes of birds, flowers, animals, and geometric shapes.

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.

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.

Consider the following when putting together travel outfits

Loose-fitting garments are best. If you do opt for something tighter, like leggings, make sure the material is soft and stretchy. Material: Materials like pleather aren't ideal for flying. Stick to cozy fabrics that look nice, like cotton or cashmere.

However, you can be comfortable yet still stylish by choosing wrinkle-free fabrics, wearing layers, and keeping your skin moisturized. Choose simple but chic makeup and hair for traveling to look your best when you arrive. Take advantage of down time on the plane or in the car to catch up on your rest.

Wear lots of layers!!!

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. (Side note: it is usually pretty chilly on the plane so having a scarf to use as a blanket is really nice!)

A lightweight linen long sleeve shirt is my favorite thing to protect my skin from the sun. Cool and Loose Items: Think of a cotton dress or a pair of lightweight linen pants. These breathable materials are perfect for hot and humid weather at the beach. You can dress them up or down depending on the situation.

What is not allowed to bring in Mexico? ›

Some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers) or codeine are prohibited.

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.

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.

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.

Though Mexico is a country where the citizens dress in formal and modest clothes, depending on the situation, you should know how to fit in. You can definitely dress as you want, but knowing the way the locals dress is a way of getting treated like a local, instead of a tourist.

Purporting to dress up as an entire race/ethnicity necessarily reduces that group of people into a series of (often-prejudicial) stereotypes. For example, it is offensive to dress up as a “Mexican,” an “Arab,” or an “Italian.” Do not wear a costume that depicts or mocks meaningful traditions of other cultures.

In Mexico, students in public schools wear uniforms. School uniforms can be controversial in the US, but I embraced school uniforms; for a busy single parent who relied on the laundromat, the simplicity of the uniforms was a relief. There was no morning stress about clothes.