Planning a CDMX vacation in spring or summer? Style your trip to Mexico City with women’s outfit ideas and pro packing tips!
My favorite part of planning for travel is putting together looks that reflect my style and work for the unique experiences tied to each destination. But not everybody takes joy in that. So, I’m here to help you out.
Start scrolling for the full packing list, style guide, and more about dressing in the CDMX aesthetic as a traveler!
And if you enjoy this post, you’ll love my !
I love making a style statement but when I’m traveling on my own, I try to balance local aesthetic with what I feel most myself in so as not to draw unwanted attention. Dressing to blend in while being true to your personal style is one of my top solo travel tips for women!
CDMX Packing List for Women
What should I pack for a springtime trip to CDMX? Grab items you can mix and match for different settings and temperatures. Days are generally pretty warm, with passing rain, and evenings are cool. And you can go from a chic rooftop scene to a low-key hole in the wall in a matter of minutes. Here’s what to throw in your suitcase:
Jeans – Do people wear jeans in Mexico City is a common question on these internet streets and the answer is simply yes.
Polished Pair of Heels – I recommend these for evenings out. Grab shoes that are already broken in, especially if you plan to go dancing!
Sunglasses
Tops – tanks, bodysuits, graphic tees, and collared blouses are all solid options
Travel Credit Card so you can get rewarded for your vacation spending! Bring pesos as well, because not every single business will accept cards but almost everywhere takes pesos.
Travel Size Toiletries and Cosmetics
Visor or Ball Cap if you’re visiting any sunny sites like Teotihuacan
Should I pack sandals? There’s a lot of advice stating not to wear shorts or sandals to avoid looking like a tourist, which I think is dated. Especially in happening neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, I saw several folks of all genders wearing shorts, though it was by no means a majority. I recommend opting for more tailored shorts if you wear them. And skirts and dresses are also fair game.
Sandals are a slightly different story and close-toed shoes are definitely the primary option. And, honestly, as with any big city, your feet will get dirty walking around so enclosed shoes are the best bet. Chic and structured sandals are not off limits but you likely won’t see any flip flops.
CDMX style is distinctly urban and reminds me more of New York City than any of the Mexican cities I’ve visited in the Yucatán. As the largest city in North America, and Mexico’s capitol, the street style is on par with major hubs like NYC and Paris. If you’re a sneaker head, you’ll love it here!
How do locals dress in Mexico City? The dress code is often described as more formal and Mediterranean and, while the former is accurate, I found that people tend to dress edgier. Black is the most common color and even on warm spring days, you’ll see leather jackets. Definitely more rock & roll and artsy than preppy.
Check out all my favorite Mexico City restaurants, while you’re here!
I know I mentioned black as the dominant color in CDMX dressing but don’t be afraid to pack a colorful statement! I’m a fan of capsule travel wardrobes and find that having a common thread through my outfits makes packing easier. For this trip, pops of pink that common thread via shoes, a handbag, and this bright floral maxi dress.
What to Wear for CDMX Excursions
There are plenty of green spaces in Mexico City but you won’t need to pack any athlesiure unless you venture out to the Teotihuacan hot air balloon experience, which I highly recommend! Although there’s almost no shade, it isn’t blazing hot in the springtime so bring a jacket.
Similarly, since CDMX is not a beach town, swimwear is only a must if you plan to dip into your hotel’s pool. That said, the Tolantongo Hot Springs are about three hours away and a bucket list experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. You will need a swimsuit for this excursion.
What to pack for a Mexico City vacation is much different than the coastal beach cities you might be familiar with so what Mexico City tourists wear naturally differs. I hope this guide is helpful to you and am here to answer any other questions you might have in the comments. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
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.
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.
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.
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.
You'll want to bring clothes that are cozy and warm, but also stylish and colorful. Some good options are: A sweater or cardigan that you can layer over a shirt or dress. Jeans, pants or leggings that are snug and comfortable.
As in just about any other big city, petty theft is relatively common in Mexico City. Try not to flaunt any valuables. Leave expensive jewelry or watches at home for safekeeping. Also, be sure to keep your purse and pockets zipped to deter pickpockets.
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.
Avoid bright-colored clothes and wear muted colors instead. Ditch the white sneakers, bulky cargo shorts, and yoga pants, and opt for comfortable shoes and casual pants like khakis. Forget the fanny pack and hulking backpacks. Carry only what you need.
Leave your bling at home. Avoid bringing flashy watches and jewelry to Mexico. If you wear them, you'll risk standing out and becoming a target for pickpockets and scammers.
No one wants to sit through a seven-hour flight in constricting jeans or too-tight shoes — soft, stretchy, and stylish clothing is the way to go. Athleisure sets, loose-fitting pants and tops, and slip-on shoes all make for comfy and convenient plane outfits.
But you'll definitely need comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing. I recommend a pair of sneakers for flights and sights, hiking sandals for activities like ruins and cenotes, and a nicer pair of flip flops or sandals for evenings. Sketchers Go Walks are comfy lightweight slip-on sneakers that pack easily.
Quick tips: avoid wearing flashy jewelry or shiny accessories; steer clear of dark, solitary places; keep an eye on your wallet (especially in very crowded, touristy places); keep valuables in your hotel safe; and carry one credit card, your ID and only cash you need for the day's expenses with you while out and about.
In short, no, you do not need to dress conservatively in Mexico City. However, do locals dress conservatively? Generally, yes, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to. Mexico City is a multicultural capital city.
Resort Casual: Shorts or jeans, t–shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required. Resort Evening: Dress pants or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar).
A good pair of canvas sneakers are always a great option for travelers headed to the beach. A pair of timeless Converse is certainly the best and affordable option, they're lightweight and dry quickly should they get wet.
You can generally wear sandals on a plane. However, for comfort and safety reasons, especially on long flights, it's advisable to choose footwear that offers more support and protection. Some airlines might also discourage overly casual footwear like flip-flops, particularly in business class.
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Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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