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!
Cotton or linen shirts, dresses or tops that are cool and comfortable. Shorts, capris or skirts that are easy to dry if they get wet. Sandals or sneakers that are water-resistant and slip-proof. A backpack or crossbody bag that can keep your belongings safe and dry.
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.
Chacos are a versatile option that will serve you well anywhere in Mexico (I have these ones). For something a little less sporty, a pair of Birkenstocks will do. However, they aren't as comfortable for walking long distances.
If hiking through nature or up pyramids, sneakers and hiking boots are a must. You may also want to bring at least one pair of closed-toed dress shoes for going out to more upscale restaurants and clubs, particularly if you plan on spending time in a city.
This applies doubly for neighborhoods that are perhaps less well-traversed by tourists, and on public transport, which is a ripe hunting ground for pickpockets. This is absolutely not to say that you can't wear nice earrings or carry a camera, but just be aware of your surroundings when doing so.
You'll want to bring layers that you can easily put on or take off depending on the temperature. Some good options are: A light jacket or sweater that you can wear over a t-shirt or blouse. Jeans, leggings or skirts that are comfortable and versatile.
What not to wear. 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 people in Mexico City never wear shorts, not even in the hottest months here. Wearing a sundress and sandals or anything else beachy (a bathing suit top, a giant floppy hat) will immediately alert people to the fact that you are not from around here, which is fine if you don't care, but if you do…
In fact, it is considered unusual. Sandals are often chosen for special events, frequently along with beach activities or vacations. Wearing them in public, especially in a crowded city like Mexico City, is comparable to glaring out like a sore thumb.
The question is not to be underestimated, given and considering that the president of Birkenstock USA felt compelled to declare, “it is perfectly acceptable to wear Birkenstocks with socks.”
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're in a very crowded place, try to keep one hand on your purse. To me, a purse or travel bag is more secure than a backpack because you can keep an eye and hand on it. If you get pushed, keep a hand on your bag!
If you do need to wander at night, it's best to travel as a pack. Some barrios in Mexico City are known for higher crime rates than others – simply avoid them altogether. Among the notorious are La Joya, Tepito, La Lagunilla, and Nezahualcoyotl. Stick to the main tourist neighborhoods and you'll be fine.
Mexico soon became a leading exporter of silver, with sterling silver becoming synonymous with Mexican artisan jewelers. They skillfully combined the allure of silver with exquisite gemstones such as jade, onyx, amethyst, red jasper, fire opal, and turquoise.
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.
In order to avoid attracting unnecessary attention on your vacation, you can wear long skirts made of lighter material, light-weight pants or jeans, and tops that are not very revealing. However, for the areas around beaches, like Cancun, you can definitely wear shorts and tank tops.
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.
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