Before my trip to Mexico, I was getting a lot of unsolicited comments about my safety. People were asking me whether I really thought it was a good idea to go alone and scanning me from head-to-toe before saying “you’re not gonna dress like that are you?”
When I went in to check on my phone service before my trip, the sales clerk, upon learning what my plan was, suggested I learn some form of martial arts, ideally something involving weapons. You know, just in case.
I kid you not.
I really wasn’t worried about my safety until I started getting flooded with these comments and I will say that it made me rethink what I was packing. But heck, I was still going.
A Quick Note on Safety
First of all, if you’re planning to travel to Mexico City alone, I applaud you. If you’re planning to go alone as a female traveler, I applaud you in a circle. I also assure you that with the same street smarts you’d bring along with you to pretty much anywhere – New York City, Rome, the gas station parking lot – you’ll be just fine.
Like any big city, and CDMX is B-I-G, there are seedy areas and it’s probably a good idea not to do a whole lot of walking alone at night. Go out with groups and take taxis when you can. Do some research on what areas to avoid and what areas are the best to stay in (spoiler alert: Roma and Condesa).
I absolutely love this blog post by Adventurous Kate about the safety of solo travel in Mexico.
I will say that when it comes to solo travel, having a knack for blending in is something of a major travel hack.
My hair was on the blonde side when I traveled to Mexico City and I’m sort of…tall-ish in comparison to most Mexican women so the chameleon effect didn’t go over so well for me.
But I did find that I felt more comfortable when I was dressed more like the locals.
Quick Note About the Weather
The weather in Mexico City tends to stay pretty temperate year round, with low 40s being on the cold side and mid 80s being on the hotter end of the spectrum.
I visited in July and August and was surprised to find that it was actually not so hot. I often needed a jacket in the evenings and was rarely sweating, except for a perfectly timed day of blaring sun on a trip to the shadeless pyramids of Teotihuacan.
Read also: Things You Must Do In Mexico City
What to Wear
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. All opinions are 100% my own.
Overall, the women in Mexico City dress just like most Americans do, with one exception: they wear pants a lot more often and are less likely to show a lot of leg on the regular. The standard way of dress is laid-back and casual, unless you’re attending a special venue or restaurant.
Bottoms
The first thing you should know is that shorts are not particularly common in Mexico City. Most often, the people wearing shorts are tourists. Especially short jean shorts and mini skirts.
I still brought these items, but I usually preferred to wear pants or stick to longer silhouettes. On the days when I wore shorts, I did feel a little more exposed as a tourist and there was some staring.
Mexican women tend to show a little more up top and keep their legs mostly covered. Again, this depends on the situation, isn’t true of everyone and you should do whatever you want. I especially noticed that at salsa socials, women were more audacious with their outfits and I was loving that dancer style.
Overall, I’d recommend packing longer skirts – like maxi and mini lengths – and pairing them with tank tops or tees for easy breezy everyday outfits.
Jeans are also common and an absolute packing must. I’d say that unless you’re planning to go to a fancy place for dinner or attend a shwanky event, denim and relaxed pants are the everyday norm.
Read also: The Best Art Museums To Visit in Mexico City
Dresses
I loved wearing flowing dresses during my trip to Mexico City. They’re the perfect mix of fun and feminine while traveling. Bring some mini and maxi lengths in airy silhouettes and pair them with sandals or sneakers for effortless and classy everyday looks.
Outerwear
Bring along a jacket or two, several cardigans you can easily throw on if the sun takes an afternoon off, and pack some long sleeve tops. It truly did feel like fall on a handful of July days and I wasn’t expecting it. A jean jacket is always a good bet too, especially if you’re traveling in the spring or summer.
Tops
From asymmetrical bodysuits to classic t-shirts to ruffled blouses, you can essentially have all the fun with your tops! It’s more about being modest on the bottom, so pack a mixture of everyday basics and more flirtatious shirts and tanks, and have fun styling them any way you choose.
If you plan on taking salsa or bachata classes, or attending some socials while you’re in Mexico City, you might want to pack a few flirty tops like backless halters or off-the-shoulder crop tops to pair with skinny jeans or leggings. I noticed the seasoned dancers wearing these types of outfits and I wanted in on the trend.
Shoes
Classic sandals and sneakers are pretty much the norm. Platform sandals (not toooo high) are also a popular style along with wedges and espadrilles. One or two pairs of strappy heels are a good idea for potential nights out or nice dinners.
If you’re traveling in the winter, sneakers, combat boots and classic leather booties will be the way to go.
Colors & Accessories
I found myself wanting to wear more colorful items because of the cultural affinity for vibrant hues. If you’re feeling playful, ease up on safe and boring neutral tones like black, white, and beige. Experiment with bright yellows, reds, emerald and bright blues.
Definitely bring along a crossbody bag and stick to purses that zip. Shoulder bags that stay right under your arm are a good bet too. You just want to be prudent about keeping your belongings tucked away safely.
Avoid carrying big totes that don’t close or wearing backpacks that practiced thieves can easily open and close before you can say “dude where’s my wallet?”
I also felt like big earrings – from dramatic dangly styles to J. Lo worthy hoops – were a thing.
Why not play around with the colors and accessories you wear while exploring the city?
Better yet stop by Vera Mexico boutique in Juarez and enjoy locally sourced pieces that incorporate Mexican tradition and artisanship. I loved this boutique and had a delightful chat with the sweet owner! I’d definitely recommend it as a place to buy stylish souvenirs.
I hope you enjoyed this guide for what to wear in Mexico City as a female solo traveler! Eat lots of tacos, explore lots of museums, and get ready for an enriching cultural experience.
You’re going to have so much fun traveling here and look appropriately cute while you’re at it.
