Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5th each year to commemorate Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s often confused with Mexican Independence Day (which is actually September 16th), Cinco de Mayo has become a popular holiday in the United States as a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture. One question that often comes up when planning to attend Cinco de Mayo events is “What should I wear?” The dress code for Cinco de Mayo can vary depending on the type of event, location, and formality. Here’s an overview of recommended attire to help you plan your Cinco de Mayo outfit.
Traditional Mexican Attire
For an authentic Cinco de Mayo celebration, consider wearing traditional Mexican clothing. This is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the culture while showing respect and appreciation for Mexican traditions. Some typical items include:
- Huipil: An embroidered, loose-fitting tunic worn by indigenous women in Mexico.
- Guayabera: A lightweight, pleated shirt popular among men.
- Rebozo: A long scarf made of silk or cotton.
- Sarape: A colorful blanket-like shawl.
- Sombrero: The iconic wide-brimmed Mexican hat.
Women may want to wear a colorful skirt or dress with patterns and embroidery. Braiding your hair or adding flowers is also a nice touch. Men can wear guayaberas or a simple dress shirt with slacks or jeans. Don’t be afraid to accessorize with belts, jewelry or a sarape. The most important thing is to have fun and show off your Mexican flair!
Festive Casual Attire
For more casual Cinco de Mayo parties, festive attire is appropriate. Stay comfortable while still getting into the holiday spirit with:
- T-shirts or tank tops with Mexican-inspired designs, flags, flowers, skulls, and more.
- Red, white and green colors (the colors of the Mexican flag).
- Ponchos, sarapes or serapes (Mexican blankets).
- Sombreros or straw hats.
- Bright patterns and embroidery.
- Traditional Mexican dresses for women.
- Jeans or casual pants.
Accessories like flower crowns, beads, and statement jewelry can add festive flair. For men, simple button-down shirts or guayaberas work well. This look is all about laidback fun and celebrating Mexican pride!
Cinco de Mayo Party Attire
For Cinco de Mayo parties at bars, clubs or larger celebrations, dress codes can vary depending on the venue. Consider the following party outfit ideas:
- Cocktail dresses or skirts for women.
- Dress shirts or polos and dark jeans for men.
- Festive accessories – for women, flower crowns, dangly earrings, bracelets. For men, Guayabera dress shirts, Mexican belts and hats.
- Bodycon dresses or fitted tops to show off Latin dance moves.
- Red, green or black party outfits for bold Cinco de Mayo style.
- Sequined or beaded dresses and embellished tops.
Be sure to check if the venue has a specific dress code. Some upscale clubs or parties may require more formal attire. When in doubt, call ahead to ask so you can look festive and fabulous!
What to Avoid
Cinco de Mayo is meant to honor Mexican culture. Be respectful by avoiding:
- Costumes or caricature outfits, as these could come off as offensive.
- Clothing with insensitive slogans or stereotypical images.
- Dumpy jeans, jeans with holes, athletic shorts or sweat pants.
- Plain white tops without any flair or color.
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect occasion to wear vibrant, fun attire so pick out your best Mexican-inspired outfit. Just be tasteful and avoid disrespectful costumes. When in doubt, remember “less is more” and let your accessories shine brighter than your outfit.
Dress Code by Event Type
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for dressing for different types of Cinco de Mayo celebrations:
| Event Type | Recommended Attire |
|---|---|
| Cultural events/festivals | Traditional Mexican clothing like guayaberas, huipil dresses, sarapes, sombreros |
| Casual neighborhood parties | Festive tops, Mexican-print dresses or skirts, accessories |
| Daytime celebrations | Casual dresses, skirts, jeans with Mexican-inspired tops |
| Nightclubs/bars | Cocktail dresses, festive skirts, dressy blouses, smart casual |
| Upscale/formal events | Cocktail attire, dressy pantsuits/jumpsuits, formal dresses |
In Conclusion
Dressing up for Cinco de Mayo celebrations is a great way to get into the festive spirit. Consider wearing traditional Mexican clothing or modern looks in bold colors and patterns. Stay stylish but respectful by avoiding costume outfits. Ask about the dress code if you’re unsure what to wear to a specific party or event. Most importantly, have fun with your outfit and use it to honor the rich traditions of Mexican culture! ¡Viva México!
