Cinco de Mayo Outfits

Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day of partying and sipping on margaritas—for many, the festivities honor the Latinx experience of the American Civil War, specifically when Mexico unlikely won against a much larger and better-equipped French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While Genoveva Pedrero, co-founder of de MARIA, opts out of celebrating the holiday, Pedrero recalls growing up with Cinco de Mayo being, “at most, a nice long weekend, or puente in Mexico.” It is, in fact, not celebrating the country’s Independence Day. 

However, for the Latinx community in the States, it remains an homage to the resilience and perseverance of the culture, even for the short-lived victory. “As a Mexican living in New York City, any reason to celebrate my heritage is embraced wholeheartedly,” says Mariela Alexandra, designer of Mains de Vapeur. “For me, it’s a chance to gather friends, indulge in our favorite Mexican dishes, and raise a toast with mezcal.”

Meet the expert

-Mariela Alexandra is the designer of Mains de Vapeur.

-Genoveva Pedrero is the co-founder of de MARIA.

-Talía Cu is the Substack writer of Latin Zine.

With historical context in mind, what does one wear on Cinco de Mayo? The best way is to don bright colors and bold silhouettes, preferably shopped from Mexican and Latinx brands. After all, it is “about honoring our roots and sharing the richness of our culture wherever we are,” says Alexandra, so it’s essential to dress the part in a respectful yet chic way. Though the festivities may only last a day, the vibrant pieces can be worn all season long.

Ahead, explore five outfit ideas and shop the brands as three Latinx fashion experts recommended.

Cinco de Mayo Outfit Idea No. 1: Ruffles Galore

Talía Cu, writer of Substack’s “Latin Zine,” says that Cinco de Mayo is modestly celebrated in Mexico. The traditional way to celebrate, she explains, usually involves “lots of ruffles, vibrant colors, and airy looks.” Although Cu would opt for a modern update on the holiday (more on that below!), you can choose lightweight fabrics and sheer materials if you decide to go the ruffle route for a festive and easy transition into your summer wardrobe.

Cinco de Mayo Outfit Idea No. 2: Head-to-Toe Denim

An unlikely outfit idea initially, but denim is a staple in Mexican ranchero fashion. For Cinco de Mayo, go all in with denim-on-denim. Start off with a decked-out denim jacket, whether it’s with fringe or lots of rhinestones, and throw on a pair of coordinating shorts. Keep the denim ensemble going even more by layering a matching corset—and heck, throw in a blue-wash tote bag, too. If an all-denim attire is not your cup of tea, Cu offers another styling trick. “I prefer to opt for boot-cut trousers in distressed dark denim or with a leather finish, or perhaps a long pencil skirt with a leather-like texture,” she tells InStyle.

Cinco de Mayo Outfit Idea No. 3: Cowboy Boots

Speaking of a Western theme, there’s nothing like a Cinco de Mayo celebration without a pair of trusty cowboy boots. Channel your inner vaquero with the ankle-hitting kicks—if you can, snag a pair from Latinx or Mexican-owned labels. Cu says there’s an endless way to pair the versatile shoe; You can pair it with a blouse in a vibrant single color or a leather top and accessorize with a leather belt, ear-cuffs, and chain jewelry. Oh, and don’t forget the hat. Her colorways of choice? Red, white, or black. “¡Listo!”

Cinco de Mayo Outfit Idea No. 4: Statement Handbags

Bright colors and vibrant prints are ways to show enthusiasm, but if you don’t know where to start, Pedrero recommends sticking to the red, green, or white—the colorways found on the Mexican flag. There’s no better way to embrace the color theme than through accessories—you can never go wrong with a statement handbag. Don’t be afraid to step out of solid hues—opt for multicolor florals or even authentic artisan-made shoulder bags as an ode to Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo Outfit Idea No. 5: Tons of Textures

If you're looking to add some flair to your Cinco de Mayo celebration, try playing with textures. Crochet, fringe, and raffia are the top three textures to consider for the occasion, especially as we head towards summer. Straw hats, fringe skirts, and crochet tanks are perfect for warm weather and celebrating the holiday. You can keep the accessories simple and sleek, as the bold silhouettes will already make a statement—but then again, there’s no shame in going all out to embrace the holiday spirit of victory “against all odds.”

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