Wardrobe Diaries: Mexico City Outfits, Purchases, & Shopping Guide
Everything I wore and bought. Plus, recommendations for where to shop.
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A few weeks ago, my sister and I traded the usual Thanksgiving traditions for a spirited escape to Mexico City. Just the two of us, no agenda other than to immerse ourselves in the city’s distinctive rhythm—equal parts dynamic and unhurried. Days were filled with cultural forays, lingering lunches, meaningful sisterly conversations, and a deep dive into the city’s creative shopping scene.
Mexico City is a shopper’s dream, a place where artistry and imagination collide. Each boutique felt like stepping into a story—rooted in heritage yet expressed through a strikingly modern lens. The creativity on display wasn’t just impressive; it was a testament to the city’s vibrant design ethos.
Though it wasn’t our first time in CDMX (how has it been nearly a decade?), this visit unveiled a transformed cityscape. The designers we discovered—most of whom didn’t exist back then—are shaping a thrilling narrative, blending ancestral techniques with contemporary sensibilities.
While a full travelogue is forthcoming—complete with details of what we saw, savoured, and admired—this dispatch turns the spotlight on style: what I wore, the treasures I brought back, and a curated guide to the city’s most exceptional shopping destinations. Consider it a primer for your own Mexico City journey.
For those of you joining me for the first time, a quick note of principle: this newsletter is entirely free of affiliate links. Everything I feature here is something I’ve personally sought out, purchased, and genuinely adore. The sole exception is a nod to my fellow secondhand enthusiasts—if you’re venturing onto ThredUp for the first time, my link offers 45% off and free shipping on your initial order, while I receive $40 in credit. A small but satisfying way to champion sustainable style together.
SUNDAY
Packing for Mexico City in late November presented its own set of challenges—a delicate balance between brisk mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings. To streamline the process, I turned to my Indyx digital wardrobe for a retrospective look at what I wore in Chicago this past September. The results? Proof that a digital closet is not just a tool but a game-changer.
My L.L. Bean Barn Jacket, an autumn staple and a fortuitous ThredUp find, was the first thing in my bag. With its classic design and versatility, it seamlessly transitioned across outfits and occasions. Layering was the name of the game: I added a daytime blazer, an evening blazer, a navy cashmere sweater, and a cozy knit for lounging into my suitcase—all of which proved indispensable.
As for footwear, I kept it practical—or so I thought. Sneakers, Birkenstocks, heeled boots, and loafers made the cut. In reality, the loafers remained untouched, and the boots saw action just once. It turns out that on a walking-heavy city break, sneakers and Birkenstocks always win. A lesson in packing light I’ll aim to remember next time.
MONDAY
A Monday look that strikes the perfect balance between ease and polish. The centerpiece? A 100% linen blazer by Irish designer Paul Costelloe, snapped up in May 2023 for a mere $33.60—a piece that proves the best pieces need not come with a hefty price tag. Its shade of blue is a masterstroke: simultaneously light and rich, vibrant and understated, making it endlessly adaptable for both day and night.
On this trip, it quickly became my “daytime blazer,” elevating jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. A trio of layered necklaces and a white leather bag broke up the monochrome, adding just the right touch of colour. Perfectly suited for a day of wandering, the look felt wholly my own—a seamless blend of comfort and style.
By the afternoon, we found ourselves on Calle Marsella in the Juarez neighborhood, which quickly became our favorite haunt. Lined with exceptional boutiques and inviting coffee and tea spots, it’s a street brimming with creative energy. The shopping here was unparalleled; I could have spent days, even weeks, exploring the intricate design stories behind the brands. Through it all, the blazer was an ideal companion—tailored yet relaxed, perfectly in sync with the vibrant charm of this endlessly inspiring district.
CALLE MARSELLA/JUAREZ
After the best flat white of the trip at Kiyo café, our exploring started at Carla Fernández, where I was particularly taken by the accessories, including her miracle earrings and bags inspired by Tecuan masks. Carla collaborates with artisans across 16 Mexican states, preserving over 80 traditional techniques while creating something entirely contemporary. Her work speaks for itself: intricate, unique, and deeply rooted in tradition. Her kaftan-like dresses and flowing shirts have an ease that makes me swoon.
As the week unfolded, I found myself returning again and again to the boutiques clustered around Calle Marsella—each one a portal into a different facet of Mexico’s creative spirit. Here are some of the highlights from this stretch of shops:
LAGO - A showcase of designers from across Latin America, featuring an exceptional collection of jewelry and homewares that feels both elevated and deeply rooted.
Vera Colectivo - A haven for slow fashion and Mexican craftsmanship, with breezy linen and cotton dresses, handmade beaded jewelry, and homewares that exude effortless charm.
Fábrica Social - This social enterprise celebrates the artistry of women artisans from Mexico, offering beautifully crafted clothing and accessories that tell a story of tradition and empowerment.
Utilitario Mexicano - A treasure trove of “useful and beautiful” objects that have been staples of Mexican life for generations. Think tortilla baskets, kitchen essentials, and understated office and bathroom pieces. (My boyfriend now proudly owns one of their tortilla baskets!)
Casa Dinamarca - A trend-forward boutique housing Mexican brands with a sharp eye for design—sunglasses, shoes, scarves, and more.
Korimi México - Already at the top of my list for my next visit! This shop offers non-gender-specific garments embroidered with motifs reflecting Mexican culture and geography, alongside a curated selection of vintage clothing and home pieces.
At Vera Colectivo, my first purchase of the trip revealed itself: a green and pink beaded necklace, perfectly capturing one of my favorite color combinations. Its shape and length instantly evoked the vintage grey and white pearl necklace I found at a flea market in Paris earlier this year—one of my most treasured pieces, worn nearly every other day as part of my layered jewelry stack.
This necklace felt like an effortless addition to my wardrobe, seamlessly connecting my well-loved staples with something new. I adore the way unexpected bursts of color can lift even the most minimal, monochromatic outfits—especially my go-to office looks. It’s the small details like this that transform getting dressed into something personal, playful, and deeply intentional.
Having a piece from Mexico City that I can integrate into my daily life feels like a special way to keep a piece of the city with me—a wearable reminder of this vibrant, inspiring place.
I almost walked right past Fábrica Social—nestled just off the main thoroughfare, its understated presence could have easily gone unnoticed. But as fortune would have it, the name caught my eye, and curiosity compelled me to make an impromptu U-turn. At that point in the trip, much of the clothing I had encountered felt better suited to Mexico’s temperate climate than the impending Chicago freeze, and I wasn’t particularly eager to invest in something I’d have to store for months.
And then came the jacket—a 100% wool masterpiece incorporating the embroidery techniques I’ve long adored. It is a true sartorial dream: a bold, striking green, delicate knot buttons, and a slightly oversized fit that achieves the perfect balance of artistry and timeless design. It feels both singular—unlike anything I’ve owned before—and surprisingly versatile, slotting easily into everyday styling.
A couple of weeks later, it has already earned its place in my weekly rotation.
For Monday evening, I opted for a complete secondhand ensemble, with nearly every piece sourced from ThredUp. A long-sleeved Tory Burch shirt brought a touch of whimsy to the look, its Western-inspired palette adding vibrancy to an otherwise predominantly black outfit. Paired with flared trousers, animal-print boots made an understated yet playful appearance, while a brown suede belt introduced a tactile element to the mix.
The blazer—a demure animal print Cavalli with a story worth saving for the right moment. Let’s just say it involves late-night clubbing in Shanghai, my sister, and an unexpected twist of fate. A decade on, it remains my steadfast evening companion, a sartorial reminder of adventures past.
TUESDAY
I always embrace the opportunity to wear this Farm Rio dress—despite being slightly too cold and having to change after lunch—undoubtedly my favourite The Real Real find of 2024. For years, I’ve admired Farm Rio’s signature designs, celebrated for their bold, vibrant prints inspired by Brazil’s culture, flora, and wildlife. While the brand currently holds an “It’s a Start” rating on Good On You—and thus, for now, remains off my new-purchase radar—this particular dress, with its light, breezy cotton fabric adorned with intricate patchwork and embroidery, feels like the perfect summer companion.
It’s the kind of piece that requires little thought in terms of accessorizing: the dress is the outfit, and that simplicity is part of its charm.
Our morning was spent meandering through a house museum in Roma Norte, exploring the boutique treasures dotting the neighbourhood, and culminating in a seafood lunch at Contramar—a culinary destination that proved every bit as exceptional as the whispers of its reputation promised.
ROMA NORTE
Amor y Rosas - An ethical fashion brand that brings together modern designs with touches of Mexican handmade embroidery in a funky manner.
Cruzada Jewelry (Taxxon Eyewear) - My sister could not stop thinking about these sunglasses which have distinctive coloured lenses and frame shapes.
Proyecto República - With three boutiques in CDMX, this store brings together a well-curated selection of Latin American designers with sustainable and community-conscious mindsets that honor origins and preserve ancestral techniques.
Other places on my list in Roma/Roma Norte that we did not make it to this time but maybe you will: Vintage Hoe, Casa Bosques, Cardon, ZII ROPA, 180degrees Shop, Xolo Vintage, and Montserrat Messeguer.
And in Condesa: Casa Mandarine, Columpio, Básicos de México, and Mvndo Varon.
WEDNESDAY
The jacket made its first appearance as the afternoon light gracefully shifted into evening, offering warmth as we wandered the sprawling metropolis. When navigating a vast urban landscape like CDMX, I prefer a fluid approach to the day—selecting a neighbourhood to delve into, a few key destinations on the radar, but leaving plenty of space for spontaneous discoveries.
This day’s neighbourhood was Polanco, one of Mexico City's most upscale neighborhoods that is known for its luxury boutiques, high-end dining, and tree-lined avenues. Our journey there began with a long and leisurely walk from our base in Roma Norte, through the expansive Chapultepec Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the world, where the whispers of centuries of history drift through its shade-dappled paths.
After countless steps and hours of exploration, we treated ourselves to churros from Churrería El Moro, paired with more window shopping. Every boutique was irresistible!
The highlight, however, was undoubtedly Xinú Perfumes. This boutique fragrance house offers an enchanting, sensory journey into scent, inspired by Mexico’s diverse landscapes and heritage. Drawing from local botanicals, spices, and cultural traditions, Xinú creates fragrances that are deeply connected to place. The store itself is a visual delight: a masterclass in minimal design with clean lines, soft lighting, and an elegant atmosphere. Its fragrances mirror this refinement, ranging from delicate florals to complex, woodsy blends—each one capturing a different story of Mexico.
I selected Copála Xinū (no. 2), a nuanced composition of pink pepper, copal resin, mesquite wood, and vanilla beans. Described as mystic, woody, intriguing, and endless, this fragrance is inspired by the country’s ancient traditions and spiritual landscapes.
Other stores we enjoyed in Polanco…
POLANCO
IKAL - A boutique showcasing a curated selection of higher-end designers from across Latin America. The wall display of BUTRICH shoes, a beloved Peruvian brand, stole our attention.
Cafebrería El Péndulo Polanco - A charming bookstore and café with a winding staircase and an impressive selection of English books, perfect for leisurely browsing.
THURSDAY
On Thursday morning, we visited the charming Olivia at her showroom for Chava Studio, her bespoke made-to-order shirt brand. It felt only appropriate to wear a shirt I had acquired during my travels in Paris earlier this year—a piece that has proven itself to be both a cherished wardrobe staple and a thoughtful travel keepsake.
The shirt in question—a stunning piece by MA/RE Paris—features a distinctive cut that has a tendency to turn heads. More often than not, people stop to inquire about it, including Olivia herself (and she certainly knows her shirts). On our way to seek out one of the finest baguettes in Paris, we stumbled upon the brand’s pop-up shop. The shirt was hanging in the window, gracefully beckoning me, and it was love at first sight. I found myself hoping it would fit—and soon become part of my wardrobe.
Run by two sisters—one specializing in design, the other in the business—the MA/RE journey is a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship. Both sisters were present at the pop-up that day, and I had the pleasure of learning about their inspirations, design ethos, and meticulous approach to creating each piece. Every item in their collection is exquisite, and this cappuccino-stripe kimono is a strong contender for my spring and summer wishlist.
Anyway, back to Chava Studio. Emphasizing quality over quantity, this brand exemplifies the art of bespoke tailoring. Each piece is meticulously made-to-order by their skilled in-house seamstresses, whose expertise is celebrated and fairly compensated—a reflection of the brand’s commitment to sustainable and ethical production. At present, they craft approximately 20 shirts per week, available through private appointments at their showroom, online, or at the occasional pop-up in the US.
The shirts we’ll receive towards the end of January will be impeccably tailored to our individual measurements, but even the samples alone demonstrated the transformative power of high-quality materials and expert design. They fit with a precision and elegance that capture the essence of a perfectly made shirt—something mass production seldom achieves. The difference lies in the fit: exactly how a shirt should feel—effortlessly refined, thoughtfully constructed, and perfectly attuned to the body.
What’s more, the design choices have created seemingly endless possibilities for styling the shirts. The subtle details—the buttons, the collar, the cuffs, and the choice to tuck or leave untucked—offer versatility that feels fresh and personal. Olivia was just as enthusiastic as we were to explore the many ways these shirts can be styled during our time in the showroom, experimenting with combinations and embracing the creative freedom they offer.
Meeting her truly felt like meeting an old friend; she graciously spent a couple of hours with us, sharing her journey through the fashion industry in New York and the joy of now connecting with customers who are intentional about where their clothing comes from and how it’s made, and the challenges and opportunities her growing business faces. Her decision to establish the brand arose from a simple yet striking realization: while men have long had access to the luxury of bespoke tailored shirts, women have largely been overlooked in this space. Her vision was clear: to create a brand that bridges this gap.
I cannot wait to wear my shirt and celebrate all the women who are a part of Chava Studio.
FRIDAY
By Friday, I fully embraced the power of repetition, revisiting my favorite pieces. I wore the Everlane ribbed tees throughout spring and summer, frequently choosing them for both the office and casual weekends. This outfit exudes a certain vibe: an open, multicolored cotton shirt paired with wide yet tailored cotton trousers, Birkenstocks, and layers of necklaces (can you spot the pink and green one?!) — a look that feels effortlessly deliberate, one I’ll definitely bookmark for spring 2025.
The only minor setback? The sunglasses belonged to my sister, and they are perfect. Consider them added to next year’s wishlist.
As we wrapped up our time exploring Mexico City's vibrant streets and hidden gems, it was clear that every neighborhood, boutique, and conversation offered a unique story and a fresh perspective on style, culture, and design. From the bohemian elegance of Xinú Perfumes to the thoughtful tailoring of Chava Studio and the eclectic charm of local boutiques, each discovery added another layer to this city’s rich and layered aesthetic.
Mexico City proved to be a masterclass in blending history, tradition, and modern design. It reminded me that the most beautiful wardrobes are built with intention, a touch of heritage, and a spirit of curiosity. Here’s to continuing to uncover treasures, one neighborhood at a time.
Jennifer
xxx
It’s on my list. Thanks for the great tips! You look fabulous every day.