What to wear in Marrakech this summer

10 Jun What to wear in Marrakech this summer

What should I wear in Marrakech? How should Westerners dress in Morocco? Guests staying at Riad 72 and Riad Due regularly enquire about what to pack when preparing for their red city getaway so as not to offend while wandering through the Marrakech medina. With the heat turned on, anything that is light and breezy tops our list of requirements!

So we stopped by our favourite boutiques to check out their summer collections with looks for both wandering city breaks and also poolside attire.

Bermuda shorts in a variety of prints and patterns for all tastes!

The accessories counter at Max&Jan has something for everyone in a variety of colours.

The poolside attire is colourful and chic at Max&Jan boutique in the Marrakech medina

This summer’s collection features bold coloured tunic tops and sarouel pants.

Kaftans by Norya ayroN are perfect for wandering in Marrakech, or back home

A gandoura by Norya ayroN completes the daytime city look

At Norya ayroN’s shop located on the first floor of Le Jardin, we feel in love with the new full-length Yasmina dress with perfect sleeves to ensure we remain covered, but light enough to allow the breeze pass. The latest arrivals of the classic abayas are perfect for wandering around town, either Marrakech or back home in major European and North American cities where many of Norya’s clientele reside. For a sportier look, we love the colourful jumpsuits – sleeves rolled up, an open neckline perfect for accessorizing with a long necklace and with sneakers or sandals on our feet we are ready to go!

Seeking inspiration from Central Africa, Morocco and North Africa, the designers at at Max&Jan have created a collection of kaftans, tunics and Moroccan-style cotton pants that can be described simply as bold. Think sunshine yellow, blue Majorelle and even bright orange.

While sporting vibrant colours is common in Morocco, for those returning to a Western city like New York or London, Jan Pauwels suggests fashionistas adapt to the local culture – add a sweater to the gandoura. Accessorize the kimono accordingly.

“I create [tunics, sarouels, and gandouras] with an Oriental touch,” explains owner Jan, “so that when guests return home they feel like they are leaving with a souvenir, but also something that can be worn at home.”

If Moroccan fashion isn’t your style, the Max&Jan shop sells a wide selection of accessories to add a pop to your summer look. Beaded necklaces with colourful tassels and even hands of Fatima, scarves and beaded sandals round out the accessories lines.

For men, we suggest heading to Topolina for one-of-a-kind Bermuda shorts, perfect for city and seaside. But here, the shorts are made with a Moroccan touch – vintage-inspired prints in muted and colourful patterns.

Concerned about the versatility of new wardrobe purchases, Norya gave us our top picks for how to wear one’s new attire once home:

Everyday city look: the long and breezy abaya in either a muted patterned or colourful fabric with open-toed shoes or white sneakers

Top summer festival look: jumpsuit with an open kimono

Relaxing poolside: Gandoura, a perfect beach cover-up or poolside look