What to Pack For a Trip to Mexico, From Slip Dresses to Cutout Swimsuits

The DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico is in a prime location for experiencing all that Guadalajara has to offer. Both tequila and mariachi music were born in Jalisco, the state of which Guadalajara is the capital. Colonial plazas and sites like the Teatro Degollado and the cathedral dot Guadalajara's historic center. The DoubleTree is just a few blocks' walk from all of those landmarks, in addition to many other museums and markets. After a day of exploring, dine at Piso 7, which offers Mexican cuisine and sweeping views of the city.

This multicolored slip dress is versatile enough for all-day wear. Layer a simple white tee over it and sport a pair of comfortable sneakers when you set out for a couple hours of walking the city center. Then come dinnertime, remove the tee and swap in thong-sandal kitten heels, and you're good to go.

Fe Noel Prism Bella Slip Dress ($548)

If Guadalajara is your base while in Mexico, you have multiple day-trip possibilities to mull over. One popular destination is Tlaquepaque, located about four miles to the southeast, which is known for its art galleries, boutiques, mariachi, and cuisine. Take a stroll down Calle Independencia, a colorful pedestrian street lined with art, eateries, and shops, and pick up souvenirs for loved ones back home.

A lightweight linen dress is a clear frontrunner for another day filled with walking. This number works well with sandals and sneakers alike and can be personalized with a wide-brim hat and single-strand gold necklaces. Wear it over a few other layers — like shorts and a tank top — to give yourself a couple different styling options.

Quince European Linen Shirt Dress ($50, originally $110)

Seeking farm-to-table fare? Restaurante Allium, which serves nearly 100 percent Mexican-sourced ingredients, is a culinary destination you don't want to miss in Guadalajara. In addition to working with small, local producers, the restaurant also maintains an urban garden on its roof. While the menu is seasonal, some of the especially delicious dishes include the shrimp ceviche, roasted octopus, and short rib. Pro tip: Definitely leave room for dessert.

Why not raise the hemline a little? Pair a swingy halter minidress with espadrilles, a bucket bag, and gold hoop earrings, and you'll strike just the right balance between chic and laid-back for your romantic dinner date.

Gap Tie-Back Halter Mini Dress ($55, originally $70)

Mexico has innumerable waterfront spots where you're free to spend your days under a cabana, sipping a refreshment topped off with a tiny umbrella. Los Cabos remains a locale that's beloved for its idyllic beaches, and the Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, is where you can really indulge on your Mexico vacation. Book an appointment at the Ojo de Liebre Spa, which is the only spa in Baja with a cryotherapy chamber. There you're also able to enjoy the seawater and freshwater pools, 12 treatment rooms, hot and ice-cold tubs, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy light showers.

Cutouts have been a major trend among the fashion set, whether on a dress or in swimsuit form. This timeless black one-piece gets an update with an ab window at the center, and it's currently available in sizes S to 5XL.

Kitty and Vibe Cut Out One Piece ($110)

If you're a margarita, mezcal, and/or tequila enthusiast, take advantage of your time in Mexico and set up a tour at a nearby distillery and agave farm. Tanteo Tequila, for instance, operates a distillery that's owned and operated by a cooperative of local agave farmers. Some brands offer guided tours if you directly reach out via email or through social media.

Walking through agave fields means having your legs covered to keep them protected from the large (and sometimes pokey) agave plants. Wear comfortable denim or corduroy pants and a headscarf to keep hair pulled back and away from your face. Boots or sneakers (no open-toe shoes or sandals) will be your best footwear choices.

Quiksilver Timeless Classic Classic Trousers ($82, originally $86)

Equihua Plantitas Graphic Tee ($27, originally $40)

Longchamp Épure Leather Bucket Bag ($347, originally $495)

Calia Long Sleeve Utility Shirt Cover-Up ($32, originally $45)

Farm Rio Colorful Birds Denim Shorts ($137, originally $195)

Viscata Montroig Canvas Espadrille Sandal ($140)

Ryan Destiny x PacSun Printed Summer Nights Maxi Dress ($25, originally $50)