Perhaps it was watching Casablanca for the umteenth time, or finally making that aromatic couscous recipe sprinkled with spices and sweetness all the same time. Could it have been the softness of your hair following a moroccan oil treatment from scalp to ends? Whatever the reason, it is time to pack your bags.

Although tourism has steadily grown 6% annually between 2000 and 2018 per a Market Watch Global Analysis with anticipated growth into 2024 forecasts, many forget the nation remains 99% practicing muslim. In other words, in its beauty of tradition, handicrafts, and old world wonder it is our responsibility as tourists in the country to respect the norms held in highest regard. The list below aims to keep modesty in mind, considers the weather, sun protection, fashion, and comfort. I felt appropriate in what I wore and found the items surprisingly versatile for both day and night. With all the things that can possibly go wrong in a foreign country, the last thing you want to worry about is your outfit!

Morocco’s landscape is a mix of vast desserts and long winding beaches where temperatures can dip into the low 40’s (°F) at night and upper 80’s (°F) the day. If you already have your schedule planned for your trip, review my suggestions as a baseline but be sure to use your own judgement as to what would be appropriate for the activities you have planned. If you are staying in the desert for several nights you might consider bringing additional sweaters / layers or if hiking the Atlas mountains have your boots, athletic wear and any necessary gear.

Essential Items 

• Long sleeve button down shirts made of a breathable fabric such as linen or lightweight cotton. Don’t be afraid of using prints, glossy fabrics, or color. When possible always opt to elevate your look – you will absolutely appreciate it when looking back on your album.
• Relaxed short sleeve or sleeveless tops, similarly made in light fabrics (e.g. modal). I suggest the sleeveless tops be thick strapped, sufficient to cover undergarments and of a modest neckline. 
• Effortless maxi or knee-length dresses and skirts. If in your wardrobe, also consider palazzo pant jumpsuits; these can be used for day and night with the change of a few accessories.
• Wide-legged linen pants or jeans. Don’t be afraid to wear white jeans. 
• Light-weight scarves. These will be your best friends! Use them to cover your shoulders when wearing your sleeveless tops to add extra modesty, or drape them over your hair when visiting mosques such as the Hassan II Mosque (it is mandatory near the entrance of several local mosques). On extremely sunny days with little shade coverage like Volubilis, it can even be worn over or under a sun hat for extra protection.
• A wide-brimmed hat and / or a baseball hat (depending on your style). Keep in mind that you will want to prioritize sun protection, especially on long days wandering the city by foot. In certain locations like Volubilis, there is minimal sun relief as you will be in a vast open plain among ruins. 
  • I feel I must include this – sunscreen! Opt for physical formulas with zinc and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. My current favorites are the Supergoop! Zinc 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 45 and Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 for touch ups throughout the day. That said, the BADGER Unscented Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30 and EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 are cult favorites and fantastic options with friendly prices. Whatever your selection, make sure to protect your skin (don’t forget to apply to hands and feet if wearing sandals). Read more about physical vs. chemical sunscreens here.
• Regarding footwear, consider how much walking you will be doing and narrow it down to as few options as possible. I relied very heavily on my Birkenstocks – they provided stability, comfort, and prevented my feet from getting too hot. That being said, I brought along one pair of sneakers, one pair of foldable flats, and one pair of flat strappy sandals. While high heels are not popularly worn in Morocco, this by no means suggests you should not wear them if it is truer to your style and fits into your schedule. Specifically, at the Petit Rocher restaurant in Casablanca and in more elegant hotels, several women teetered fabulously in stilettos on the dancefloor and in the dining area. 
• Crossbody handbag made of a durable and washable material such as nylon. The handbag should have a zipper, and is ideally dirt and water resistant. Although it would be the worst case scenario, using general travel precautions, you want to ensure your bag is resistant against pickpockets in crowded markets or the narrow walkways of the medina. 

With good packing etiquette, you should be able to fit all of this into a carry on suitcase so that you can minimize your luggage. This is especially useful when it comes to moving between cities and optimizes room for packing souvenirs. Aim to bring items that can be easily folded and paired with multiple items – the key is to bring the essentials and have the ability to make several combinations with these options. Another thing to remember that I have learned throughout my travels is to not be afraid of repeating clothing. Sometimes we start the packing process imaging a new outfit daily as if we were home, but the reality is that your outfit repeats will go unnoticed especially considering your daily changes in location and/or varied interactions with new groups of people. Rather than thinking “repeat”, think “travel uniform”.

Enjoy your trip! 

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Not sure where to get started in your planning? Check out my Morocco 12-day Itinerary article for some help.

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