To dress for Spain, wear light, stylish pieces in linen and cotton: a summer dress or wide-leg linen pants with a simple top, espadrilles or flat sandals, and something a little dressier for late dinners. Spanish style is polished but relaxed, with good fit, natural fabrics and a confident touch of color.
This guide covers what to wear in Spain in summer, Spain outfit ideas for cities and the coast, the best dresses to wear in Spain, what not to wear and a packing list. For the wider picture, see our guide to European summer outfits.
What do people wear in Spain?
Spanish fashion leans polished: people dress with care for the city, rarely wear gym clothes outside the gym, and dress up for the evening. Expect simple, well-fitted pieces, neutral colors with one bold accent, and good shoes. Barcelona is a little more relaxed and beachy; Madrid and Seville are a little more dressed up.
- Natural fabrics for the heat, especially linen and cotton gauze.
- A warm palette: white, black, cream, terracotta and olive, with stripes.
- Espadrilles: the rope-soled shoe comes from Spain, and it goes with nearly everything.
Spain outfit ideas
- City day: wide-leg linen palazzo pants with a V-neck linen shell top, espadrilles and a woven bag.
- The black dress: a black halter neck midi dress or the black one shoulder dress with gold earrings for a late dinner in Madrid.
- Stripes: black and white striped wide-leg linen pants with a simple black top.
- Beach town: a linen shorts set or striped linen shorts over a swimsuit for Barcelona, Mallorca or the Costa del Sol.
- The summer dress: a cotton gauze spaghetti strap midi dress with flat sandals and a straw hat.
Best dresses to wear in Spain
Dresses are the most useful pieces for Spain because one dress works from a morning walk to a 10 p.m. dinner. Look for:
- Midi or maxi length in linen or cotton gauze.
- A strong, simple color, like black, white or terracotta, or a classic stripe.
- Easy styling: a dress that looks right with sandals by day and espadrilles and earrings at night.
Browse our linen dresses and cotton gauze dresses for summer dresses that do both, or our vacation dresses edit.
What to wear in Spain in summer
Summer heat in Spain is serious, especially inland in Seville, Córdoba and Madrid in July and August. Plan for it:
- Wear loose linen and cotton gauze, which let air move and dry fast.
- Choose light colors for the hottest days, and save black for the evening.
- Carry a light layer for air-conditioned museums, trains and restaurants.
- Sightsee early, rest in the afternoon, and dress up for the evening, when the streets come alive.
What not to wear in Spain
- Swimwear away from the beach; some coastal cities fine people for walking around in it.
- Athletic wear and flip-flops in the city.
- Heels on old town cobblestones.
- Very casual looks for dinner, which is often the dressiest part of the day.
Spain packing list
- Three dresses: a black evening dress, a light day dress and a maxi.
- One pair of wide-leg linen pants and one pair of linen shorts or a set.
- Two or three tops, including one with sleeves.
- A light layer for air conditioning.
- Espadrilles, flat sandals and sneakers.
- Swimwear, a cover-up and a Turkish beach towel for the coast.
Find the full list in our resort wear edit. Traveling further around the Mediterranean? See our guides to what to wear in Italy and what to wear in Greece.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Spain?
Light, stylish pieces in linen and cotton: summer dresses, wide-leg pants with a simple top, and espadrilles or flat sandals. Dress a little smarter for evenings, which start late, and keep a light layer for air-conditioned interiors.
What do people wear in Spain?
Spanish style is polished and relaxed at the same time: well-fitted dresses, linen shirts and pants, neutral colors with a touch of color, and good shoes. People rarely wear athletic clothes in the city, and they dress up for dinner.
What should I wear in Spain in summer?
Linen and cotton dresses, shorts sets and loose pants for the heat, which can be intense inland in Seville, Córdoba and Madrid. On the coast, add swimwear and a cover-up, and bring a light layer for air-conditioned interiors.
What dresses should I wear in Spain?
Midi and maxi dresses in linen or cotton gauze, in white, black, terracotta or stripes. A dress that works with sandals by day and with espadrilles and earrings at night is the most useful piece you can pack.
What shoes should I wear in Spain?
Espadrilles, which come from Spain, flat leather sandals and clean sneakers for long sightseeing days. Avoid heels on old town cobblestones and flip-flops away from the beach.