50+ Cute Dresses to Wear in Tulum for a Boho-Chic Beach Vacation (2023)
Are you planning a Tulum vacation and looking for cute new dresses for your trip? Look no further!
The style in Tulum is very unique so you’ll want to make sure you pack pieces that fit in with the boho-chic vibe. Everything about the town is relaxed and natural, from the beachy atmosphere to the earthy tones in clothing.
How do I know? I’m a travel blogger that lives in nearby Playa del Carmen so I’ve become very familiar with the beach style in Tulum!
In this post, I’ve rounded up 50+ cute Tulum dresses that you can shop for your upcoming vacation. From maxi dresses to off-the-shoulder styles, these Tulum finds will keep you cool while still looking effortlessly chic.
Read on for Tulum dress inspiration, as well as some tips on what shoes and accessories to pack for the perfect Tulum outfit.
What’s the style like in Tulum?
Tulum style is very bohemian and all about being natural and effortless. Think flowy dresses, maxi skirts, tank tops, crochet tops, peasant or off-the-shoulder shirts, drawstring shorts, and sandals instead of heels.
When it comes to colors, Tulum style tends to lean towards neutral earthy tones like beige, light pink, white, brown, and olive green.
Muted patterns like soft florals, crocheted embellishments, and embroidery are also popular instead of the bold colors and prints you might find in other beach destinations in Mexico.
When it comes to accessories, beach hats, straw bags, layered jewelry, and head scarves are the perfect Tulum finishing touches.
Fedora hats are also extremely popular in Tulum and are worn by both men and women on the beach and around town.
🤠 The Fedora-hat style in Tulum has become so recognizable that people dressed this way have become jokingly referred to as the “Tuluminati”.
What’s the weather like in Tulum?
Tulum has a warm tropical climate all year round, with temperatures rarely going below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) even in winter months.
This means you can feel comfortable wearing shorts, swimsuits, and tank tops any time of year.
Plus, the sea temperatures in Riviera Maya stay warm all year so you can easily spend your days lounging on Tulum’s beautiful beaches or taking a refreshing dip in the pool at your Tulum hotel or Airbnb.
If you’re visiting Tulum during the winter months (December-February) you might want to pack a light jacket or cover-up for cooler evenings.
This time of year is also considered the high season in Tulum, as the weather will be warm and dry with the least amount of humidity.
The rainy hurricane season in Tulum is from June to October, but even during this time it’s still hot and humid with plenty of sunshine.
Check out the average temperatures in the chart below to get an idea of how warm it will be when you’re visiting.
What kind of clothes should you pack for Tulum?
Tulum has hot weather all year round, so it’s important to pack clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable.
Lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and rayon are great options for Tulum dressing. Plus, these types of fabrics fit in perfectly with Tulum’s boho chic style.
For the beach, swimsuits or cover-ups in lightweight materials are essential. Tulum is known for its lively beach parties, so you’ll definitely want to have some cute Tulum beach outfits packed.
You’ll probably be in your bathing suit most of the trip, so you’ll want to bring along a variety of swimsuits for Mexico including bikinis and one-pieces.
Pack some shorts, tank tops, and casual vacation clothes for daytime activities, and nicer dresses or skirts and blouses for evening events like dining at Tulum’s trendy jungle restaurants or hitting up a late-night beach party.
Flip flops or sandals are the most popular Tulum shoes as the jungle terrain makes it pretty hard to wear heels.
And if you plan on doing any exploring outside of the beach area, it’s a good idea to also pack a pair of comfortable sneakers or walking shoes.
If you’re visiting Tulum during the winter months, you’ll want to pack some cover-ups or light jackets for chilly evenings.
Pants are probably not necessary as it’s too hot for most of the year. However, if you’re visiting during the winter months, you might want to pack a pair of linen pants that you can wear as a swimsuit coverup or dress up with a crop top for nights out.
☀️ Don’t forget to add a sun hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen to your Tulum packing list for Tulum’s hot sun.
Dresses for Tulum
Now onto the Tulum dresses! Dresses in Tulum are all about being comfortable, effortless, and cool in the hot weather.
Flowy dresses, maxi dresses, off-the-shoulder styles, and peasant-style sundresses are some Tulum beach dress staples.
You’ll want to stick to neutral earthy tones and more muted patterns to fit in with Tulum’s boho chic style.
Dresses that double as a swimsuit coverup are also great for Tulum, as it’s common to spend the day at the beach or pool before heading out for dinner and drinks in town.
Women do tend to dress up in the evenings in Tulum for dinner or a night out, so it’s a good idea to pack a mix of casual and nicer vacation dresses.
Here are over 50 cute Tulum vacation dresses to shop now:
Shoes for Tulum
When it comes to Tulum shoes, sandals are definitely the way to go. Flat shoes, strappy sandals, flip flops, and slides are all popular Tulum footwear choices.
It can be very difficult to wear heels in Tulum because the terrain is very uneven along the beach road. Plus, the dirt roads and sandy beaches can make your shoes very dirty.
If you do want to bring heels for Tulum, opt for a pair of shoes like a block heel or wedge for added stability on the uneven ground.
Comfortable walking shoes are also a good Tulum packing idea for exploring Tulum’s town, the Tulum Mayan ruins, and the many nearby day trips from Tulum.
And for any water activities like visiting Tulum’s cenotes, you’ll want to pack a pair of water shoes.
Check out these sandals and shoes that are perfect for Tulum beach vacations:
Accessories for Tulum
Accessorizing in Tulum is all about keeping it natural and effortless. Tulum’s bohemian chic style is reflected in the accessories worn by visitors.
Beach hats, straw bags, layered jewelry, and head scarves are Tulum vacation must-haves. Fedora hats have also become a Tulum staple and are worn by both men and women on the beach and around town.
Don’t forget to pack a Tulum beach bag with all your beach essentials, like biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and maybe even a good Tulum vacation read.
Here are some Tulum vacation accessories to shop now:
What to Wear in Tulum Mexico: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Tulum clothing style:
A Tulum dress is a boho-chic style dress that fits in with the relaxed and natural Tulum aesthetic. Tulum style dresses often have flowy silhouettes, muted colors and patterns, and comfortable fabrics like linen or cotton.
Yes, Tulum has many boutique shops selling clothing, beachwear, and accessories. There are many designer boutiques located along the beach road in Tulum’s Hotel Zone that sell Tulum clothing.
Many of these items are hand-made so be prepared for premium prices than what you might find at a regular clothing store.
Heels are not very common in Tulum, as the main beach road has uneven pavements and sand. Sandals or flats are more practical Tulum footwear options.
If you really want to wear heels in Tulum, opt for a block heel or wedge for added stability on the uneven ground.
Overall, Tulum is a casual tropical destination, so most of Tulum’s restaurants and bars do not have strict dress codes.
That being said, Tulum does have some trendy upscale restaurants where dressing up in nicer vacation attire would be appropriate.
Tulum style is all about natural, effortless fashion so keep things casual while still looking put-together.
When visiting the Tulum Ruins, make sure to wear light breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and there is little shade.
Shorts and a tank top or a casual sundress are great options to wear to the Tulum Ruins. If you plan to swim at the Tulum Ruins beach, you’ll also want to wear a swimsuit under your clothes.
You’ll also want to bring a hat and biodegradable sunscreen for protection from the sun as well as a water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring Tulum’s historical Mayan ruins.
If you are comfortable wearing shorts, it’s probably not necessary to bring pants to Tulum as the weather is hot and humid all year round.
However, if you’re visiting during the winter months, you might want to pack a pair of lightweight linen pants to wear as a beach coverup with a bikini top or dress up for cooler evenings.
Conclusion: Tulum Dresses Style Guide
I hope this Tulum style guide helps you plan your Tulum vacation dresses and Tulum outfits!
These Tulum outfit ideas should give you inspiration for packing the perfect vacation wardrobe and fully embracing Tulum’s bohemian chic fashion.
Even if it’s different than your personal style, Tulum’s laid-back atmosphere allows for a bit of experimentation with fashion and trying new styles.
Remember to add comfortable and lightweight clothing in earthy tones to your Mexico packing list, along with some cover ups and nicer dresses for Tulum wear in the evenings.
And don’t forget to pack cute Tulum shoes and boho-chic accessories to complete your Tulum vacation looks!
