The Morocco Lookbook
All photos in this article by @Erin Deborah Waks unless otherwise specified
By Erin Deborah Waks
Looking for chic but modest (and weather appropriate) summer style? Great for Morocco but also further afield, here’s a capsule of what I wore while living in al-Maghreb…
Wide leg trousers
By far the most worn item in my suitcase while in Morocco was these lightweight black linen wide leg trousers. They are beyond comfortable and look super flattering, and go with everything. For a day-to-day look I styled them with a plain white t-shirt and a bag with a pop of colour, but for hotter or less conservative places you could also use a vest top with a simple tote bag for a clean and simple look.
White linen trousers
The easiest way to look put together is to wear white linen trousers, and these are an absolute wardrobe staple. I paired mine with a pink linen top for an old money summer look, but you can also look effortlessly cool by finding a matching linen shirt and neutral vest top to elevate the look.
Photo credit @Sophie Winter
Jeans
Potentially controversial for Morocco in the summer, but nonetheless a wardrobe necessity for me, since I don’t seem to be able to go anywhere without my trusty denim. I swapped my usual wide leg and bootcut jeans for a 90s mom jean cut, as they were my most lightweight and cool pair. These are so easy to style: wear a plain t-shirt or vest top as I did for a classic tourist day out, add a colourful linen shirt to cover up for modesty or sun protection, or wear a statement top for a summer vibe - like my pink floral option, or burgundy button down.
Floaty dresses
Not my usual style but a must-have for any summer trip, I took two with me. A simple blue maxi dress, and a floral midi. These are great options for any particularly hot days, or when you need to dress up a little. So easy to style - add a pair of sandals and a matching bag and you’re good to go!
Midi or maxi denim skirt
These were trending everywhere whilst I was planning for my trip, so naturally I had to take one with, and honestly, I’m sold. You don’t have to worry about modesty as with a classic short denim skirt, and I found I looked surprisingly put-together even with the simplest of outfits. Pair with a simple t-shirt for an easy daytime look, with a button-down for a classier style, and even a statement top for a fancy dinner or night out.
Dad shorts
I found this pair in a vintage shop in Essaouira and was absolutely sold. Definitely the item that coincides most with my standard winter style, all I had to do was add a plain top and belt and I felt like myself. A great way to keep cool without showing too much skin.
The scarf look
Taking a scarf with me was the advice I read on every single Morocco travel blog. Useful, of course, but that much I anticipated. What I didn’t quite realise, thought, was how stylish having a scarf would make me. Not only did it come in handy as a cover up or head cover, for example as sun protection, to visit mosques and in the Sahara desert, but it was my trustiest companion when finding a nice outfit for dinner, or smarter evening plans. Check it out as a beautiful top to pair with simple trousers or a skirt, a classy, summery skirt and an aesthetic beach cover up. I had two and alternated between, and can safely say I’ll never travel without one ever again.
