What To Wear In Miami + 7 Bomb Miami Outfit Ideas

what to wear miami

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Known for its beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, and eclectic culture, Miami is a place unlike any other in the world. Additionally, Miami is also known for being one of the most fashion-forward cities in the country — wearing the wrong outfit in Miami can be a disaster waiting to happen!

If you’re currently packing your carry-on to visit Miami or packing up boxes to relocate to Miami for some time, it’s important to understand what to wear in Miami. Knowing how to dress in Miami for the hot weather and even the hotter fashion scene of the magic city is essential.

Between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale (I had a short stint in Palm Beach County too), I’ve been a South Florida girl for most of my life. If you’re wondering what to wear in Miami, I’ve got you covered.

In this Miami style guide, I’ll go over what to wear in Miami, what to pack for Miami, and I’ll even give you some insights on what Miami locals wear out and about too.

Things to consider when packing for Miami.

With the sun shining most days and everyone in a great mood (also most days), Miami is a lot of fun. But, you can’t just wear anything in Miami, in a unique town such as my own, you must dress accordingly!

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Before we get into what to wear in Miami, and some fabulous Miami outfit ideas, here are some insights I’d urge you to consider.

Miami is hot af. And humid too.

The weather in Miami is hot and humid, with a chance of thunderstorms. And seasons… what are those? The average temperature in Miami is tropical, only getting really cool when an occasional cold front passes through between December and January.

But this isn’t a dry heat that you might be used to on the west coast. The humidity in Miami is very high year-round. Oh, and did I mention the chance of torrential downpour at any given moment?

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As a Miami local, I would recommend wearing light and natural fabrics in Miami that’ll keep you cool.

Pro tip: If you’re thinking about straightening your hair, and you’ll be outside for any considerable amount of time, maybe don’t even bother — the moisture in the air here can puff it right up in no time flat.

Wear the heels!

If Dorthy had landed on South beach, it wouldn’t take her long to realize that this ain’t Kansas (no shade to the people from Kansas). Here in Miami, we women like to dress up! So those basic af clothes you may have in your wardrobe… yea, leave those at home.

Furthermore, don’t be taken aback by the girls in the grocery store in full hair, makeup, and stilettos. And for a more casual Miami outfit idea, swap the stilettos for a pair of sky-high wedges.

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Except for hanging out in Wynwood, if you’re going out in Miami, dress up and always wear the heels!

Skin is in. So is color.

With a population made up largely of Caribbean and Latinx people, fashion in Miami is as sexy and vibrant as the cultures that make up the city.

And by night, we turn up the notch on the sexy even more.

Having lived in different countries around the world, I can attest that outfits I’d wear in Miami regularly, would be considered a bit outrageous in other places (in New York City even, for example).

Worry not about what to wear in Miami, however, because here, skin is in! Oh, and the boldest, most vibrant colors you can find are forever in too.

What To Wear in Miami Essentials List

Ok, so we’ve covered some important insights to keep top of mind when considering what to wear in Miami. Before we get into some oh-so Miami outfit ideas, let’s just make sure you’ve got the following on your Miami packing list, shall we?

  • Colorful casual dresses for the day.
  • Cute and comfortable sandals to match. A pair of flip flops too.
  • Sexy outfits for the upscale clubs.
  • Chic outfits for the fancy restaurants.
  • Sexy heels you can walk and dance all night in (because though shall not take offeth your shoes and walk barefoot under any circumstances).
  • Bold jewelry and accessories.
  • Stylish hats.
  • Cute sunglasses (duh!)
  • A fabulous designer bag (this is Miami after all).
  • Or a really good knock-off designer bag (this is Miami after all).
  • Resortwear and bikini swimsuits.
  • Sneakers, I guess (just in case).

Among my favorite stores to shop Miami outfits are Revolve, Hot Miami Styles, and Hello Molly.

Some of my favorite local boutiques in Miami are Atik Shop in Brickell, Montyce Swim in Fort Lauderdale (close enough), and I’ve heard great things about black-owned boutique Touch Dolls in North Miami.

What to wear in Miami — 7+ Miami Outfit Ideas

Here are some fabulous Miami women to inspire your Miami trip outfit selection. I’ll also shop around a bit (so that you don’t have to) and find the best places to snag similar items for your trip to Miami.

What To Wear To A Miami Pool Party

Attending a pool party is a quintessential activity for your itinerary while visiting Miami. The best part is that there are quite a few popular pool parties to choose from.

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Perhaps my favorite pool party in Miami is the one hosted at Strawberry Moon on South Beach. It’s always a fun time, and depending on the event, you might even spot a celebrity or two.

When considering what to wear to a Miami pool party, choose fun and sexy swimsuit and a chic cover-up that you can throw over.

What To Wear To South Beach Club

You can’t come to Miami and not hit up a club, or two, or three. Although I’m certainly no longer “about that life”, back in the day LIV on South Beach was the place to be. It’s crazy that that still is true today.

If you want an ultra upscale Miami clubbing experience, I’ve heard great things about Mr. Jones.

As for what to wear in Miami to the club, know that women and men alike have to dress to impress. Women do not wear flats to clubs in Miami. In fact, you probably will have a hard time getting in if you’re not wearing a great outfit. And tell your boo to avoid wearing sneakers to the club in Miami, too.

What To Wear To Miami Art Museum

The art scene in Miami is vibrant! One of the most prestigious art shows in the world, Art Basel, is held here every single year.

With that said, going to the art museums in Miami should be on your list of things to do while visiting.

As to what to wear in Miami to the museum, Perez Art Museum is my favorite… think sophisticated and classy. Like you’re one of the art pieces on display (okurrr)!

What To Wear To Boujee Miami Restaurants

Since retiring from the club scene in my late twenties, attending boujee restaurants and delighting in the most appetizing dishes Miami has to offer is now what I like to do for fun.

Considering that Miami has some of the best restaurants in the world, you better believe that the dress code for these spots is also top tier.

Whilst visiting Miami restaurants, dress to impress! Personally, I like to dress comfortably too — because I’m gonna eat!

What To Wear In Wynwood or Little Havana

With its gritty, hipster, and lest I forget to mention very gentrified vibe… Wynwood is one place in Miami where casual clothing is 100% acceptable. The same can be said about Little Havana. Not to say that you can’t wear casual clothing elsewhere, but here, no one will side-eye you for it.

Wondering what to wear in Wynwood? Sneakers or flat sandals, shorts or jeans, are totally fine.

What To Wear To The Beach in Miami

Half the reason you probably decided to visit Miami is perhaps South Beach. So of course when considering what to pack for Miami or what to wear in Miami, you must include some chic beach style. But please, make it South Beach!

To nail South Beach style, think tropical print, think resort wear… just imagine if Summer were an outfit… and then wear that.

What To Wear On A Boat (The Ultimate Living My Best Life in Miami Outfit)

If you’re visiting Miami on vacation, know that you don’t need to be a millionaire to be on a boat. All you need is a couple of friends and a couple of hundred dollars from each of you, and it’s basically a done deal.

Once you’ve got those details sorted, you have got to sort a banging Miami outfit idea for your Miami boat trip. Trust me, your Instagram feed needs it.

Wondering what to wear in Miami on a boat or a yacht? I for one, love a beautiful swimsuit with a fabulous matching cover-up. Don’t forget to pack a pair of sunnies in your beach bag (or would you call that a boat bag) too.

What To Wear To Boozy Miami Brunch

Brunch in Miami is not just about the food but also the atmosphere–whether you’re looking for a leisurely meal with friends or trying to catch up on some work over coffee and eggs benedict at one of many restaurants overlooking Biscayne Bay.

There are plenty of upscale places where you can enjoy mimosas every day of the week if that’s your thing–or just head out to Wynwood or South Beach for a more laid-back affair. The only thing you should know is that this is Miami, so make sure to bring your sunglasses–even if it’s cloudy out.

What To Wear in Miami — Takeaway

Miami is a colorful, vibrant city with a lot of energy. The people here love to have fun and express themselves through their style – and so when come to explore Miami don’t be shy to wear bright colors and bold patterns that will make you fit right in with the crowd (although in Miami, that’s not such a bad thing).

Where are you most excited about visiting in Miami? What items are you including in your suitcase? Do share, I’d love to hear from you!

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