Styling a Cinco de Mayo Outfit + Outfit Ideas That Are Fun & Flattering

Whether you’re attending a Cinco de Mayo party, hosting one, or traveling to Mexico for the holiday, here’s what you need to know about styling a chic, fun, and festive outfit that is perfect for the occasion. 

What is Cinco de Mayo?

First of all, let’s talk about what Cinco de Mayo is. Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. Contrary to the belief of many, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th. 

In fact, Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico at all. It is not a federal holiday, so businesses, banks, and stores remain open. People carry on as if it’s just a normal day. The people of Puebla do celebrate Cinco de Mayo with reenactments of the Battle of Puebla and military parades. 

Cinco de Mayo Outfit Ideas

Off Shoulder Maxi Dress with Floral Print

If you are looking for a dress with some Mexican flare for your Cinco de Mayo outfit, then you might like this off-shoulder maxi dress with ruffles at the top in a colorful and bold floral print. This lightweight dress is made of cotton and polyester and is quite comfortable. 

The dress is available in sizes small through 3x and comes in a variety of floral prints. Prints 1, 4, and 6, are most appropriate for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but the others are perfect for a light summer dress. (Just note that it runs small.)

Audrey Hepburn Retro Vintage Mexican A-Line Cocktail Dress

This dress is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party or celebration. Bold floral patterns with 1950s Audrey Hepburn style and flare. This dress is available in sizes small through 2x and comes in four other prints that would also be appropriate for the holiday. (Just be sure to double-check the size chart before ordering, this site has pretty inconsistent sizing.)

The A-line style of this dress makes it flattering for all body types, and it is the perfect dress for a variety of occasions like Cinco de Mayo, a cocktail party, a bridal shower, or even a wedding. You will definitely find a reason to wear it more than once!

Traditional Mexican Scarf

This handmade traditional Mexican scarf is the perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo outfit if you live in a cooler climate, or if rain and wind are predicted. The scarf is long and made of cotton with intricate detailing at the ends. This scarf comes in red, yellow, black, and green as well as some other colors. 

Red Floral Crochet Frilling Chiffon Dress  

This red floral chiffon dress with crochet accents would be perfect Cinco de Mayo attire! The flare sleeves and frilly bottom complement this dress, and the polyester fabric with a chiffon finish means that you will be cool and comfortable even if the temperatures are high. This dress is available in sizes extra small through 2 XL, and it is flattering to all body types. 

Light Pink Floral Tiered Midi Skirt  

This light pink floral tiered midi skirt could be a part of your Cinco de Mayo attire. The tiered bottom and bright pink floral pattern against the light pink background would be the perfect skirt for your outfit. This 70s inspired darling midi skirt features a satin-like and flowy fabric with side pockets. Pair it with a white or floral crop top with light blue heels for some fiesta fun!

One Shoulder Tiered Midi Dress

If you are looking for a beautiful simple tiered dress but with a lot of flair then you might like this one shoulder tiered midi dress from Express. The bright red color is on-theme with Cinco de Mayo’s festive atmosphere and features a ruffled detail on one shoulder and a tiered design for an elegant and a flowy silhouette. 

Complete this Cinco de Mayo outfit with a same colored or floral heels with some bright accessories and you’re all good for a fun day at the parade. This dress is available in sizes extra small through large through the Express Marketplace (not sold in stores). 

Solid Flounce Waffle Knit Top  

This solid color flounce waffle knit top should also be considered as part of your Cinco de Mayo outfit ideas. The solid color top with flouncy, ruffled sleeves can be paired with your favorite bold and beautiful floral skirt. 

This top comes in a variety of colors, including bright pink, and black so that you can mix and match it with bold patterns. Sizes include extra small through 2 XL, and the blouse is flattering for all body tops with its flouncing sleeves. 

Radiant Ruby Red Floral Print Chiffon Maxi Dress 

This red chiffon dress with a bright blue, yellow, and white floral print is perfect for Cinco de Mayo. This dress has a v-neck neckline with an empire waist and an adjustable cold shoulder. The ruffles just enhance the tropical look and feel of this dress. 

This dress is also available in hunter green with a pink, blue, and white floral print. Either print would be appropriate for Cinco de Mayo attire. This dress is available in sizes extra small through extra large. You will wear this gorgeous dress all summer long. 

Oasis Midi Dress

This Oasis midi dress from Free People would also be an excellent outfit for Cinco de Mayo. This flowing dress with a smocked and ruffled bodice is perfect for spring and summer, and it comes in a variety of bold solid colors. This dress is available in sizes extra small through large. Don’t forget to pack it on your next tropical getaway! 

If you want to add some more color to your dress you might like to accessorize with a floral print scarf like this one or a color block scarf like this one.  

Floral Print Knot Side Wrap Skirt 

This floral print knot side wrap skirt is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summer fun, or a tropical vacation. This boho skirt ties at the waist and has an asymmetrical ruffled hem that will be perfect for showing off your favorite strappy sandals.

Boho Pleated A-Line Beach Skirt with Pockets

If you have already picked out a bright floral top for your Cinco de Mayo outfit, you may be looking for a solid-colored skirt to go with it. Look no further than this affordable boho-pleated a-line beach skirt with pockets. 

This flowing skirt will look amazing with your blouse, and it comes in a wide variety of solid colors and prints. Solid color skirts include black, green, white, red, and orange. It’s not often you find a nice flowing skirt with pockets! 

Floral Printed Jumpsuit

This printed jumpsuit has a flattering silhouette, V-neckline, invisible back zipper, and side seam pockets. The brightly colored blue floral pattern makes it an excellent choice for Cinco de Mayo. 

The jumpsuit is available in sizes extra small through extra large and you can pair it up with a signature off-white clog platform to  add a bit of spring in your step!

Sweetheart Cropped Cami  

If you are looking for a solid colored top to go with your brightly colored floral print skirt for Cinco de Mayo then you might like these sweetheart cropped tops. They come in several bold solid colors to help you complete your Cinco de Mayo attire, and they are affordable too. 

Vintage Floral Embroidered Mexican Style Tunic Blouse Shift Mini Dress

This vintage floral Mexican style blouse can be worn on its own as a mini dress, or you can pair it with leggings or a solid colored skirt and wear it as a blouse. This floral embroidered shirt with ¾ length flowing sleeves comes in the classic Mexican heritage colors of red, green, yellow, white, and black. 

Hot Pink Floral Print Strapless Tiered Dress

If you are looking for a bold, strapless dress as part of your Cinco de Mayo attire then this hot pink floral number might be your perfect choice. The bright pink color with flowers is cute, feminine, and colorful. 

The strapless dress has a sweetheart neckline with a tiered pleated skirt. Perfect for a backyard party or a day at the beach! Just add your favorite accessories and you are ready to go!