A trip to Fes, Morocco is mostly spent on foot in the medina, a maze of stone lanes, stairways, tanneries and tiled courtyards that hasn't changed much in centuries. That shapes how I pack for it more than any trend does. The city is more conservative than the coastal resorts, so shoulders and knees stay covered, and the streets are steep and uneven, so shoes matter as much as dresses. Inside those two rules there's a lot of room. Below are 25 outfits for Fes built on breathable fabric and longer hems, with notes on heat, chilly evenings and the long walking days that come with this city.
Fes Weather Swings More Than Most People Pack For
Fes sits inland, away from the sea breeze, and that gives it bigger swings than many visitors expect. Summer afternoons are hot and dry, often well above 90°F, while spring and fall bring warm days and noticeably cool nights. Winter is the surprise: rain, damp stone underfoot and evenings that can drop close to freezing. Riads are built around open courtyards, so they keep cool in summer but can feel cold indoors in winter.
- June to September: linen, cotton gauze and crinkled fabrics, a wide-brim hat, and a scarf for sun on the neck as much as for coverage.
- March to May and October to November: the same dresses and trousers, plus a jean jacket or light cardigan for after sunset.
- December to February: merino layers, closed shoes with grip, a warm coat for evenings and a thermal layer for sleeping in a chilly room.
Coverage and heat aren't in conflict if the fit is loose. A wide sleeve or a full trouser lets air move, while a tight long-sleeve top traps it. That's why so many of the pieces below are flowing rather than fitted.
1. White linen maxi dress with flat sandals
A white linen maxi dress is the first thing I'd pack for Fes. Linen dries fast and lets air move, which you'll feel climbing medina stairs in the afternoon heat. Pick one with elbow-length or short sleeves so the shoulders stay covered, and an ankle hem that needs no second thought. White linen can be sheer in strong sun, so hold it up to a window before you pack it and add a slip if you can see through it. Flat leather sandals with a grippy sole, a canvas tote for water and a scarf, and oval sunglasses finish it.
2. Floral midi dress with espadrilles
A floral midi dress in breathable cotton or a rayon blend photographs well in Fes, especially when the print echoes tile patterns. Fit is the thing I watch: you want it to skim, not cling, because heat and a tight bodice make a long day miserable. Mid-calf to ankle length keeps it appropriate. Jute wedge espadrilles give height without the wobble of a thin heel on uneven stone, though the rope soles soak up water and dislike wet lanes. A woven crossbody and small gold jewelry keep attention on the print, and the dress goes from the Bou Inania Madrasa in the afternoon to mint tea on a riad rooftop.
3. Wide-leg linen trousers with cotton blouse
Wide-leg linen trousers with a cotton blouse are the outfit I find most practical in the old city. You'll step over high thresholds and sit on low poufs at lunch, and a wide trouser handles both without riding up. A high waist with a loose drape lets air circulate in dry heat. Tuck in a cream blouse with three-quarter sleeves and a mandarin collar for a tidy line. Leather slides, a structured straw bag and a long pendant finish it. On cool mornings a thin cardigan over the shoulders does double duty as mosque-ready coverage when you need it.
4. Denim jacket over a maxi skirt
Evenings in Fes cool off quickly once the sun drops behind the walls, and a jean jacket over a flowing maxi skirt handles that drop well. I'd go for a soft-washed jean jacket that ends at the hip, so the skirt's movement stays visible. A cream tank or cotton shell goes underneath. Choose an unstructured skirt in rayon or light cotton, and check that the hem clears the ground, because medina lanes are dusty and a dragging hem comes back filthy. Leather mules or flat ankle boots and a fringed crossbody take it from the pottery quarter straight into dinner.
5. Kaftan dress with statement earrings
A kaftan is the most natural fit for Fes on this list: loose, long and as decorative as you want it to be. I'd choose a printed kaftan with intricate embroidery or gold thread at the neckline and cuffs, a nod to Moroccan brocade. Three-quarter sleeves and an ankle-sweeping length keep it modest. Embroidered flat sandals or pointed leather slippers suit it, and this is the outfit where bold earrings or stacked gold bracelets belong. Heavy embroidery adds weight, so I save the most worked kaftan for a dinner at a riad restaurant or an evening walk through the mellah.
6. Midi skirt with a button-down shirt
A midi skirt with a crisp button-down covers shoulders and knees without looking like you dressed around a rule. Go for an A-line or gently gathered skirt in an earthy solid, terracotta or olive, in cotton or lyocell. Tuck in a white or pale-striped shirt and roll the sleeves to the elbow. A slim leather belt joins the two pieces. Ballet flats look neat but give little cushioning, so for a full day on stone I'd swap them for low-profile sneakers. A raffia tote finishes this simple travel outfit.
7. Palazzo pants with a crop jacket
Palazzo pants under a cropped jacket play long against short, and the fluid leg moves well in a breeze. A lightweight crepe is cooler than satin-backed fabric, which traps heat. High-waisted and generously cut, palazzos cover the leg fully. The jacket should be short and boxy in linen or raw silk, ending just above the waistband so it doesn't fight the volume below. A fitted shell underneath keeps it clean. One honest warning: very long palazzos catch on steps, so hem them to clear the ground in the shoes you'll wear. Pointed flat mules and a shoulder bag suit an afternoon gallery visit.
8. Utility shirt dress with a belt
A belted utility shirt dress gives you a one-piece outfit you can still adjust as the day warms up. I look for a midi length in olive or khaki cotton twill with chest pockets, which are handy for a phone and a few dirham notes. The collar and placket keep it structured in photos against tile walls. A slim belt marks the waist, and loosening it a notch after lunch is half the appeal. A light scarf around the neck is ready to cover your hair at a shrine. White leather sneakers and a canvas backpack make it a reliable day-to-evening piece.
9. Layered camisole and kimono jacket
A silk-blend camisole under a long kimono jacket keeps you cool underneath while the kimono covers shoulders and arms. Wear the cami in a rich color like saffron or emerald, then pick a kimono in a complementary shade. Silk shows sweat marks quickly in heat, so a silk-viscose blend or a cotton cami is the more forgiving choice for daytime. A kimono with an embroidered or printed border adds interest, and it moves nicely as you walk the souks. Ground it with cropped wide-leg trousers or a slip skirt, add flat mules and a small bag, and let a long pendant draw the eye down.
10. Belted jumpsuit with flat sandals
A belted jumpsuit settles the whole outfit in one piece, which saves time on a packed sightseeing day. Wide-leg or culotte cuts in linen or Tencel stay cool, and a V-neck or modest scoop works with short or elbow sleeves. The belt shapes the waist. Before you pack one for Fes, think about bathrooms: many cafés and older sites have small or squat toilets, and a one-piece is awkward in them. If that doesn't bother you, add flat sandals with a supportive footbed and a bucket bag, and it carries you from the Nejjarine Museum to a long lunch.
11. Long-sleeve maxi kaftan with leather slippers
A long-sleeve maxi kaftan gives full coverage with plenty of air moving around the body. Crinkled cotton gauze is my first pick for daytime: it's light, it hides creases and it dries overnight in a riad. Jewel tones like ruby or sapphire echo zellij tilework, and a little metallic embroidery makes it feel festive. Pointed leather babouche slippers are traditional and easy to buy in the medina, though their thin soles are better for terraces than for a long walk on stone. A small metallic pouch and chandelier earrings turn it into a rooftop dinner outfit.
12. Tunic dress over leggings
A tunic dress over slim leggings handles the miles you rack up in the Fes medina without your noticing. The tunic should reach at least mid-thigh, ideally to just above the knee, with three-quarter or long sleeves. Cotton, modal or soft jersey resist wrinkles in a packed bag. I'd test the leggings in a deep squat at home first, because thin leggings go see-through when stretched, and black or a dark neutral hides that better. Cushioned sneakers are non-negotiable here. A long pendant and a light infinity scarf that can cover your hair complete it.
13. Linen co-ord set with woven accessories
A linen co-ord, a matching shirt with relaxed wide-leg trousers, looks pulled together in seconds and gives one long column of color against busy mosaic walls. Natural flax or sage reflects heat, and linen's creasing is part of its character on a trip. Roll the sleeves, leave the top button open and tuck only the front hem to show your waist. The set also splits up: the shirt layers over a slip dress, the trousers go with any tee. Woven accessories keep it earthy, a braided belt, a straw tote and flat huarache sandals, and tortoiseshell sunglasses finish it.
14. Striped shirt with wide-leg trousers
A striped cotton shirt tucked into fluid wide-leg trousers gives a clean graphic line against carved plaster and ornate tile. Stripes in navy or terracotta add pattern without competing with the surroundings. Pair them with trousers in a solid ivory or khaki, and an elasticated back waist makes hours of walking easier. Roll the cuffs, add woven leather loafers or white sneakers, gold hoops and a leather crossbody. I'd wear this one to the tanneries in the morning, but keep it to darker trousers, because the dye pits splash and the smell clings to fabric for the rest of the day.
15. Solid-color maxi dress with a lightweight scarf
A solid-color maxi dress in cream or soft gray acts as a plain backdrop that lets Fes's blue tiles and cedar doors stand out in photos. Choose breathable jersey, crinkled cotton or light crepe with a crew or bateau neckline and elbow-length sleeves. The scarf does the real work: a light woven scarf in Berber-style geometrics adds color around the face and covers your hair or shoulders whenever a place asks for it. Jersey shows sweat less than crepe but clings more in heat, so pick the fabric by the season you're traveling. Flat strappy sandals and a roomy leather hobo bag make it a dress you can wear twice in one trip.
16. Boho-print midi dress with flat sandals
A boho-print midi dress in small paisley or tile prints suits Fes's artisan quarters, especially in desert shades of rust and faded turquoise. A smocked or gathered waist gives shape without squeezing, which matters after a big lunch of tagine. Midi length with elbow or bishop sleeves covers you and stays cool. Flat sandals with a little leather sheen, or tooled slides bought in the medina, anchor it. A suede bucket bag and beaded bracelets add texture. It fits right in among the blue doors or a cooperative's stacks of hand-woven rugs.
17. Crochet dress with a slip and leather sandals
A crochet dress over a slip brings handmade texture to a city that is built on handcraft. I'd choose a midi in ivory or honey with a fairly tight stitch, and a slip in the same tone so the layers read as one and stay opaque. Elbow-length sleeves and a round neckline keep the coverage right. Crochet snags easily on a bag strap or a stall's rough edge, so a smooth leather crossbody is safer than a woven one. Ankle-strap leather sandals and a woven belt finish it. It suits a slow morning among the spice stalls and leather workshops.
18. Off-shoulder maxi dress for an evening terrace
An off-shoulder maxi belongs on your riad's rooftop terrace, not in the medina's daytime streets, and that distinction is worth keeping. Bare shoulders are uncommon in the old city by day, while riad terraces and hotel restaurants are private, dressier settings where the style sits comfortably. Choose a deep shade like midnight blue in crepe or satin-back charmeuse, with a gathered bodice and softly flared skirt. Heeled sandals or block-heel mules, a beaded clutch and drop earrings complete it. Keep a pashmina within reach, both for the breeze and for walking back through the lanes.
19. One-shoulder dress with block-heel sandals
A one-shoulder dress covers more than an off-shoulder style while still feeling like an evening outfit, so it's the dressier piece I'd risk in Fes. The single sleeve and modest cut across the chest keep it respectful, and the asymmetric neckline gives the edge. I look for midi lengths in saffron or dusty lavender crepe. Block-heel sandals in a neutral handle polished riad floors, which can be slippery in thin leather soles. A metallic or woven clutch and a cuff bracelet are enough jewelry. Save it for a dinner at a palace restaurant or a special evening event.
20. White cotton dress with a straw hat
A white cotton dress with a wide-brim straw hat is my sun uniform for the open parts of Fes, like Jnan Sbil Gardens or the viewpoints over the old city. The dress has to be fully opaque, so choose mid-weight cotton poplin or double gauze with a modest neckline and at least a short sleeve. A knee-length hem keeps you cool. The hat matters more than it looks: medina lanes are shaded, but the gardens and overlooks are not. A packable straw hat with a crushable brim survives a suitcase better than a stiff one. Leather sandals, a raffia tote and tortoiseshell sunglasses finish it.
21. Mint green long dress with a woven bag
Mint green stands out against Fes's sandstone walls and blue pottery in a way most neutrals don't, and golden-hour light in the narrow alleys flatters it. Choose a soft, drapey dress with a modest V-neck, three-quarter sleeves and a tiered or A-line skirt. A cool pastel like this can wash out fair skin in harsh midday sun, so it photographs best early or late in the day. A palm-leaf or straw bag with a leather handle adds texture, and flat tan sandals with a fine gold chain keep the dress in front. Wear it to the pottery and zellij workshops in Ain Nokbi.
22. Cream knit top with tailored trousers
Fes gets genuinely cold from late fall through winter, and riads built around open courtyards can feel chilly indoors at night. A cream knit with tailored trousers is the outfit I'd build that trip around. A fine-gauge merino or cotton-cashmere knit in a relaxed crew or turtleneck stays warm without bulk. Trousers in charcoal or chocolate give a sharp alternative to skirts. Finish with leather loafers or softly pointed ankle boots and a structured bag. Pack a thermal layer to wear underneath, since the knit alone won't cover a cold evening walk back to your riad after a long tagine dinner.
23. Soft blouse with a flowy midi skirt
A soft blouse tucked into a flowing midi skirt is the slower-paced option for a day of shopping. Pick a blouse in rayon or cotton voile with one small detail, such as a ruffled stand collar or covered buttons. The skirt should swing away from the body and hit mid-calf, so steep medina stairs don't trip you up. Voile is light and cool, but it shows through against strong sun, so check it with the light behind you. Warm sand and sienna tones blend with the city. Ballet flats or low block-heel sandals, a slim belt and a crossbody that leaves your hands free for browsing finish the outfit.
24. Earth-tone maxi dress with a statement necklace
An earth-tone maxi dress in terracotta or warm cinnamon echoes the clay walls of the old city and the Atlas foothills beyond. A solid earth shade looks harmonious in photos against sand-colored alleys and carved doors. Look for a defined waist through a drawstring or a matching sash, and sleeves to at least mid-bicep. The necklace is the focal point: hammered metal or Berber-style silver pendants suit the region's metalwork. Heavy silver pieces get warm in the sun and pull on the neck after hours of walking, so I'd keep the biggest one for evening. Flat sandals and a simple clutch let color and jewelry carry it.
25. Breezy shirt dress with white sneakers
A shirt dress with clean white sneakers is the one I'd reach for on a day measured in steps. Go for cotton poplin or chambray in a relaxed, unbelted shape that falls just below the knee or to mid-calf. Roll the sleeves below the elbow and stand the collar up a little. White sneakers come back from the medina dusty, so pack a cleaning wipe, or choose off-white leather that hides it. A cap and backpack make it an active travel day; a straw fedora and leather tote make it a bit more polished. It's a workhorse, plain and simple.
Shoes for Polished Stone, Stairs and Mule Carts
The medina decides your shoes. Many lanes are paved with stone worn smooth over centuries, which gets slippery when wet, and plenty of them slope or turn into steps. You'll also share the narrow lanes with handcarts and mules carrying goods, and when you hear "balak" it means step aside quickly. Thin soles, high heels and anything that slips off the heel are the wrong call.
- For daytime walking: sneakers or sandals with a rubber tread and a strap around the ankle or heel.
- For the tanneries and souks: closed shoes, because the ground can be wet and stained.
- For riad evenings: block heels or babouche slippers are fine, since you'll mostly be on terraces and tiles.
- Break in any new sandal before the trip. Blisters on day one ruin a walking city.
Medina Days and Riad Evenings From One Small Bag
You don't need 25 outfits for a week in Fes. I'd pack two pairs of wide-leg trousers, one midi skirt, two long dresses, three tops that work with all the bottoms, a linen shirt to layer, a light jacket and two scarves. That gives well over a dozen combinations. Keep everything in one color family, sand and cream with one accent like terracotta or blue, so every top goes with every bottom. Linen and gauze can be rinsed in a riad sink and dried overnight on the terrace, which lets you travel lighter than you'd think.
Dressing for Fes Comes Down to Fabric and Coverage
Fes rewards packing with a little forethought. Build around light natural fabrics, longer hems and soft coverage for shoulders and knees, and you'll be comfortable in the heat and at ease in the old city. Keep the palette in earthy tones with one or two saturated prints, and let scarves, woven bags and good walking shoes do the heavy lifting. Use these 25 outfits as the starting point for your packing list, cut it down to the pieces that mix with each other, and you'll step out each morning ready for whatever the medina throws at you.
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