Travel season is just around the corner and if you’re looking for a cultural and gastronomical experience, a beautiful place to visit in June would be Morocco. Located in North Africa and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find its cities’ mesmerizing culture. Having influences from Arabic, European and Berber culture, it is a city brimming with culture and history.
If you’re looking to plan a trip to Morocco, add this quick guide to find our recommendations on where to go for architecture wins and what to look out for in the cities, as well as tips on how to dress in Morocco. We’ve got your back! #WomenOfStyleTheory
On Our List #1. Hassan II Mosque At Casablanca
There isn’t much to do or see at Casablanca, but their beauty lies in being home to the largest mosque in Africa. Holding the title for world’s tallest Minaret standing at 210 metres tall, it embodies a great deal of culture and religion within its walls.
With unique architecture accompanied by pretty stained glass and chandeliers, it is simply too spectacular to miss. It might be the only mosque open to non-Muslim in Morocco and we recommend an outfit that is slightly more conservative. Long pants and sleeves would be a safe choice or go for a long sleeve maxi dress that keeps you covered yet chic!
From the Infinite Wardrobe: GATHER PRINT DRESS by KINDERSALMON and MADRAS SOFT BELT BLACK BAG by MIU MIU
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On Our List #2. Blue City At Chefchaouen
Save a day or two for the picturesque Blue City within Chefchaouen. Immerse yourself in this quaint little city where it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with.
Apart from taking Insta-worthy shots, treat your palate to their local cuisine in homey restaurants or cafes within Uta El-hammam – the heart of the medina in Chefchaouen. You’ll enjoy the peaceful serenity while watching the world go by. We cannot imagine more vacation-happy than that!
As for keeping up with the colours of the city, we recommend going for a warm, bright coloured dress to stand out against those beautiful blue alleys. Check out the #OOTDs by our #WomenOfStyleTheory.
From the Infinite Wardrobe: HIGH NECK SLIT DRESS by ARTE and ENVELOPE CLUTCH BLUE FLORAL by VALENTINO
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On Our List #3. Visit Tanneries At Fes
Lined up along the streets are stalls that sell intricate leather goods like small leather bags and even sturdy card holders. These leather are all prepared and treated within the country itself.
Chouara Tannery is the largest one in the city of Fes though you’ll find several local tanneries peppered around Morocco and Fes. This iconic site where you can explore the beauty of leather tanning is definitely not to be missed if you have three to four hours free. It’s a fast and fuss-free way to learn new insights about the tough labour needed to create leather pieces we love. For your walkabout at Fes, you can opt for a pretty pattern play to stand out against the tannery’s terracotta and earthen textures, but keep your outfit option breathable, lightweight and covered to prevent sunburn.
From the Infinite Wardrobe: FLORAL EMBROIDERED YOLK DRESS by ALLISON, PANTS JACQUOT by SUNCOO and DREW SHOULDER BAG in BISCUIT PINK by CHLOE
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On Our List #4. Sahara Desert
Did you really go to Morocco if you didn’t see the Sahara Desert? A tour for the Sahara Desert ranges from one to three nights. Before even viewing the main event, the tours may journey through various Berber villages and if lucky, you’ll see some beautiful clay houses along the way.
All the effort from travelling will finally be worth it when you see the beautiful sight of dunes and orange plains. Keeping in mind that the Sahara Desert may be warm during the day, do opt for outfits made of lighter material like cotton or linen. Wearing cotton does not mean you have to look plain, cotton can be beautiful too.
From the Infinite Wardrobe: DECIDED GOWN CHERRY by CAMEO and DIONYSUS GG SUPREME MINI BAG RED by GUCCI
Rent from DECIDED GOWN CHERRY by CAMEO
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On Our List #5. Majorelle Gardens
Created by a French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is a spectacular landscape garden in Marrakech. If you’re up for a walk in nature, this is one place in Morocco you cannot miss!
The garden, designed to incorporate both their local structures as well as nature, guarantees to give you a wondrous experience. Its beauty is so captivating that owner and designer of eponymous luxury label Saint Laurent–Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge bought over it to save it from being replaced by a hotel.
There’ll be quite a bit of walking in this two-and-a-half-acre garden, so dress lighter on warm days but colourful for all the #OOTDs you will be taking. To take your Instagram looks up the notch, pair it with a bright coloured bag for a sassy finish.
From the Infinite Wardrobe: JAMILA DUST COAT IN 70’S GOLD by MAYAMIKO, HIRO SINGLET by JUST FEMALE, TAPERED TROUSERS by D.D COLLECTIVE and GG MARMONT MATELASS BELT BAG RED by GUCCI
Rent the JAMILA DUST COAT IN 70’S GOLD by MAYAMIKO, HIRO SINGLET by JUST FEMALE, TAPERED TROUSERS by D.D COLLECTIVE
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On Our List #6. Join The Bustling Night At Djemaa el Fna At Marrakesh
Morocco isn’t just fun during the day. Keep one of your nights in Marrakesh free for activities at Djeema el Fna. Located in the heart of the medina, you’ll find the snack stalls in the day transform into street theatres!
Imagine a street chock full of musicians taking their place to serenade and local restaurateurs firing up their grills to bring you a festive night filled with delicious local cuisine.
To complete your night, a dressy outfit that’s slightly loose for you to move around in is an ideal pick. You can’t resist dancing through the night! Feel free to keep a jacket with you in case the night gets cold.
From the Infinite Wardrobe: ASYMMETRICAL TIED SLEEVE JACKET by CISTAR, PLUM POWER ZIP TOP by GHOSPELL, DRAWSTRING PANTS by ODIL and LARGE DIORAMA TEAL by DIOR
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Things You Can Do:
Travelling solo: Pick up the locals’ cooking skills at Marrakesh. Many guest-houses and riads offer culinary classes that teach you to cook Morocco’s iconic dishes like tagine (local stew dish). The best ones teach you how to buy ingredients from the market you’ve never been and show you traditional ways to prepare it.
It’ll be a once in a lifetime moment to experience. You’ll get to have the dish you cook and bring back skills to recreate this wonderful dish!
Travelling as a couple: Watch the sunrise on a hot air balloon with your significant other. Though it requires you to arise early, the golden glow peaking over the horizon will leave you awe-struck!
It might even be hard to believe you’re only a few hours away from the bustling streets of Marrakesh. It’s a bucket-list item and going as a couple will leave you with a memorable experience.
Travelling as a group: Shopping may seem like a thing to do alone, but in Morocco going as a group might be better. Exploring the souks together as a group would be safer and you’ll get to haggle for bigger bulk of items.
The souks, also known as traditional markets, sell many unique items you can bring back as a souvenir. You can choose from a wide variety of goods, from intricate leather wallets and rugs to spices and oils.
Here are some tips you’ll find useful before leaving for Morocco!
#1. Dress Appropriately
As a Muslim country, Morocco is pretty relaxed when it comes to how female tourists dress. In popular tourist spots, less attention is paid on how you dress. However, if you’re going to be travelling into more rural areas, it’ll be good to cover up even in warmer months.
Going for loose-fitting pants and tops are ideal for both the weather and dress code. If you must wear a dress or skirt, try to aim for ones that are knee-length and below. Keep your shoulders covered at all times to avoid unwanted attention.
Rocking in jeans is fine, but pair it with a longer top to cover up rear areas.
#2. Dirham Is A Closed Currency
Morocco uses dirham as currency, which is also a closed currency. Meaning to say, it is not freely available outside the country of its origin and can only be traded within Morocco.
If you’re planning for a trip there, take note that you are only able to exchange your foreign currency upon arrival.
Unlike most places, you should consider spending your remaining dirhams before leaving as not many countries trade dirhams for other currencies.
#3. Haggle
When shopping in Morocco, you’re bound to see several shops that sell the same items. Unsurprising, street stalls have no prices on their items, when asked, you might receive a price that seems quite ridiculous.
Start with a much lower price than what you’re willing to pay for, and let the negotiation take its course.
If you’re unable to reach a compromise and not willing to pay that amount, politely reject and leave.
#4. Don’t Take Guides or Advice Being Offered To You
There is no doubt that there will be plenty of nice folks in Morocco. However, try not to take guides or advice from men standing along streets with signs that say ‘road is closed’.
At best, you’ll be led to stalls along the street. At worst, things can get aggressive when they demand payment for guiding you. Try not to take the risk it even if you’re lost, you can approach stall owners or elderlies to ask for directions.
#5. Keep Belongings Close To You
As mentioned before, there will be plenty of kind people in Morocco but you shouldn’t let your guard down. Keep your valuables close to you and watch out for any shady pickpockets.
With this simple guide, you can get ready your passports and jet off to Morocco!
Tag us in your jet-setting adventures and join the #WomenOfStyleTheory!
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