What to Wear to Your Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

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(Image credit: @thisisjessicatorres)

Despite the fact that so many people gather to celebrate on May 5, few understand exactly why they might be encouraged to drink margaritas or wear bright colors on the holiday. "Cinco de Mayo is part of the Latino experience of the American Civil War. It's not about the Mexican experience," says David E. Hayes-Bautista, director for the Center of the Study of Latino Health and Culture at UCLA's School of Medicine. Basically, what we celebrate on Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican victory against the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. If you're curious to know more about the holiday's history, this Time magazine article is an informative read. 

What does one wear to celebrate an unlikely "against-all-odds" victory? Bright colors, summery prints, and flirty ruffles are all in order to ring in Cinco de Mayo in style. Ahead, see our outfit inspiration for the holiday from the most stylish women in our feeds. And though the festivities may only last for a day, the bright and colorful looks are something to be celebrated all season long, which is why we included our favorite pieces to stock up on to wear the cutest spring outfits.

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(Image credit: @saraloura)

Style Tip: Breezy linen sets are both festive and great staples to wear throughout the summer. Pair yours with statement earrings to add a little something extra. 

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(Image credit: @thisisjessicatorres)

Style Tip: Finish off a Cottagecore-inspired dress with sporty sandals and a cool bag.

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Style Tip: Team yellow and red via a floaty sundress and strappy sandals.

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(Image credit: @ironnsalt)

Style Tip: A bright ruffled blouse adds a pop of color to classics like high-waisted denim and sandals.

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(Image credit: @catchmeeksifyoucan)

Style Tip: You can't go wrong by keeping things polished and chic in a pair of neutral trousers and a simple tank top. 

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(Image credit: @BALENCIANAS)

Style Tip: A bouncy, floral dress paired with a wide-brimmed boater and cowboy boots is the best on-trend look if you're spending the summer on a farm or somewhere in the countryside.

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(Image credit: @SINCERELYJULES)

Style Tip: A two-piece set is always in style. Opt for bright colors and wicker bags to add a bit of tropical-inspired vibes.

Next, Net-a-Porter's New-Season Drop Just Convinced Me to Start on My Summer Wardrobe

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.