Cartagena has a way of making everything feel more beautiful — including what you’re wearing. The light there is golden, the streets are colorful, and the energy is warm in a way that makes you want to show up for it. I put real thought into my outfits for this trip, and honestly? Cartagena rewarded every single one.
Here’s exactly what I wore, why it worked, and what I’d bring again.
The Old City Outfit — The One That Felt Like the City
For walking the cobblestone streets of the Old City, I wanted something that matched the energy without overcomplicating it. I went with a flowy midi dress in a warm terracotta — the kind of color that looks like it belongs against colonial walls. Comfortable sandals, a small crossbody, and a few gold pieces. Nothing fussy. The heat in Cartagena is real, so breathable fabric is non-negotiable.
Cartagena humidity humbles everyone eventually. Dress accordingly and just embrace it.
The formula: Flowy silhouette + warm tones + minimal accessories + flat sandals. You’ll thank yourself by hour two of walking.
Pieces to look for: Linen midi dresses, terracotta or warm earthy tones, leather flat sandals, small leather crossbody
The Island Day Look — Easy, Breezy, Intentional
We took a boat out to the islands and I kept it simple: a crocheted coverup over a classic bikini, a wide-brim hat, and my favorite water-resistant sandals. The key for island days in Cartagena is layering something you can throw on and off without thinking — the boat ride, the beach, lunch, back on the boat. It all flows together.
By the second boat ride, nobody cared about makeup anymore. That’s the magic of the islands — they strip everything back down to the good stuff.
The formula: Swimsuit you love + effortless coverup + hat + sandals that can get wet.
Pieces to look for: crochet coverups, straw wide-brim hats, Amazon swimsuits that actually fit well
The Dinner Outfit — Soft, Elevated, Memorable
Cartagena at night is something else. The streets glow, the restaurants are candlelit, and the energy slows down in the best way. For dinner I went with a white linen set — wide leg pants and a fitted top — with strappy heeled sandals and hoops. It felt elevated without being overdressed, which is exactly the balance Cartagena calls for.
The formula: Monochromatic set + one statement shoe + simple jewelry. Let the city be the backdrop.
Pieces to look for: linen co-ord sets, strappy heeled sandals, gold hoop earrings
The Travel Day Look — Soft but Put Together
I always travel in something I could go to lunch in straight off the plane. For Cartagena I wore wide-leg linen pants in cream, a fitted tank, sneakers, and a light oversized jacket for the flight. Comfortable enough for hours of travel, pulled together enough to land feeling like yourself.
The formula: Linen pants + fitted top + clean sneakers + layer you can remove.
Pieces to look for: cream or neutral wide-leg linen pants, fitted ribbed tanks, classic white sneakers
The Cartagena packing rule I swear by
pack colors that talk to each other. Terracotta, cream, white, warm neutrals — everything mixes, nothing clashes, and you always have an outfit without overthinking it.
If you want to get the outfit and accessories I mentioned,
CLICK HERE
If you’re planning a Cartagena trip and want the full packing breakdown, I have a complete guide coming soon. And if you want to see how these outfits actually looked on the streets — it’s all on my Instagram.
Which outfit would you wear? Tell me in the comments.
XO, Selina
