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Unlike other areas of Spain, Madrid’s dress code is less casual and more “city chic”. You’re far away from the coastal beaches in Barcelona and even further from the laid-back hippie-style in Ibiza. Madrid requires clean, classic and well-tailored clothes that ooze sophistication and style.

No need to panic it’s easier than you think. Follow these 6 packing tips for Madrid. Here’s a hint: it’s all about classic pieces that travel well!

Packing Tips for Madrid

Written by: Kelly Ella Maz

The only thing you need: a LBD

A little black dress is the number one item you need to pack for Madrid. It’s a classic piece that can be worn day or night in this Spanish city. Mix up your shoes, accessories and a sweater/ jacket to give this one simple piece of clothing a new look. A little black dress is not only timeless, but it’s also the most versatile clothing item you can pack. The effortlessly chic look doesn’t hurt either.

Bonus tip: Pack a travel-sized lint roller to keep your black dress looking it’s best.

Add a leather jacket for a touch of cool.

For cooler months in Madrid cover up with a black leather jacket. Leather gives you the warmth you need with the added bonus of looking instantly put together when worn over a dress or with a simple tank top and jeans. This one piece can really complete your city outfit, making it both practical and fashionable.

Maximum style in an elegant maxi dress.

A maxi dress is the perfect piece to stay cool and comfortable while still looking chic enough to schmooze with locals over mid-afternoon drinks between museum visits. The added length gives you an instantly sophisticated look without feeling overly dressed. A floral print or bright colour is perfect for summer, whereas a grey or black dress can work year-round.

The right shoes make all the difference.

Leave the running shoes at home when you’re heading to Madrid, and instead choose something a bit classier. Public transportation is excellent in Madrid so you’ll never have to worry about walking too far. For summer months pack a pair of leather sandals for day and a killer pair of heels for night. In winter you can’t go wrong with a pair of black leather boots, either flat or heeled.

Read our guide on how to choose the best shoes for travel!

A great pair of sunglasses to complete the look.

Whether it’s actually sunny outside or not the fashionable style icons of Madrid are rarely seen without a fab pair of sunglasses on. Men and women look utterly cool walking from business meeting to wine bar with a stylish pair of shades on. Get the Madrid-look by sporting you’re own pair (on sunny days in the park it’s an absolute necessity). I recommend an oversized black pair of sunglasses that will easily work with anything you wear. Aviators are another fashionable option, especially in gold.

Bonus tip: Sunglasses paired with your leather jacket is one of my favorite looks for Madrid. Take a look at this guide to choose the best sunglasses for your face shape!

A sexy outfit for a night out.

There’s no shortage of trendy rooftop bars in Madrid, but a lot of them come with a dress code. Dress to impress in a great outfit that matches the beautiful setting. Shorts paired with heels is a fresh look for summer, while black skinny pants and heeled boots are perfect for cooler months.

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Do you want to add any packing tips for Madrid? Please comment below!

For more tips on what to pack for Spain, please read:

• What to Pack for Spain: Galicia
• What to Pack for Spain Vacations – A Seasonal Guide
• Camino de Santiago Packing List: 11 Essentials for Female Travelers
• What to Wear in Mallorca: Get the ‘High Roller” Look with these 8 Items

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring
  
• Lonely Planet Spain (Country Guide)
• Travel Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

Hope you liked these packing tips for Madrid. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Kelly Ella Maz is travel writer from Canada. Her passion for travel and world-wide experience led her to starting her own travel planning business and blog. She recently bought a one-way ticket to Barcelona, where she’ll be living by the beach and travelling around Spain. You can follow her travels at Kellyellamaz.