Moving to Morocco-- HELP! - YouLookFab Forum

I just graduated fromcollege and I'm moving to Morocco indefinitely. I want to build a wardrobe around colors that all generally look good paired together (black, creme, wine, hunter green, browns, etc.). No really bold prints. I want it all to be very strategic because I don't think I'm going to pack a TON of stuff (I've heard about this 37 piece wardrobe thing and think it seems pretty cool!). I'm not sure what my washer and dryer situation is going to be like, so I would like somewhat hardy fabrics.

Morocco is a Muslim country and it's important to be somewhat modest, so I would like to plan for a lot of maxi skirts and flowy pants for the summer time when I need to be covered-- it will be over 100 degrees typically. As a young woman I am really uninspired by these types of skirts and pants that, if I'm not careful, boarder on frumpy! I've become really jaded recently as I haven't been able to find truly inspiring clothes to wear and fashion is important to me...

I would describe my style as somewhat 'bohemian' and 'romantic' (love Free People, who doesn't?) and maybe a little edgy, but also tasteful and mature. I'm struggling hard here!! The need to have comfortable, modest, youthful, AND temperature adaptive clothing, etc., is driving me insane and I just want to feel PREPARED!

Any insight anyone might have on my situation would be much appreciated! Where are all these women on Pinterest getting these gorgeous flowing maxis when I can't seem to find anything I like! Please help! Thanks so much!

10 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Hi Elle,

Congratulations on graduating! This all sounds very exciting, but putting together a new wardrobe can be a little stressful too. I see quite a few fun maxi skirts on the Free People website, and Zara has a few too right now.

Can you perhaps link to some outfits you love on Pinterest? That will make it easier for us to help you find similar items and come up with more ideas for outfits as well.

rachylou

Veteran

A big move! I'd take 10 days worth of modest clothing and buy there. You never know until you get to a place. Probably more economical too.

Staysfit

Congratulations on graduation! I agree with Rachy, don't bring too much. Wait and see what the appropriate items might be there unless you already know they will be hard to find.

kkards

i agree with Rachy, take a minimum and live there a while before expanding your wardrobe, so that you really know what you need. in addition, i assume this move is for a job, so i'd reach out and so what recommendations you can get from that organization---for example are pants on women allowed/discouraged etc.

Olivegreen

Active Member

Yes, I agree with the modest mini wardrobe and buy there. A local with great style and a willingness to share info may be your best bet for acclimating to the requirements.
What I would stock up on is good underwear. Can be very hit or miss in some areas of the world.
Also, any speciality items, like lotions or makeup that you rely on.
Lastly, dentistry and shots.
Not that such good things do not exist there, but finding them in a hurry can be very difficult.
Have a great time!

Suz

Congratulations! This is exciting news. I am with Inge, start by "collecting" some outfits you like the look of and then we can help out with specific suggestions. If you want a 37 piece capsule (or thereabouts) consider your new lifestyle needs as well as the climate. Love Olivegreen's suggestion to stock up on undies you love as well as toiletries that may be difficult to find elsewhere; also, find some very comfortable shoes/ sandals if you have fussy feet.

Younes

Member

Hi elle,

Congratulation on graduating,

My advice would be to pack a minimum and get what you want once in Morocco as you said you don't know how you'll handle washing/drying yet.

You can find pretty much anything in Morocco, from maxis skirts to girly fashion shirts with themes you mentionned, you also get these for a cheap price.

The country is very conservative, and this summer will be very hot, even if the country is muslim, girls tend to wear shorts and tiny tops, but they are local, for a foreigner you'll get hit on the whole time if you do the same.

I actually live in Morocco, don't hesitate to ask me anything

Good day

Elle

Wow, everyone, thank you so much for the wonderful support! I guess the consensus seems to be that I should pack a lot of basics that all look good together, like a 'capsule wardrobe' and just build upon it when I get there.

I guess my next question is where do you all go for your hardy (but reasonably priced, on a recent college grad budget!) and classic basics? Fabrics that don't wrinkle or shrink very much-- I'm not sure what my laundry situation will be like! Also, I like flowy-ier things typically if that helps!

Here's my Pinterest fashion board, if that helps anyone! Obviously not all of it is translatable to Morocco, I'm aiming to be somewhat modest!

https://www.pinterest.com/into.....spiration/

Thanks so much again, everyone!

abc

Banana Republic has had really nice designs and decent fabrics lately. Gap can be hit or miss, as well as Old Navy. Target can be surprising if you are patient and look with a critical eye. H&M may work, they skew fairly trendy but prices would be good for you. Also Forever21, same theme as H&M.

Or if you want to go a totally different route, you could scour Nordstrom, Rack, other retailers for flowy items like Eileen Fisher on sale. I would trade 5-6 cheaper items for one well fitting EF piece. Really. Her stuff is that good. Has drape, you may need to try on several sizes and cuts to find what works for you, but once you do, you're off to the races. I could see some of the EF stuff working for Morocco - coverage, flow, in solids that you could spice up with a scarf or accessories. Good luck.

Gennifyr

My friend is Morrocan and doesn't dress any differently than I do. She wears short shorts, jeans and tees, bikinis. I wouldn't worry about it.

Quoting her "Depends where in Morocco/what neighbourhoods, but I've yet to hear of anyone not getting away with knee length and short sleeves. Especially foreigners, literally nobody cares.."

Mander

You might also google for some Muslim fashion bloggers and see what they wear. I can't think of any off the top of my head but I know I've looked at a few who looked amazing and elegant. My immediate instinct would be to embrace a beachy/bohemian vibe to start with and refine it when you get there.

I suppose I would also not worry too much about buying everything you need before you leave. Unless you are unusually sized (esp. tall and/or large), you will most likely be able to buy things there once you get settled and figure out what your laundry etc. will be like.

Janet

You're already getting good advice and I have nothing useful to add, but I just wanted to say congratulations and good luck! Sounds like a terrific adventure.

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