How To Get Cape Town Style

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what constitutes Cape Town style since the city is so culturally diverse. But what is indeed clear is that Capetonians are adept at combining local influences with international trends to form their own unique style. Here, we take a look at the most distinct items worn by locals in Cape Town.

Denim/Cotton Shorts and Tees

Boasting a subtropical climate, Cape Town is populated with trendy beachfront bars, cafés and restaurants, so expect to see lots of denim cut-offs, ripped jeans, cotton shorts, camis and T-shirts (especially slogan or picture tees) paired with flip-flops like Havaianas, sandals, sneakers or short boots.

Layering

Vintage

If your wardrobe contains many vintage pieces, you’ll fit right in as Cape Town fashionistas love to wear retro clothing sourced from their mothers’ closets or second-hand shops like Second Time Around. However, don’t wear vintage from head to toe! You’ll want to pair a lovely vintage blouse with a pair of skinny jeans and heels, or Granddad’s hat with a dress shirt, pants and lace-ups.

Beachwear

Beachwear is all about comfort and style with a bohemian flair, so flowy kaftans, beach dresses and sexy playsuits in light fabrics are all the rage. Get any of these in vibrant prints and throw on a flower crown or peak cap and you’ll be right on-trend for your next trip to Camps Bay.

Sneakers

Capetonians are crazy for sneakers. Nike, Adidas, Converse — you name it, they’ve got it. Name brand sneakers in a solid color or white are preferable and can be styled with almost any outfit.

Prints

African-inspired prints and fabrics in bright colors are hugely popular across the country and are found in local high-end designer boutiques like Merchants on Long, and in low-end stores like Mr Price. African prints are seen in practically all clothing, from dresses to accessories.

Accessories

Accessories make the outfit, so complete your ensemble with either one accessory or as many as possible to truly shine as Cape Town fashionistas do. Capetonians never leave the house without their designer shades so be sure to get yourself a pair of Wayfarers, Ray-Bans or mirror shades. At a music festival or beach party, shades and hats are essential items, as well as layered bracelets and a necklace.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.