Job Discussion Forums

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

I recently got a job in Oaxaca city and don't know what sort of clothes to bring with me. I understand that fashion is more conservative in Mexico and a cute little summer dress in the US might look like prostitution wear there. I know that every school has its different dress code. I will be teaching mostly adults. Just don't tell me that I have to wear pantyhose and heels everyday! Thanks!

TEFL anonymous · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Tampico, Mexico

Where I work it's a bit more relaxed than I've experienced in other countries, I'd say it's smart-casual. Most women wear smart sandals or ballet pumps, tops (not necessarily shirts) that aren't too tight/revealing and trousers or skirts below the knee. Easy!

It's common practice to email and ask the school what the dress code is before you go though - they'll be able to give you info for their particular school.

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

Thanks!

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Just ask the school!
Down here on the hot, muggy coast, dress in the classroom tends to be rather casual.

MELEE · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject:

Actually the prostitute look is in right now, even in Oaxaca, which can be more conservative than the rest of Mexico.
But you will receive unwanted attention no matter what you wear--better not to add to that or give any guys room to justify the "If she dressed like that she's asking for it." mindset. Nothing so short that you wouldn't feel comfortable bending at the waist to pick your pen up off the floor in, nor anything too low cut in the front. Keep in mind that Oaxaca can be fairly cool in the morning and evening much of the year, expect to see your breath on January mornings, but hot mid day all year. And the elevation means that the rain is always cold! Cold cold water falling from the sky. There are very few places with heating or air conditioning so light natural fabrics that can be layered are best. If you're like me, you won't be able to resist the beautiful handmade clothes for sale in Oaxaca City, so you won't need to bring too much anyways.
If you wear US size 9 shoes or larger make sure to bring enough with you because you will have a hard time finding shoes in southern Mexico.
Happy Packing!

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

MOD EDIT

I am heartened that in Mexico the women respect themselves much more and are more modest in their dress. I cannot wait to escape from this Land of Whores. Everyone, escape from America quickly, it is about to get sucked down the toilet like Sodom and Gommorah. Very Happy

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

WHAT? OMG! Shocked

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

That was an interesting read Cucaracha...you'd like posting in the China off-topic forum.

I do need to point out that I have never seen the Laws of Thermodynamics used to explain increasing societal half-nakedness before. Well, never beyond wearing less clothing on the beach anyway. Laughing

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Hey Guy, aren't you supposed to be in the park right about now, honorably performing meet and greet (and water balloon) duties on behalf of Canada for the Canada Day celebration you all are having there? (oops that was another thread, but this thread was thrown so seriously off topic by that huge big rant, this won't be noticed I'm sure.)

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

If you insist on doing this on the Mexico forum could you please, at very least, start a new topic? This thread was started by a teacher would wanted to know what to wear to work, and it isn't fair to future readers searching this subject in the data base to have to read this stuff.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:19 pm Post subject:

I've just deleted several postings for being off topic.

This is the topic of this thread: "What not to wear?"

This is not a thread about politics or personal opinions regarding nations or people.

Es verdad.

Please stay on topic and enjoy your discussion.

If the off topic posting continues, please bring it to my attention by PM or Report Post mode.

Enjoy.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

MELEE · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:09 pm Post subject:

Wow, I knew I should have checked in over the weekend... MOD EDIT

Guy, Sam, I'd still like to know what you think people shouldn't wear in Mexico.

I'd like to add that I think you shouldn't wear, a stars 'n strips polo shirt, walking shorts, new white tennis shoes, a baseball cap, and a fanny pack! Razz