The Carioca style can vary from the places you go to, to the people you hang around, including to the religion you follow - but this is for another post. In today´s edition we will learn how to dress as a typical carioca and allow you to mingle with the local folks when you’re in town (you might have chances to even get the same price than locals in the stores).

To make it easier for you, let’s just say you’re dressing for a hot day in Rio and that you’re probably going to the beach. I’ll sort the carioca style through the body parts so I can be very clear on what you should be dressing at the Marvelous City.

1) Let your feet free and you shall be free as well

If you’re going to the beach in Rio, wear your brand new Havaiana flip flops (preferably with the Brazilian colors). No tennis shoes and socks. No! Leave them inside your hotel room waiting for the trip back home. You’re in Rio! You should relax from head to toes - and I’m addressing your toes here!

[caption id="attachment_7774" align="alignnone" width="640"]Anywhere you go, with a really cool flip flops, you can get away with it. That's the beauty of the Carioca Style! Anywhere you go, with a really cool flip flops, you can get away with it. That's the beauty of the Carioca Style! / source[/caption]

You can also use your Havaiana flip flops wherever you go in town: restaurants, bars, carnival rehearsals, museums, tours etc. That’s why you should have more than one type of flip flops, so you won’t wear out and to match your clothing. Just be careful if you’re going to some fancy restaurant or event - they could ask you to use (argh) shoes. Sorry.

2) Beach wear, not safari wear

Yes, I can understand your urge to put on all the clothing you can to protect yourself from the scalding sun in Rio. Don’t. We’re not at the Sahara, although the heat is almost the same. In Rio, less is more (but no funny ideas, eh!).

[caption id="attachment_7775" align="alignnone" width="640"]Whether you're wearing speedos or bermudas, don't be afraid to enjoy the beach and forget about being self-conscious with your body Whether you're wearing speedos or bermudas, don't be afraid to enjoy the beach and forget about being self-conscious with your body / source[/caption]

I know that not everybody can deal with the speedos, but we use them at the beach, deal with it. Women use bikinis and everybody is cool with it. It doesn't matter much if you’re hot or not, everybody’s trying to have a nice time under the sun.

If it’s too much for you, using bermudas at the beach is totally acceptable and won’t raise any eyebrows. For women, a one piece can be as sexy and in as the two-piece bikinis. Just don’t go getting carried away and go topless, since it’s forbidden in Brazil.

Don’t forget the sunblock (very important!), sunglasses (discreet, cool and efficient) and a panama-like hat for the ladies. Men have to deal with the burning sun melting their roofs. If you can’t, prefer a local football team hat and you’re good. For the ladies, a good canga goes a long way in style and protection from the prying eyes of carioca men (yes, we look).

[caption id="attachment_1459" align="aligncenter" width="450"]You don't own a canga yet? Don't sweat! You can by one (or a few) of them right there in the beach. / source You don't own a canga yet? Don't sweat! You can by one (or a few) of them right there in the beach. / source[/caption]

3) Be casual, as usual

Bermudas and t-shirts are totally OK in most places you’ll go. There are some surf wear with floral prints and stuff, but be careful not to look too floral a.k.a. gringo. One piece with prints, the other with clean colors to keep it a clean visual and light style.

We’re a relaxed people and we expect everybody else to get in the mood, from clothing to services expectations. If you’re in Rio, let yourself fully enjoy your vacations and think of dress code when you head back home.

Now you’re ready to go for tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro and have the time of your life.

Pedro Rocha - Carioca and Community Manager at rdj4u.com