5 Cinco De Mayo Must-Haves You Can Find on Consignment

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I love this day for so many reasons: Mariachi music, margaritas, tacos, guacamole… And any reason to celebrate with friends and family is a win in my book!

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. My father is Mexican, and he frequently reminds me that in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is actually a minor holiday. But I love that fact that in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.

And one of my favorite parts about Cinco de Mayo is the colorful, playful outfits! It’s the perfect excuse to try out bold colors, fun patterns, and festive styles. Whether you're heading to your favorite Mexican restaurant, hosting friends at home, or just making it a festive Tuesday, the right outfit sets the whole tone.

And you don't need to buy anything new to look amazing! Some of the most colorful, festive pieces are already waiting for you on the consignment rack.

Here are five fashion must-haves to build a Cinco de Mayo look that feels celebratory, personal, and totally you. (And you can find them all preloved here at Current Boutique!)

1. A Colorful Printed Dress

This is the anchor of your whole look, so have fun with it. Bold florals, graphic prints, vibrant color-blocking, or anything with movement when you strut your stuff. Designers like Mara Hoffman, Farm Rio, and Anthropologie have built their entire brands around exactly this kind of print-driven joy, and their pieces show up on consignment all the time. A dress with a swirly skirt or tiered hem adds that extra bit of festive flair, perfect for dancing!

Buying Tip: When you're shopping pre-loved, search by color first. Filter for reds, oranges, magentas, cobalt blues, deep greens, or other fun colors that look good on you. If a print makes you stop scrolling, that's the one.

2. A Statement Crossbody Bag

A crossbody is the most practical bag for a night out (hands free so you can focus on your margarita), and it's also a great way to bring in a pop of color. A hot pink Rebecca Minkoff, a woven straw bag, or even a bright embroidered clutch (with a strap) all work beautifully. Don't be afraid of color-on-color – for example, a fuchsia bag against a red dress can be chicer than it sounds when styled correctly!

Bags are one of the best consignment finds because they hold their shape and style for years. You can find a designer crossbody at a fraction of retail cost – so you get high-quality pieces that are still in your budget.

3. Platform Wedges or Strappy Sandals

You want a shoe that can handle cobblestones, tile floors, and dancing, without sacrificing style. Platform wedges are a great option; they give the height and leg-slimming, without the wobbly heel.

You can also go for strappy sandals in a metallic or multi-colored finish. Kate Spade does both exceptionally well, and their shoes tend to resurface on consignment in excellent condition. If you want to keep things more casual, a clean white espadrille or a bold leather sandal works just as well. The goal is comfort that still looks stylish and intentional.

4. Colorful Earrings or Statement Jewelry

A pair of long tassel earrings, oversized hoops in gold or enamel, or a stack of beaded bracelets can completely transform a simple outfit. Cinco de Mayo is not the day for quiet jewelry. Go big, go colorful, go joyful!

Jewelry is one of the easiest things to find on consignment. Look for vintage pieces with bright stones, enamel details, or anything with a handmade quality to it. Imperfections can be part of the charm, especially for a day of celebration.

5. A Light Wrap or Embroidered Kimono

A wrap or open kimono gives you coverage (and warmth for cooler nights) without weighing down your look. An embroidered or printed kimono adds texture and visual interest, and it layers beautifully over a fitted dress. It also doubles as a great layer for transitioning from a hot outdoor restaurant patio to the air-conditioned inside.

Mexican-inspired embroidery patterns and folk art prints are particularly beautiful if you can find them. When shopping pre-loved, search "embroidered kimono," "printed wrap," or "boho cardigan" and see what comes up.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is a fantastic way to celebrate a beautiful culture and heritage, and to have fun with your style! And it’s a great excuse to try out new colors and prints. Consignment shopping makes it even more fun, because you can build a look that feels special and considered without spending a lot. Pre-loved pieces have history, personality, and character built right in, perfect for a festive day out on the town.

Start browsing Current Boutique’s online racks for fun prints, pops of color, and your best spring and summer looks! Whether you have a vacation planned to an exotic location or you’re just having drinks at your favorite local spot, you’re bound to find something special.