What do I wear in the cities / medinas?

Morocco is a Muslim country and, outside the beach resorts, a fairly conservative one, so the guiding principle in cities and medinas is modesty — not because anyone will stop you, but because dressing respectfully changes how you are treated. Covered shoulders and knees are the baseline for everyone, men included; vests and very short shorts read as disrespectful and, frankly, mark you out as a tourist target. The good news is that modest and comfortable are the same thing here: loose, lightweight, breathable cotton and linen keep you cool in the heat while covering you up, which is exactly what local dress does.

For women I give slightly more specific guidance, because it makes a real difference to the day. You do not need to cover your hair — that is not expected of visitors — but longer, looser layers earn noticeably more respect and less unwanted attention than tight or revealing clothing. Loose trousers or a maxi skirt with a top that covers the shoulders and upper arms is the sweet spot, and it travels well between a souk crawl, a museum and a nice dinner. In more conservative neighbourhoods and smaller towns away from the tourist hubs, err further toward covered; in cosmopolitan parts of Marrakech and Casablanca you can relax a little.

The carry-everywhere item is a lightweight scarf. It weighs nothing, and it does three jobs at once: throw it over bare shoulders if you find yourself somewhere conservative or near a religious site, use it against sun and dust, and have it ready in case you are invited somewhere that calls for a touch more coverage. I tell every woman travelling to Morocco to keep one in her day bag — it turns "I'm underdressed for this" into a non-issue in two seconds.

My honest, practical footnote is about shoes. Medina lanes are old, uneven, sometimes slick and frequently strewn with the debris of a working market, so leave the heels and flimsy sandals for the riad terrace and wear sturdy, closed, comfortable shoes you can walk miles in — you will be on your feet far more than you expect. Dress this way and you blend in, draw less hassle from touts, move comfortably through long hot days, and signal the respect that Moroccans warmly return. Norms vary by city and season, so read the room and lean conservative when unsure.