1. Introduction
2. Dressing in Dubai: What to Know
3. Packing Essentials for Dubai
When people ask me how I’m finding Dubai, my answer — for about nine months out of the year — is: hot. Dubai is a place where sandstorms sweep in from the desert, blanketing the cloud-grazing skyline in dust and swallowing up its sparkle. It’s a place where winter weather means highs of 79 degrees Fahrenheit and umbrellas are used to shield against the sun instead of rain. Many expats rave about how living here feels like being on vacation every day, though as a New Yorker who splits time between Dubai and Paris, I find the constant sun to be a bit Truman Show-esque in its year-round shine. I’ve also found myself adjusting my wardrobe to follow suit.
Dressing in Dubai: What to Know
I should start by pointing out that, unless otherwise specified, there is no right or wrong way to dress in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) population is made up of over 200 nationalities, and that diversity is reflected in Dubai’s eclectic sartorial scene. One of my favorite activities is wandering around the outskirts of the mall and admiring the attire of passersby: women dressed in embellished abayas that fly out behind them like capes as they rush to lunch with friends (designer bags in tow); groups of friends and family members donning traditional garb from countries like Sudan and Pakistan; European visitors breaking out the bright shades and patterns that they had retired for the duration of the cold weather season back home.
In touristy destinations like hotels or malls, you can wear whatever you would elsewhere. This goes for beaches as well (barring nudity). However, if you’re visiting more traditional locales such as a souk, or an area or emirate outside of Dubai, dressing more conservatively should be taken into consideration. In religious areas, it’s required. The UAE is a Muslim country, so being aware and respectful of cultural differences in this regard is important.
Even when I’m not in the UAE, I tend to gravitate toward the drama of a voluminous silhouette, a longer hemline, or a cascading fabric. I like a little glitter — that subtle touch of something over the top, and Dubai presents ample opportunity to experiment with these outfit elements, whether it’s for a fine dining spot à la Daniel Boulud or covering the opening of an art exhibit in the bustling financial district. Add to that protecting myself from prolonged UV exposure while also wanting to let my skin breathe in the desert heat, and it’s fair to say that my daily wardrobe has undergone an evolution of sorts.
Packing Essentials for Dubai
Making a Dubai packing list? Here are the closet essentials that I wear on repeat, along with some wallet-friendly options that will help you get the Dubai look for less.
Slip-On Sandals
An extra sparkle can make everyday footwear feel fancy. Open-toed sandals in a metallic material, or featuring a rhinestone strass patch — can give your outfit that added oomph that people think of when they think of Dubai.
Classic White Sneakers
In a retail world that’s oversaturated with sneaker options, I can’t quite explain the soft spot that I have for Reebok. Perhaps it’s the ’90s nostalgia that gets me, or the little Union Jack tag that serves as a mini homage to the years that I lived in London. What’s for sure is that the classic shape and design of this white pair complements the full scope of my casualwear, and they’re comfortable to boot.
Oversized Trousers
On days where work brings me to the Dubai Design District — a purpose-built community for fashion and culture enterprises — or to the Dubai International Financial Centre, I like the polished look of a suit, but in a looser fit. Baggier styles give my body some much-appreciated ventilation while preventing the fabric from sticking to my inevitably sweaty skin. They also look great paired with heels, sneakers, or even flat loafers (my favorite are from Bobbies) for a real back-to-business vibe.
Retro-Inspired Jeans
If there’s anything that I’m loving more than the breezy blazer-work pants ensemble at the moment, it’s relaxed-fit, retro-inspired denim. Baggier styles can be dressed up with open-toed heels or chunky clogs, or you can keep things simple in a sleek pair of sneakers. While I am still holding onto my skinny jeans for a rainy day — which we only have about a dozen of per year in Dubai — they’ve been sequestered to the back of my closet in favor of my AG Clove Pin Tuck jeans for the foreseeable future.
Long-Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress
For the ultimate one-and-done outfit, you can’t beat the dreamy appeal of a tiered mini dress. Roomy enough to wear while lounging around the house but easy to transform into a more elevated look with the addition of a few accessories, this dress style is as fun as it is versatile. It’s the kind of garment that moves with you so you can practically float your way from one destination to the next, and I like pairing my go-to Magali Pascal tiered dress with knee-high boots on cooler nights. Extra points for the sleeves, which offer extra coverage without suffocating your limbs.
Going-Out Dress
There’s been a lot of talk about the going-out top since Y2K style made its big comeback in recent seasons, but when I’m in Dubai, I’m all about the going-out dress. Think something form-fitting in a bold hue, perhaps with cut-outs at the waist or an eye-catching asymmetrical hem.
Statement Purse
No going-out ensemble is complete without a statement accessory, and I’ve let my style imagination run wild when it comes to purses. From brightly colored to bedazzled and everything in between, I have amassed quite the collection of beguiling bags, even adding something fluffy by Cult Gaia to the mix.
Silky Slip Skirt
For a skirt that can take you from day to night, from the warm weather of a Dubai winter to the get-me-out-of-here heat of its summers, a neutral-colored midi style made from a lightweight silky material is a reliable choice. It looks as great styled with a T-shirt and sneakers as it does with a matching blouse and smart-looking flats for a more professional setting (I can’t resist a good monochrome moment!).
Eye-Catching Earrings
Because I often wear my hair slicked back in a bun to keep it off my neck and to avoid frizz, this means that my outfits will sometimes start at the earlobes. Adorning them with something chunky and colorful is a low-lift solution to spicing up an otherwise simple look.
Conclusion
Living in Dubai has certainly influenced my style, and I’ve adapted to the vibrant and diverse fashion landscape. By curating a versatile wardrobe featuring essential pieces, I am prepared for the unique climate and cultural nuances of this dynamic city.
