Fashion Fest

When you first arrive in the sandbox, many places you go, you will see women dressed similarly to this:

At first, you won't be able to tell the difference between nationals, locals, Egyptians, or Expats dressed in an abaya. 

Then when you see the shops that make abayas in the mall, you will see fabulous abayas with just as fabulous prices.

 DO NOT BUY AN ABAYA 

IN A REGULAR MALL! 

Thy will look similar to this one, however, they also have other colors, collars, and decoration. The main thing to keep in mind is that it should be to the floor, or even a bit too long for the floor. One other tidbit, is you will wish you had pockets and if you have one tailored, just tell them you want pockets and voila' you will have them.

If you are placed in a school that has Egyptian teachers, they wear abayas of many colors, sometimes black, but mostly other colors. This one is very similar to ones I have seen in the western region and sometimes around Abu Dhabi. 

Personally, I haven't been to any Emirate weddings, but I have been to a few birthday parties for Egyptian children at their homes and the dress was similar to this one. From what I hear of the weddings, it is very similar with very dressy dresses. As the weddings are segregated and there are only women in the party room, there is not a big need to cover up, but most are what we would consider ballroom attire. 

So, what do you pack since you don't have an abaya and you shouldn't worry about buying one before you come (take it from me, they are nicer and less expensive here and you can have them tailored to fit)? 

The maxi skirt, a light knit sweater and scarves are your three best friends, and the next one is a long sleeve button down long enough to cover your bum in the back. Even with high waisted pants, it is best to cover your bum. 

This is a bad picture but they are great skirts and can be found inexpensively at Old Navy. 

This type of jacket is very common here, and can be dressed down or dressed up. 

And then there is the scarf. If you have any you love, bring them. They are a staple here. 

DON'T GO OUT AND BUY ANY BEFORE YOU GET HERE!

They are everywhere, pashmina, hashmina, and you will find more than you can wear in a year very inexpensively. Never pay more than 40 AED for a nice one and never more than 100 for a super fancy one, either silk or wool. Inexpensive ones are in all the mega shops such as Lulu's and Carrefour. 

When I came, I brought 4 button down shirts, two of which are fine wale corduroy and I am so thankful I have them. I wear them often, sometimes over a sleeveless shirt and unbuttoned. 

 So how do you cover up with respect and not look dowdy? Well here are a few looks, you might consider... 

A great winter look and you will probably not need any more of a jacket than this.

 Here are a few fashionable ideas. Keep in mind that these are all work attire ideas. You can 

Keep in mind that these are all work attire ideas. You can wear clothing of your choice elsewhere, but it is always good to be respectful of the culture. 

How could you wear this sleeveless dress to work? Add a jacket and a scarf, or wear it under an abaya. 

For a day out shopping this is appropriate, but personally, I would wear a scarf or a higher neck (most of the time). 

I hope these visuals help you. If you don't have any of these, it is ok, you can build a pretty simple wardrobe easily and then add a piece or two as you go along. 

An example of what people wear out and about, today I saw a woman in a string tank top and jeans at the grocery store, in the middle of Ramadan, when you should dress more conservatively. I was wearing a tank top with some loose slacks and a grey sheer long-sleeve shirt over it, unbuttoned except for the top button.