Maxi dresses have got to be one of the smartest things you can bring along when visiting Dubai. Such dresses are long enough, comfortable in hot weather, and, when you style them properly, they eventually meet all the criteria for Dubai.
The issue is that most people think way too much about the matter, or not enough, coming either with something too revealing or too tight to wear or something shapeless to feel uncomfortable.
Maxi dresses are modest and proper, yet fashionable, and they work in Dubai quite well, but the key to wearing them right is understanding how to style them. So let’s get into the styling tips.
Choose the Right Fit
Maxi dresses in Dubai, fit is the first key. You want a dress that flows around the body, because the one that hugs every curve isn’t the perfect fit for you.
A dress that fits snugly on the body can easily be mistaken for revealing clothes despite its full length. Therefore, style is more important in a culturally modest city like Dubai.
You can have relaxed and A-line styles that work just fine for this lively city. A wrap maxi dress is also an excellent choice, giving you more space to move around.
In case of any indecision between two sizes, go for the larger one. It always pays to have a bit more space in your maxi dress.
Add Light Layers
The summer months in Dubai are scorching hot outdoors but icy cold indoors. In all the shopping centers, eateries, museums, and even all other indoor areas, the AC temperature will be set to a point where you will be freezing if you are wearing a sleeveless dress.
It can be as simple as wearing an extra piece of clothing like a linen jacket, an open-front kimono, or a cotton sweater.
This will help cover up your body and keep you warm when the air conditioning takes over. It should be light and made of natural fibres to avoid getting too hot when you leave these areas and go outdoors.
Pick Higher Necklines
The maxi dress with a plunging neckline is counterproductive for Dubai. You may be wearing the right kind of dress in terms of length, but you’re letting the rest down.
In public places like malls, heritage spots, and religious centers, you will need to have either a crew neckline or at least a decent V-neckline.
If your chosen dress is one with a plunging neckline, then adding a high neckline underneath will solve the problem at once. It’s easy and adds nothing extra in terms of the effort put into the dress.
Use a Scarf or Shawl
There is one accessory that can be considered indispensable while visiting Dubai, and this would be a scarf. It serves as three items at once in combination with a maxi dress.
The scarf should be wrapped around the shoulders if the maxi dress is sleeveless. It also helps to hide the head while visiting mosques.
It is recommended to wear light scarves made from natural materials such as cotton or viscose. This way, you get additional warmth with no extra weight or volume. It’s wise to keep a couple of them with you, these are always handy in case you happen to visit several kinds of venues during a day.
Focus on Sleeve Length
Sleeveless maxi dresses work well for the beach or swimming pool. But if you are going for a walk through the city, visiting souks, or walking through Al Fahidi, you need to have something on your shoulders. The least requirement is cap sleeves, but preferably half sleeves or three-quarter sleeves.
So if you are in the situation of having mostly bought sleeveless maxi dresses, then this trick of wearing a light linen shirt open on top of the dress will come in handy.
Choose Breathable Fabrics
Summer heat sees temperatures rising past 40°C in Dubai. What you choose for your maxi dress will make a lot of difference. Cotton, linen, chambray, and viscose are ideal since they’re light, breathable, and flow easily in the wind.
What you have to do is stay away from polyester and synthetics on hot days. They’ll work great inside under air conditioning, but won’t take long to become uncomfortable once out in the sun for some time. Fabrics that breathe also drape better; there’s no need for downsizing just for the sake of fit.
Avoid Sheer or Transparent Material
A sheer maxi dress is immodest, no matter how long it is, because it is see-through under the sun. The use of a see-through fabric, such as a thin white cotton fabric, must be lined with a proper slip for it to be considered modest.
You must save yourself from this by inspecting your dress in natural light before stepping out the door. Even if a piece appears opaque within the confines of your house, it may prove to be sheer once exposed to Dubai's bright, open sunlight.
You should wear a nude-colored full-length slip under your dress if it lacks a lining.
Style with Flat Sandals or Sneakers
In Dubai, there will be even more walking involved than expected, whether in lobbies, mall entrances, observatories, souks, or along The Walk at JBR. Maxi dresses should be worn with either strappy sandals or pure white sneakers, both of which are perfect choices for Dubai's public places and will allow you to comfortably enjoy the day.
High heels are best left for dinner time or any other nighttime activity. While during daytime, convenience wins over anything else, and wearing flat sandals together with maxi dresses seems like a well-thought-out choice.
Adjust Based on Location
This is because the same maxi dress serves different purposes based on where you are in Dubai. If you're at the beach club or at a hotel pool, you can wear it sleeveless and even with a lower neckline or sheer fabric.
But, if you head out to the Dubai Mall or City Walk, then cover your shoulders, have a high neckline and avoid any see-through clothing so that you can be save from penalties.
Your surroundings will help you to know what to wear in order to blend well with the environment. You can use the maxi dress in all the above settings, while you make minor changes to it. This is one of the reasons why the maxi dress should be your go-to choice of dress in Dubai.
Conclusion
Maxi dresses are actually a very practical choice when visiting Dubai. It is well chosen because of several reasons, like they help keep you cool, while meeting all the cultural standards.
Such dresses look fabulous day and night, so you could easily visit some sites in the morning and then have a nice dinner out without changing anything. As long as you manage to pick a good fit, use airy fabrics, and throw in a scarf for indoors, you will be just fine.
Also Read: Why Midi Dresses Are Perfect for Dubai
