While many people eagerly await the arrival of winter, there are others who dread the cold due to their experience with similar climates throughout the year. As a result, the winter season often becomes an excuse to escape and plan vacations in warmer destinations. One such place that tops the list for tourists worldwide is Dubai, which expects a significant influx of visitors during this time.
On one hand, some individuals might be hesitant to visit Dubai due to its reputation as a hot desert city. However, many others see it as an opportunity to explore and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere regardless of the season.
The common thread among these travelers is the need for guidance on what to pack and wear in Dubai during winter. To address this concern, I will provide winter outfits and ideas that can serve as inspiration for your trip.
Before diving into fashion, it’s essential to prepare a packing list with must-have items for a comfortable and enjoyable journey to Dubai. The list includes:
What To Pack for Dubai Winter Trip?
When it comes to winter attire in Dubai, boots are an essential staple. However, be cautious when choosing velvet boots, as the desert climate can be unforgiving on delicate materials. Instead, opt for leather boots in neutral colors like black or brown that can withstand the dusty and sandy conditions. While winters in Dubai may not be as harsh as those in other parts of the world, it’s still crucial to pack warm accessories like hats – a chic bucket hat or an adorable beanie will do the trick.
Leggings and stockings are must-haves for winter nights in Dubai, allowing you to wear your favorite outfits that were previously off-limits due to thin tights. Don’t forget to bring along a trusty umbrella that can serve as protection from both rain and sun. Add a stylish touch by selecting an umbrella with a cute print. Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting yourself from the harsh desert sun, even on cloudy days.
A high SPF sunscreen will be your constant companion during this trip. When it comes to dresses, you’ll find that knee-length options are perfectly suitable for Dubai’s winters. No longer will you have to worry about the limitations of thin tights – now you can indulge in those winter dresses you’ve always wanted. Shawls are a lifesaver in countries like Dubai, where unexpected dress code requirements or sudden gusts of wind may arise.
They’re also handy when you need to add an extra layer of warmth on chilly evenings. Pack a lightweight shawl and you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.
Knee Length Dress for Sunny Winter Days in Dubai’s Atlantis
This winter, consider knee-length dresses as a staple in your wardrobe for Dubai’s climate. While dark and grunge colors may be trending during this time of year, I recommend incorporating brighter hues like lime green to complement the city’s sunny atmosphere. To complete the look, pair your dress with trendy sneakers and carry a white or beige shawl that you can easily drape over yourself when needed.
Look for Comfortable & Stylish Options
The preppy schoolgirl look is a timeless fashion staple that can be effortlessly elevated by incorporating unexpected design elements. Consider swapping out traditional plaid or striped skirts for bold prints like leopard or zebra, and pair with a denim button-down shirt instead of the classic white option. For shoes, opt for black boots or low-top sneakers paired with knee-length socks to maintain a cohesive, stylish vibe that blends comfort and fashion.
Don’t Forget Your Boots
When it comes to styling knee-high boots, I often turn to skirts and shorts as a reliable combination. The key is to create a harmonious contrast by pairing a dark-colored skirt or shorts with a lighter hue on top. A simple blouse or button-up shirt can achieve this look effortlessly. To add an extra touch of elegance, consider adding some statement hoops to complete the outfit.
Layer Your Matching Sets With a Stylish Jacket
When it comes to dressing, there’s something undeniably chic about a perfectly coordinated top and bottom set. Whether you’ve curated a suit from scratch or simply stumbled upon two pieces that harmonize seamlessly, this look is sure to impress. Black, in particular, can be a bit more challenging to pair due to the various shades it encompasses, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Make sure to add this stylish combination to your shopping list if you find yourself lacking a suitable option. To further elevate the outfit and prevent it from appearing too formal or work-appropriate, consider adding a denim jacket for a cool, laid-back vibe. Additionally, gold minimalist jewelry always pairs beautifully with black ensembles, so be sure not to overlook this thoughtful touch. For more inspiration on styling matching sets, see below: Women’s Casual Bootleg Pants ($25.
99), Women’s Ruffle Crop Top ($20.99), and Women’s Jacket ($27.64).
Match the Sunset for Your Cruise Day in Dubai
Dubai’s reputation as a premier cruise destination is well-deserved, especially during the winter months when sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking. When it comes to dressing for this unique setting, the choice between dark and bright colors can be a daunting one. However, considering that light hues may not provide sufficient visibility, it’s essential to opt for colors that echo the vibrant tones of the sunset.
Orange and yellow tones are perfect for making a statement while still blending in with the surrounding environment. For nighttime cruises, which are less frequent during winter, dark colors like black can also be an excellent choice. A stunning example is pairing a yellow boho dress with a white crop jacket, which not only complements each other but also provides protection from the wind. This combination is sure to turn heads and keep you warm on your winter cruise.
For more ideas on what to wear on a cruise, check out our previous post.
Invest in Good Quality Black Leather Pants
Dubai’s striking architecture demands a bold fashion statement to match its iconic skyline. A sleek all-black ensemble featuring black leather pants is a surefire head-turner. Pair these edgy bottoms with a fitted turtleneck sweater and crisp white Nike basketball shoes for a look that exudes sophistication and confidence. While leather boots would be a practical choice, they may get lost in the city’s vibrant backdrop. Instead, opt for bright, eye-catching shoes to make a statement.
The best part about these versatile leather pants is their ability to seamlessly transition from day to night, making them an excellent investment piece for any fashion-conscious individual.
Try Flannel As Your Shopping Outfits
For years, flannels have continued to stay in vogue, making it the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe. Dust off those old favorites and combine them with corduroy pants for a stylish outfit that’s both functional and practical. The beauty of this pairing lies in its adaptability – even if your flannel isn’t designed for winter wear, the corduroy pants will still provide warmth, making it suitable for Dubai’s mild climate.
To take your look to the next level, consider adding some trendy yellow-tinted ray bans for a dash of sophistication.
Wear Bright Coats on The Coldest Days
Brightly colored coats are often overlooked in favor of neutral tones, but I’m here to sing their praises. Not only do they add a pop of personality to an outfit, but they can also be paired with a variety of colors to create a unique look. For instance, a bold red coat like the one pictured below pairs perfectly with a black or white dress, or even neutral hues as long as they don’t compete with the coat’s statement-making quality.
On colder days and nights, a brightly colored coat is sure to be your go-to choice. And why not take it up a notch by adding a matching bright lipstick to really make your outfit stand out?
Dubai is The Best Place to Wear Animal Prints
Layering under your favorite print bodysuit is an excellent way to stay warm in Dubai’s mild winters. For a chic and cozy look, try pairing leopard print with a black long-sleeved top underneath. The key is to balance the bold print of the bodysuit with a more subdued base layer, creating a stylish and comfortable outfit. If you’re feeling bold, you can even skip pants altogether and opt for knee-length boots instead.
This versatile approach works well with other prints like tiger or zebra stripes, allowing you to mix and match your favorite patterns with ease.
Choose Velvet & Sequin Outfits for Clubbing in Dubai
In Dubai, the city truly comes alive at night, making it an ideal setting for a night out on the town. And what better way to make a statement than in a stunning velvet ensemble? The luxurious fabric’s dark colors such as black, burgundy and olive are particularly striking under the city’s vibrant nightlife atmosphere. For a flawless fit, I recommend investing in tailored velvet dresses that cater to your unique dimensions.
Additionally, velvet offers a range of styles, including embroidered or glittery bases, perfect for making a glamorous impression on the dance floor. To elevate your look further, pair your dress with sophisticated shoes like Christian Louboutins. This season’s trending velvet outfit ideas include some show-stopping combinations that are sure to turn heads. Another great option for a fun night out is a sequin outfit, which can be layered under blazers or coats if the evening cools down.
With these options, you’ll be ready to take on the city in style.
Wear Turtle neck Dresses on Colder Days
Turtleneck dresses have gained immense popularity in recent times, and for good reason. Not only do they provide a flattering silhouette that accentuates the curves in all the right places, but they also keep you warm and cozy during the chilly winter months. The versatility of turtleneck dresses is another major draw – they come in an array of colors, allowing you to express your personal style with ease.
Additionally, you can effortlessly layer them under jackets or coats to add an extra layer of warmth and polish to your outfit. And let’s not forget about the option to pair them with stylish mufflers for a chic and put-together look. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to turtleneck dresses!
Wrap Dresses for Dinner
Winter dresses offer an array of options, provided you dedicate sufficient time to exploring the possibilities. Among these choices are wrap dresses crafted from supremely comfortable and warm materials, offering full coverage while exuding a chic, sophisticated vibe. I believe they’re ideal for wear in destinations like Dubai, where the dress can be worn as is, without the need for an additional layer, allowing you to confidently showcase your curves and legs.
For those who prefer to maintain a more modest aesthetic, pairing the wrap dress with fishnets provides a stylish solution. Here are some of my preferred methods for styling a wrap dress:
Choose a Smart But Practical Outfit to Explore Dubai Expo or Global Village
Dubai’s Expos have become a winter staple, drawing in visitors from far and wide. The event is an immersive experience, with countries setting up elaborate pavilions showcasing their unique cultures. It’s a must-see, but be warned: you’ll need at least a full day to take it all in, and even then, you might not cover everything. When it comes to stylish attendees, one blogger who caught our eye was Safaa Rauf.
Her effortless chic came courtesy of a crisp white tank top paired with matching pants – a look that was both comfortable and put-together. And when the temperature rose, she cleverly slung her jacket around her waist, perfectly capturing the Expo’s laid-back yet cultured atmosphere.
Keep a Headscarf or Bandana for Dubai Safari
Safari in Dubai is an exhilarating experience that leaves you feeling refreshed but also thoroughly exhausted, much like after a hot desert trek where the sand clings to every strand of hair. To combat this issue, many travelers opt for the traditional Arabic headscarf, or Ghutra, not only to protect their locks but also to make a stylish statement in the midst of the arid landscape.
This practical yet fashionable accessory has an added benefit – it looks fantastic in photographs, making it a great souvenir to capture the essence of your desert adventure. For those wondering where to procure this iconic Emirati headpiece, rest assured that it’s readily available at major department stores, local markets, or even by requesting your safari driver to arrange one for you.
As for attire, prioritize comfort above all else – simple, breathable clothing such as jeans and tops, jumpsuits, or casual tees with shorts will suffice. However, if your itinerary includes a dinner and belly dance show, consider packing a light scarf or kimono to keep warm during the evening’s chill.
With these essentials in place, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable safari experience in Dubai, complete with stunning desert vistas, thrilling adventures, and memorable moments.
Yes, You Can Wear What You Want at Dubai Beach
Dubai’s reputation precedes it – many assume that modest attire is the only option for women when it comes to dressing for the beaches and beyond. However, this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, Dubai stands out as one of the safest countries in the world where women have the freedom to wear what makes them feel confident and comfortable.
Whether you’re looking to hit the beach in a burkini or show off your style in a bikini, you’ll find that many women in Dubai are embracing their individuality through fashion. The contrast between perception and reality is striking, and it’s refreshing to see so many women feeling empowered by their choices.
16 – You Can Pair Your Dresses with Sneakers
When traveling in Dubai, practicality often takes a backseat to fashion. However, when exploring this vibrant city, comfort should be your top priority. With plenty of walking involved – whether you’re strolling through panoramic spots or hitting the malls – it’s essential to pack comfortable shoes that can keep up with your active itinerary. While we often associate dresses with heels, they can just as easily be paired with sneakers for a stylish and practical look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I pack for Dubai in January and February?
When it comes to packing for a trip, consider bringing versatile pieces that can be layered and styled in various ways. This includes lightweight tops like flowy long sleeve shirts, as well as dresses and short-sleeved tunics that won’t weigh you down. You can also pack lightweight jackets that provide warmth without compromising on style, such as matching shawls or cardigans. These adaptable pieces will help keep your wardrobe fresh and exciting throughout your travels.
Q. What can female tourists wear in Dubai?
While Dubai is known for its modest attire guidelines, women are generally free to dress as they please. In fact, the city’s beaches, malls, and restaurants often feature females in a variety of outfits, from tank tops and shorts to swimsuits and beach dresses. This relaxed attitude towards clothing allows visitors to feel comfortable and confident in their choices, whether they’re looking to blend in with the local culture or make a statement.
Q. What should I wear in Dubai at night time in winters?
While many think of deserts as scorching hot, it’s essential to remember that temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially during winter months. As such, it’s crucial to pack accordingly and have a lightweight jacket or shawl readily available to add an extra layer of warmth. A sparkly dress for evening outings in Dubai is the perfect way to stay stylish while braving the cooler desert nights.
Q. Can you wear ripped jeans in Dubai?
The appropriateness of ripped jeans depends on various factors, including time, place and occasion. While they can be suitable for warm weather, such as summers, it’s not recommended to wear them in colder seasons due to the harsh winter nights. However, there are still times when ripped jeans can be worn with ease, like during daytime outings or casual gatherings at the mall. In general, it is permissible to wear ripped jeans in most public places outside of religious sites, such as mosques.
Nevertheless, these establishments tend to maintain a more conservative dress code, making them less suitable for ripped jeans.
Q. Is there a dress code for Burj Khalifa?
Dubai’s cosmopolitan vibe allows for an unparalleled sense of self-expression. When it comes to dressing up for a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa, you’re not limited by traditional norms or expectations. Instead, the city’s diverse cultural landscape encourages individuality and creativity in your wardrobe choices.
Q. What is Dubai’s Winter temperature like?
Dubai’s winter season, comprising December, January, and February, is marked by a noticeable drop in temperature. While daytime highs typically range from 26°C to 16°C, the mercury plummets at night, especially in open spaces, making for a chilly experience. The contrast between the warm days and cold nights adds to the region’s unique charm during this period.
