Dubai What to wear when you're there

Dubai
What to wear when you’re there

The Burj Al Arab

Where? Dubai, UAE

Exactly? The One and Only Royal Mirage

Date: October 2011

Reason for travel: Birthday weekend break

Local knowledge thanks to: My friend Alicja Jasnikovska, TV stylist and fashion editor, who lived in Dubai for two years.

Try and get good deals on package trips on Virgin holidays or in the Sunday Times.

The Atlantis Hotel

Me at 360 Degrees Bar

Street Style and Packing

No matter what time of year you go, Dubai is hot hot hot. In the winter average temperature is 30 degrees and in summer it can reach up to 50. So the best time to go is between September and April.

The look? Blingtastic. Most Emerati women have the latest designer handbag, Louboutin heels and full designer catwalk looks on underneath their burkas, believe what you saw in sex and the city, it’s true. Watches and jewellery are jewelled and embellished to the max. For the more discerning tourist pack your white linens and natural fibres clothes, the heat is unbearable. Don’t forget you’re highest heels for a night on the town. No one walks anywhere in Dubai so ‘car to bar’ heels are ideal.

Do you need to cover up? Not really in tourist areas but if venturing into Dubai Old Town respectful attire is essential, try to cover legs and shoulders.

What to wear when you’re there

Clockwise from left: Sandals – Office, Bikini – Missoni, Dress – Cameo, Concealer – Bobbi Brown, Blue clutch – Bought in India, bracelet – from India, Nutridefense protective spray for hair – Kerastase, Sun wrinkle control cream for face factor 15 – Clarins, Sunglasses – Prada at David Clulow.

Clockwise from left to right: Metallic bikini – Asos, Armour ring – LowLuv, Navy and neon dress – All Saints, Deco clutch – Lara Bohinc, Blush Sole 15 – Dolce and Gabbana, 340 Coconut crush nail polish – Revlon, Bronze shimmer pot – Black up Paris, Manhunt lipstick – Nars, Chakra friendship bracelet – Daisy.

Clockwise from left: Bronze swimsuit – Liza Bruce, Sunglasses – Fendi, Embroidered kaftan – Lotus London, Factor 15 sun screen – Piz Buin, 990 One Perfect Coral Nail polish – Revlon, crystal covered i-pad clutch – Karen Millen, Maroon enamel bracelet – Raoul, Neon pink friendship bracelet – Monica Vinadar at Astley Clark, Bronze toroiseshell eye palette – Bobbi Brown, Make up bag – Louis Vuitton.

Clockwise from left: Hamza print scarf on ground – Yaelle, Deco clutch – Lara Bohinc, Double strand turquoise necklace – vintage shop in New York, Hamza necklace and paisley poison ring – Zoe & Morgan, Pink friendship bracelet – Links of London.