Dubai Style and Fashion: What to Wear & How to Get It Right
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Luxury Meets Modesty — With the Perfect Fit
Dubai isn’t just a travel destination — it’s a global style hub. With its gleaming skyscrapers, designer malls, and high-glamour brunches, Dubai's fashion culture is all about making a statement — while respecting the region's cultural expectations of modesty and elegance.
If you're heading to the UAE, whether for a holiday or business, this guide covers everything you need to know about Dubai fashion dos and don'ts, plus how Tellar.co.uk ensures your clothing fits perfectly every time — across over 1,500 brands.
What Makes Dubai Fashion Unique?
Dubai’s fashion scene blends:
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Luxury European brands (think: Balmain, Dior, Chanel)
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Middle Eastern elegance (kaftans, abayas, statement jewellery)
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Cultural modesty with modern trends
The result is high-impact, carefully curated, and always tailored to fit like a glove. Whether you're going to a rooftop lounge or a Friday market, presentation matters in Dubai.
Dress Code Essentials: What to Know Before You Go
✅ Modesty is expected in public places
While Dubai is liberal by Gulf standards, modesty is still respected — especially in malls, mosques, and government buildings.
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Avoid low-cut or very short clothing
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Cover shoulders and knees in public settings
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Swimwear is fine at beaches, pools, and resorts — but not outside them
✅ Luxury is part of the lifestyle
Dubai is one of the world’s top luxury shopping destinations. Even casual wear often includes designer bags, heels, or statement sunglasses.
Looking polished is part of the norm — even for brunch or shopping.
Must-Have Women’s Wardrobe Staples for Dubai
1. Maxi Dresses & Kaftans
Lightweight, flowing and modest — maxi styles are Dubai’s day-to-night heroes. Look for:
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Silks, linens or crepe fabrics
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Draped sleeves and cinched waists
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Colourful prints or neutral tones
Pair with oversized sunglasses and elegant sandals.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers
Perfect for brunch, work, or evening, wide-leg trousers provide elegance and modesty. The key is the right length and waist fit — use Tellar.co.uk to find your perfect size before you shop.
3. Structured Blouses and Tunics
Modest doesn’t mean plain. Look for:
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Puff sleeves, ruffles, or embroidery
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Silk, satin, or jacquard textures
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Longline silhouettes over leggings or trousers
4. Swimwear and Cover-Ups
For hotel pools and private beaches, anything goes — but pack a stylish cover-up for moving around resorts or visiting public beaches. Sarongs, kaftans, or kimono-style layers are ideal.
5. Statement Evening Wear
Glitzy dinners and rooftop bars call for:
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Body-skimming gowns or jumpsuits
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Full-length elegance with side slits or sheer panels
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Metallics, jewel tones, and embellishments
Pair with high heels and bold accessories.
Must-Have Men’s Wardrobe Staples for Dubai
1. Lightweight Tailoring
Dubai is warm year-round. Choose:
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Linen or cotton-blend blazers
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Tailored trousers in stone, navy or camel
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Short-sleeve shirts for casual-smart dress codes
2. Chinos and Polo Shirts
Perfect for malls, brunches, or city exploring. Polos are more acceptable than tank tops or vests in public.
3. Swimwear for Resorts
Classic trunks or tailored swim shorts are fine at pools. Avoid wearing them into restaurants or public spaces without a T-shirt or cover-up.
4. Dress Codes Matter
Many venues enforce dress codes — especially in the evening. Men should avoid open sandals or shorts in smart venues unless stated.
The Golden Rule: FIT Matters in Dubai
In a place where everyone looks sharp, the quickest way to feel underdressed is wearing clothes that don’t fit.
That’s where Tellar.co.uk becomes essential.
Whether you're shopping from Zara, Massimo Dutti, COS, Mango, or Reiss — we help you find your exact size in seconds, based on your real measurements.
No guesswork. No confusing conversions between UK/EU/US sizes. Just tailored recommendations across 1,500+ brands.
Designer vs High Street in Dubai
You’ll find every high-end label in Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, but that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Plenty of visitors mix:
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Zara + Valentino sandals
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Mango maxi + Gucci clutch
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H&M basics + Loewe sunglasses
The common thread? Perfect fit. Even the most luxurious item can look off if it doesn't suit your shape — which is why Tellar is your styling companion.
Tellar.co.uk: Travel in Style, Shop Without Mistakes
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool — designed to help you shop smart, travel light, and feel confident in every outfit.
Here's how it works:
✅ Enter your body measurements or
✅ Tell us your size in a brand you know
✅ We show you your best-fitting size in 1,500+ global brands
✅ You can toggle between CM and Inches, and between UK, EU, and US size charts
✅ It’s 100% FREE to use
Ready to Pack Like a Pro?
Before you fly to Dubai, try Tellar. Whether you’re packing modest layers or glamorous eveningwear, we’ll ensure everything fits you perfectly — first time, every time.
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Final Word
Dubai style is the perfect mix of refinement, modesty, and glamour. But true elegance always comes down to how clothes fit — not just what you wear.
Use Tellar.co.uk to take the guesswork out of fashion shopping — so you can dress for Dubai (and everywhere else) in confidence and comfort.
Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.
Start now at www.Tellar.co.uk