Snuggle season is officially upon us, and you likely have nothing more important on your mind than hot cocoa and warm cuddles. But if the summers are all about sun-kissed days by the beach, UAE winters are equally known for bringing a frosty bite to the air. Nights can veer on the chillier side, and you’ll want to ensure that your wardrobe is up to the task of keeping you bundled up and warm. Without further ado, these are the UAE winter wear trends, wardrobe must-haves and staples that you’ll want to prioritise.
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What to wear in Dubai during winters?
- Even as al fresco nights hit the agenda again, it pays to bear in mind that desert nights can run a little cold in the region.
- While daytime temperatures in Dubai average at 25°C, you might feel the chill once the mercury starts hitting 14°C by night.
- The only insider tip you need for acing UAE winter wear? Strategic layers for bundling up when you are faced by the brisk winds outdoors. Once sequestered in the heat indoors, you can always choose to shed your outerwear.
- So, what type of clothing is recommended for traveling to Dubai in December? Winter wear for ladies is monopolized by versatile layers, cardigans, sweater dresses, knitted jumpers and all-purpose coats.
What to wear in Dubai: Holiday packing list for the winter
- Busy schedules don’t take kindly to endless layering. Which is why, it helps to have a few trusted winter outfit formulas that you can rely on to speed up the getting-ready routine in the AM.
- The key to acing UAE winter wear is to think in layers. You’ll want a neutral vest or tee as your base layer, which can then be topped off with a sweater or jumper.
- Depending on how cold it is outside, you can round out your look with an unbuttoned cardigan or a heavier trench coat if you are wandering away from urban climes and out into the vast expanse of the desert.
Winter fashion trends: All the celebrity inspiration you need
- Looking to get a headstart on the must-haves for the season? Allow your guide to winter wear in Dubai to be driven by celebrity-loved trends.
- Monochrome is never monotonous—just ask Balqees Fathi and Amina Muaddi. The former made a shining case for the power of head-to-toe color by playing with textures and clever detailing, like a knotted waist.
- Muaddi, meanwhile, gave her own signature spin to the color grey by marrying the hue with vintage-inflected finishing touches—think vampy lips and retro finger waves.
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- Feeling the nostalgia? Fathi also demonstrates the charms of layering a sweater over a floaty dress, while Nancy Ajram is feeling the love for old-school turtlenecks.
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- Or perhaps you are looking to stand out from the crowd? Rawdah wants you to make statement metallics the focal point of your look, while Yasmine Sabri swears by leather as a cold weather classic.
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UAE winter wear: How to wear a blazer in winter
- While the year-end cheer looms on the horizon, you’ll want to put your most stylish foto forward while it is still business as usual.
- Blazers make for a strategic addition to workwear looks when layered over chunky knits to shield you against the winter breeze. You’ll want to gravitate towards warmer fabrics, like wool and tweed, over lightweight cottons and linens.
- Come nightfall, swap the sweaters for a floaty dress underneath and you are ready to make the most of the al fresco dining options that the season brings.
Buy here: Gabriela Hearst Gavin Double-Breasted Suede Blazer
Burgundy is having a major moment, and Gabriela Hearst’s statement blazer is all the inspiration you need to start dreaming up tonal looks. Drape yours over monochromatic separates or team it with coordinated trousers, if you are feeling bold.
Buy here: sacai Ribbed Layered Frayed Checked Wool-Blend Tweed Jacket
Talk tweed to me: the quickest route to staying warm this winter—and fashionably so—is sacai’s ribbed jacket crafted from tweed and wool with frayed hem detailing. With a high-necked top attached within, this is the one-and-done number you’ll want by your side for early morning meetings.
UAE winter wear: How to wear a jumpsuit in winter
- There is no denying the effortless appeal of a one-and-done jumpsuit. If you are looking to keep this wardrobe staple on your winter wear shelf, some clever styling hacks will help you maximize its potential.
- Slide on a turtleneck over sleeveless numbers or use it as a base layer underneath some statement-making outerwear.
- If you are looking to add new jumpsuits to your wardrobe rotation, look for wintry flourishes, such as shearling trims and faux fur details.
Buy here: Izaak Azanei Après-Ski Fur-Trimmed Jumpsuit In Wool-Cashmere Blend
If you have icy getaways planned on the calendar, an après-ski jumpsuit makes for a versatile addition to your holiday wardrobe. Izaak Azanei’s wool-cashmere offering is kitted out with fur-trimmed cuffs for extra cool cred. After a day of hitting the slopes, you can dress up the look with a statement belt and heels for chic dinners.
Buy here: We Norwegians + INUIKII Merino Wool-Blend Piqué Jumpsuit
You can trust We Norwegians to know a thing—or twenty—about quality merino wool. Together with INUIKII, the duo dreamed of a classic woollen jumpsuit that offers maximum ease of movement for outdoorsy winter activities. Team yours with chunky combat boots and a leather tote for effortless elegance.
UAE winter wear: All the hijabs you need to stock up on
With the colder months officially on the calendar, you’ll want to relegate wispy chiffons to the back of your wardrobe for a few months. While comfort plays a starring role in hijab winter fashion, you needn’t worry about having to smother yourself in a blanket—not with our round-up of the best winter hijabs at your disposal.
How to find the perfect hijab for UAE winters
So, we hear you have winter hijab fashion style ideas on your mind? When shopping for one, it helps to pay attention to your choice of fabric—you may miss your linens and chiffons, but there is no denying the luxe touch of pashmina and cashmere against the skin. If heavy-weight hijabs are not your thing, you can always opt for a warmer undercap to be layered under your go-to summer hijabs.
Buy here: Lyra Modest Multi-way Hijab in Bamboo Jersey
Earthy tones will always make for a welcome addition in any winter wardrobe, and this caramel-hued option from Lyra Modest promises to be a versatile number. Crafted from feathery-soft bamboo jersey, feel free to throw it under a puffer jacket and you are ready to go.
Buy here: Haute Hijab Premium Jersey Hijab – Light Mink
Tired of fumbling around with undercaps and pins? This premium jersey number from Haute Hijab is here to save the day. Doused in a universally flattering almond hue, the medium-weight fabric won’t weigh your head down by the end of the day. Win-win, yes?
Buy here: Veiled Bamboo Jersey Hijab – Hushed Violet
It’s easier to find a diamond in the rough than an all-season hijab that works with every outfit. Which is why, you’ll want to stock up on these bamboo jersey numbers from VEILED, available in an array of wear-with-everything hues.
Buy here: Lyra Modest Hijab Hoodie in Viscose Blend
Is it a hijab? Is it hoodie? Lyra Modest delivers the best of both worlds in this hybrid hijab hoodie that will take the legwork out of finding a matching hijab for your ‘fit on hectic mornings. You’re welcome.
UAE winter wear: All the dresses to cozy up in
Perhaps you are on the hunt for winter tunics to wear with leggings. Or maybe your date night wardrobe is crying for something beyond shapeless knits. Either way, you’ll find that the right winter dresses can serve as an essential tool in your cold weather arsenal.
How to find the perfect winter dress for every occasion
Your kaftans and breezy summer dresses may have been placed in cold storage, but there is plenty to get excited about in the adventurous world of winter fashion for women. When looking to shop for winter wear online, you’ll want to gravitate towards warmer fabrics, like wool, cashmere and fleece. While turtlenecks and long sleeves make for a no brainer, you can play around with your choice of color—neutral hues for a day in the cubicle, bright pops of color for hanging out with the crew.
Buy here: Burberry Striped Cashmere-Blend Tunic
There are ribbed dresses, and there is this classic workhorse from Burberry which will stand you in good stead through colder climes. The turtlenecked silhouette is doused in the fashion house’s signature stripes for the chronically stylish—it’s giving old money.
Buy here: Loro Piana Cervatto Knitted Midi Dress in Baby Cashmere
Crafted from baby cashmere to gently accentuate your curves, this ribbed dress is the wear-anywhere addition your winter wardrobe is craving. Juxtapose the femininity of the silhouette with a pair of stompy boots, and you’ll be ready to roll.
Buy here: The Elder Statesman Striped Ribbed Cashmere Turtleneck Mini Dress
On days when your mood could use a quick boost, you’ll want to stand out against the gloomy skies in this dopamine-inducing striped turtleneck from The Elder Statesman—‘tis the season to be jolly, after all.
UAE winter wear: All the leggings to invest in
Any round-up of winter wardrobe essentials can never be complete until it serves up warm pants to keep you insulated against the chilly winter air. The ideal winter wardrobe needs to be prepared for anything, from snuggling up on the couch with hot cocoa for company to all the holiday party RSVPs piling up on your social calendar. Instead of layering underneath with leggings and thermal wear for winter for ladies, it helps to make smarter fabric choices to keep you toasty on long evening walks. Here’s what you need to look for:
How to shop for the perfect leggings for winter
While breezy skirts and one-and-done kaftans can garner major cold cred, you’ll want to swap ‘em for our round-up of equally stylish winter leggings and pants. First, you have the choice of fabric: cozy cable-knits and cashmeres to turn you into the human version of a burrito. Next, you have the colors: soothing notes of arctic blue and forest green that will serve as the focal point of any look.
Buy here: Izaak Azanei Cargo Pants in Wool-Blend
The foundation of any winter wardrobe is built on the shoulders of trusty cargos. This wool blend from Izaak Azanei won’t disappoint with its functional take on the genre to help you nail the memo on utilitarian chic—did we mention it has pockets too?
Buy here: Guest In Residence Cable-Knit Wool and Cashmere-Blend Straight-Leg Pants
Looking to winter-proof your wardrobe without compromising on style? This cashmere blend understands the assignment. The high-rise silhouette can be buttoned up over a basic white tee or layered under slouchy sweaters with seamless ease. Somebody call Queen Elsa—you just stole her serve.
Buy here: Acne Studios Cable-Knit Wool-Blend Flared Pants
Credit it to all the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. marathons of our formative years, if you will, but there’s something about the nostalgia-inducing texture of cable-knit that will have you dreaming of endless winters. While your plans for the season may not involve cozying up on the couch with Ross Geller, you can opt for the next best thing: head turns everywhere you go, courtesy one pair of jade green pants.
UAE winter wear: All the fashion winter jackets for women to bundle up in
While UAE may be known for its scorching summers, the frigid temperatures of desert nights will not take too kindly to light layers or flimsy outerwear. Instead, you’ll want to haul out heavier silhouettes to keep you warm when the temperature begins its downward descent. Here’s how:
How to find the perfect winter jacket when the temperature dips low
Cozy winter jackets are a must-have for the colder months, yes, but how do you find the wear-everywhere number that can see you through all the year-end social commitments with ease? When chosen correctly, winter jackets can prove to be a versatile investment—worth its weight in gold when it comes to keeping you shielded from the frosty cold but still serving up a fashion moment. The perfect number will keep you toasty but not turn you into a sweaty mess on the inside—and it helps to have pockets as well to bundle your hands in on long commutes. From knee-grazing numbers to shearling trims, there’s something for every occasion and mood:
Buy here: Burberry Faux Fur-Trimmed Checked Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat
If you’ve had your eye on fall/winter 2024 fashion trends, you won’t need telling twice to enjoy a plaid moment. Burberry’s chequered signature assumes a moody hue for winter in this longline trench coat with oversized epaulettes.
Buy here: Totême Leather-Trimmed Shearling Jacket
The best-dressed guest on campfire nights? Why, that would be you. Totême refuses to concede on feminine charms with a boxy silhouette with leather detailing that offers immense throw-on-and-go potential.
Buy here: Loewe Shearling Jacket
Trends come and trends go. But a good shearling jacket is that buy-now and wear-forever investment you’ll never regret. Loewe makes a convincing case with this camel-hued number with shearling trim that will play the most delightful cameo on #ManiMonday.
Buy here: Loro Piana Belted Cashmere Cardigan
Cashmere and cardigan: two words you can never go wrong with. For winter 2024, Loro Piana serves up a lush hazelnut-hued treat with an oversized overlay that makes for an oh-so-chic addition to elevate any look.
UAE winter wear: Where to find the perfect winter scarves
Some prefer the classic knot and twist. Others prefer a more leisurely drape. Feeling experimental? You might find yourself cinching yours at the waist with a belt. Regardless of which way you are leaning, it is a foregone conclusion that your quest for winter fashion ideas will only ever lead you to the trusty scarf.
So, what should you be looking for? Knits and woollens make for failsafe options, but you can always up your style game by keeping an eye out for tweeds and lamé details—after all, the weather might be gloomy, but that doesn’t mean you have to be too. In matters of color, you’ll find that neutrals and monochromes pull in more mileage and can be paired endlessly with different outfits. But if you have a penchant for prints, there are several plaid and logomania-influenced options to be found.
Buy here: Gucci Double G Scarf in Wool Viscose Lamé
Once you go black, there’s no going back—not when this wool-viscose blend from Gucci offers up endless styling potential. Keep your eye out for the double-G leather patch that takes its cues from a 1970s belt buckle.
Buy here: Sandro Malice Scarf Sweater in Wool-Cashmere Knit
Tired of having to mix and match scarves on busy weekday mornings? The answer to your problems lies in this wool-cashmere sweater paired with a detachable wraparound scarf in a coordinated hue. Two birds, one (stylish) stone.
Buy here: Coach Cable Knit Scarf in Wool Blend
Minimalists, gather around—we’ve found you the perfect black scarf that will help you bundle up with no muss, no fuss. The monochromatic color of this cable-knit number is punctuated with the fashion brand’s signature ‘C’ hardware for understated elegance.
Buy here: Acne Studios Fringed Checked Tweed Scarf
If you are looking to brighten up lethargic winter mornings, this tweed number from Acne Studios is guaranteed to earn top drawer status. Woven with metallic threads for just the right amount of lustre, you’ll be hard-pressed to pack this away once summer settles in—don’t say we didn’t warn you.
UAE winter wear: These boots will help you nail cold weather fashion
Whether you are looking to hit the ski slopes or you just want to keep your toes warm, there are plenty of reasons to invest in winter boots. The most convincing one? They clock in some serious style cred. Need proof? Look no further than our round-up of the best winter boots that deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
How to wear winter boots this season
There’s nothing quite like the feel of sliding your feet into a pair of shearling-trimmed boots to let you know that winter is officially in session. You’ll find wool and faux fur pulling in frequent cameos in the boot aisle when looking for winter wear for women, usually tempered with a classic palette of blacks and neutral hues. And then, there are the outfit pairings to be considered—knee-high boots can be easily tucked above your go-to denims, while ankle length options can keep you warm in a midi dress.
Buy here: PRADA Evolve Ankle Boots in Shearling & Suede
A must-have in every winter wardrobe, PRADA lends its signature elegance to this pair of ankle boots. The classic colors make for a versatile addition to your wardrobe, while the shearling lining will help you get your quota of something fuzzy, something furry.
Buy here: Chloé + Net Sustain Raina Shearling-Trimmed TPU Boots
Good for you, good for the environment—step out in style this winter with this pair of bio-based boots from Chloé and Net Sustain. Chunky soles will help you stand taller, while cushiony shearling cuffs will keep your ankles protected from the blast of the cold winter air.
Buy here: Moon Boot Icon Low Boots in Faux Fur
A pair of boots that will take you to the moon and back—inspired by the great lunar landing of 1969, this snowy white pair of low boots is style backed with substance. Expect thoughtful details like inbuilt insulation, water resistance and suction pads for enhanced grip to make you feel like you are walking on clouds all day.
Buy here: 12 STOREEZ Platform Boots in Wool & Leather
Winter boots that you’ll be wearing for years to come? The search ends today. This neutral-hued iteration from 12 STOREEZ offers up padded wool calf inserts and grained leather detailing to ensure that your feet stay warm on the coldest nights.
