Embrace the spiritual period of Ramadan and Eid to connect with yourself and others while wearing beautiful outfits. We bring a selection of styles that are great picks for this time of year in the Middle East.
The Holy Month is composed of Ramadan and it culminates with Eid al-Fitr. The first is a time of reflection and spiritual connection when Muslims fast, while the second is a celebration marking the end of this period.
During this time, outfits tend to change. Even non-Muslims adhere to a more modest dress code. Pieces that cover shoulders, knees and torso in loose-fitting shapes are the best choice. Many brands have invested in creating Ramadan collections to inspire ladies to adopt a more reserved way of dressing without losing their stylish selves. Both local and well-known international brands want to cater for this audience with high-end and sophisticated products.
There are many gatherings after sunset and during the Eid festivities, which usually run over three days, the garments become more elaborate and brighter colours tend to appear. We bring a selection of special collections to help you put your looks together during this holy time in the Middle East.
Whether you’re looking for tailored suits, striking kaftans, modest evening dresses or luxurious loungewear, this curated selection has something for every occasion.
Classic FAVOURITES
JALABIYAS (OR JELLABIYA) ARE A TRADITIONAL GARMENT RESEMBLING A THOBE BUT WITH A BROADER CUT, NO COLLAR AND LONGER AND WIDER SLEEVES. THEY ARE USUALLY COLOURFUL AND SOME HAVE DELICATE EMBROIDERY WORK OR SPARKLY DETAILS. THESE PIECES AND ANKLE-LENGTH DRESSES WITH LONG SLEEVES ARE WOMEN’S FAVOURITES FOR THEIR EASY-TO-WEAR QUALITY AND THE NUMEROUS PRINT DESIGNS AVAILABLE.
Two-Piece TYPES
IF YOU DON’T REALLY LIKE DRESSES, YOU CAN OPT FOR WIDE-LEGGED TROUSERS OR LONG SKIRTS WITH A LOOSE AND LONGER TOP THAT COVERS THE HIP AREA – OR CHOOSE A SHORTER JALABIYA TO WEAR WITH PANTS. TAILORED SUITS CAN ALSO FIT WELL HERE, TOGETHER WITH LUXURIOUS LOUNGEWEAR. THINK OF SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT (BOXY) CUTS – THE EYE-CATCHING DETAILS LIE IN PRINTS, FRILLS OR EMBELLISHING ELEMENTS.
Striking KAFTANS AND TUNICS
INSTEAD OF CHANGING YOUR WARDROBE ENTIRELY, YOU CAN CHOOSE KAFTANS OR TUNICS TO WEAR ON TOP OF YOUR REGULAR CLOTHES. KAFTANS ARE OFTEN WORN AS A COAT OR OVERDRESS WITH LOOSE, MEDIUM-TO-LONG SLEEVES AND REACHING THE MID-CALF AREA, WHILE TUNICS AREN’T TYPICALLY OPEN AND ARE MADE OF LIGHTWEIGHT FABRICS. JUST LIKE THE JALABIYAS, THEY COME IN AN ARRAY OF DESIGNS AND TEXTILES, ALLOWING YOU TO MIX AND MATCH ACCORDING TO YOUR TASTE AND PREFERENCES. THEY COME IN SOLID COLOURS OR ARABIC DESIGNS IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MORE INTERESTING OPTION.
A Touch of GREEN
THIS HUE REPRESENTS NATURE AND LIFE; IN ISLAM, IT ALSO MEANS PARADISE. IT IS BELIEVED THAT PROPHET MOHAMMED (PBUH) FREQUENTLY WORE A GREEN CLOAK, WHICH WAS HIS FAVOURITE COLOUR (ACCORDING TO MUSLIM SCHOLARS). THERE ARE MANY TONES OF GREEN, BUT EMERALD AND SHAMROCK ARE POPULAR ONES TO COVER DRESSES, JEWELLERY PIECES, HANDBAGS AND FOOTWEAR. IF YOU ARE NOT ACCUSTOMED TO THE CULTURE AND GET INVITED TO A LOCAL GATHERING OR JOIN ONE OF THE MANY IFTARS, GHABGAS AND SUHOURS AVAILABLE AT HOTELS, PICK A GREEN FLOWING NUMBER OR ACCESSORIES TO COMPOSE YOUR LOOK.