Travel Style Tips: How To Dress Appropriately

Travel Style Tips: How To Dress Appropriately 

by Victoria Ugarte

With Qatar winning the rights to host the 2022 World Cup, this tiny sheikdom on the northeasterly coast of the Arabian peninsula will become an increasingly popular travel destination.

Being a predominantly Muslim country, the appropriate dress code may pose a bit of a dilemna for a lot of women traveling there from more “liberal” countries. However, it would be unwise to overlook this issue of cultural correctness, as the way a woman dresses in a country with a more conservative culture may influence how the locals view and treat her.

The key to “Culturally Correct Chic” in a more conservative country is to consider what the local women themselves wear. In Muslim countries, for example, they are completely covered from head to toe in lose, non-revealing robes, with faces more than likely covered by a veil. Although locals may not necessarily expect Western visitors to dress in the same manner, what it does spell out to visitors is that wearing revealing clothes is not appropriate. It is considered more respectful to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the limbs.

Here are some simple style tips:

I. Do have a look at the range of long cotton robes for women that can be purchased in the shopping malls, souqs, or even large supermarkets of your host country. The selection of colours and prints have become wider and more fashionable over the years. Do wear these robes on your visit as they will be far more comfortable in the heat and you will be much better received by the locals.

II. Do wear trousers, skirts and dresses that are well below the knee. Shorts, even if they are knee length, are inappropriate, as are skimpy skirts. Refrain from showing any leg.

III. Do leave any tight fitting or low cut clothes at home. They will be highly inappropriate in a Muslim country.

IV. Do keep the chest and shoulder area covered. Bring blouses or shirts that have either 3/4  or long sleeves. If bringing T-shirts, make sure that they are not tight and have the appropriate sleeve length. Keep the midriff well covered.

V. Take a chiffon scarf or pashmina with you. You can fold it up and pack it into your handbag and use as head cover if required or when visiting mosques.

VI. When visitng beaches or making use of the hotel swimming pool, consider the type of bathing suit that you bring with you. A bikini will attract unwanted attention. A full piece, with a modest cover-up when out of the water, will be more appropriate.

VII. Refrain from smoking or drinking in public. Alcohol is forbidden in Muslim countries and women who smoke are viewed unfavourably.

Women are expected to dress modestly in certain countries. Taking the time to follow a few simple travel style tips, practice some simple courtesies and conform to local dress standards will not only help to show respect for the local culture, it will avoid offending the locals.

Victoria Ugarte is the Founder and Director of Postcards From Millie, a womens travel website. Based in Sydney, Australia, she draws inspiration from the courage of mind and spirit of her muse, Amelia “Millie” Earhart. Victoria spends 3 months out of every year traveling the world and writing about her adventure vacations on her website, keeping her readers posted on exciting destinations, itineraries, travel tips and resources, and challenging women to go beyond their current boundaries so that they may come home to themselves. Look Victoria up on http://www.postcardsfrommillie.com/