Summer in the Gulf delivers a sartorial paradox, turning dressing into a daily balancing act between 40°C heat outside and icy 17°C indoors, all while trying to look effortlessly put-together. The struggle is real, but the fix has been hiding in plain sight. Enter the abaya: traditional, yes, but also remarkably versatile, functional, and ready to meet the moment with style — even if you don’t normally wear modest clothing. Here is our guide on how to rethink abaya in a modern way and make it fit every occasion.

It is a long cloak draping from shoulders to ankles, offering modest coverage while allowing the outfit beneath to breathe. Today’s abayas come in endless variations, experimenting with cuts, colours, fabrics, and prints, turning a cultural staple into a versatile outer layer. But how do you style it? Here are a few tips. 

If you want your abaya to truly do its job, always check the tag before buying and choose wisely. Follow our essential fabric guide to find what suits your needs best — and steer clear of polyester wherever possible. Unless it is a rare exception, neither your wardrobe nor the planet needs it.

Black abayas are timeless, but unless you are chasing a strict The Row‑style minimalism, it pays to look beyond noir. For a refined blend‑with‑the‑dunes palette, reach for desert and sunset tones — sand, clay, olive, peach, or burnt orange. Feeling bolder? Lean into vivid brights, metallic finishes, statement prints, intricate embroidery, or textured fabrics to suit the occasion and showcase your style.

The market offers every imaginable cut of abaya — from flowing capes that create an effortless vibe to open‑front, zip‑up, and sharply tailored styles for polished, even formal occasions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes that match both your lifestyle and your schedule.

Forget labels for a moment and reframe the piece: style the abaya like you would a jacket, cardigan, or lightweight coat. Throw it over jeans, tailored trousers, tanks, or a crisp white tee. Skip the ‘safe’ black basics and choose a statement cut, colour, or print that broadcasts your style.

For a clean, high‑impact look, slip your abaya over matching separates — think linen palazzo trousers with a co‑ordinating tank or a sleek cami dress. Take it up a notch by layering tonal shades of the same colour family for extra depth.

Let the fabric do the talking with sequinned, embroidered, or metallic abayas that transition effortlessly from day to night. Caftan‑style cuts also shine at parties, weddings and Eid gatherings.

An open‑front abaya leaves room to showcase elongated earrings, statement shoes, sculptural handbags, and layered jewellery — small upgrades that instantly elevate the whole look.