Having visited Dubai many times over the years, I’ve learned that dressing for this cosmopolitan city is all about finding the perfect balance between respecting local customs and embracing personal style.
With 70% of its population being expatriates and Western culture predominant in many areas, Dubai offers more fashion flexibility than you might expect.
If you’re wondering what to wear to Dubai, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re planning to explore the traditional souks, dine at world-class restaurants, or lounge at beach clubs, getting your wardrobe right can make or break your experience.
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about dressing stylishly and appropriately in this dynamic city.
Weather in Dubai
Understanding Dubai’s climate is crucial for planning your outfits:
January – March: Pleasant temperatures (18-25°C), perfect weather for exploring
April – May: Warming up (25-35°C), still comfortable for outdoor activities
June – August: Peak summer heat (35-45°C), extremely hot and humid
September – October: Still hot (30-40°C) but humidity decreases
November – December: Cooling down (20-30°C), ideal weather returns
General Guidelines for Dressing in Dubai
While Dubai is more liberal than other Middle Eastern destinations, it’s important to dress modestly in public spaces.
Beachwear is perfectly acceptable at pools, beaches, and waterparks, but cover up when leaving these areas.
In hotels and tourist areas, you’ll have more freedom with your fashion choices.
Always carry a light scarf or pashmina – it’s useful for covering up when needed and provides relief from aggressive air conditioning indoors.
Dubai Outfit Ideas
1. Graphic T-Shirt and Midi Skirt
Perfect for days when you want to look stylish without the effort, pair a loose graphic tee with a flowy midi skirt.
The midi length keeps things modest while sandals add a relaxed vibe perfect for exploring Dubai Mall or strolling through City Walk.
2. Black Mini Dress
Some outfits just scream sophistication, and this one is no exception. A simple black mini dress works beautifully for dinner at Pierchic or drinks at a rooftop bar.
Add a structured handbag and oversized sunglasses for that effortlessly chic Dubai look.
3. Linen Shirt and Striped Wide-Leg Pants
When your schedule is packed but you still want to look put together, reach for breathable linen.
A crisp linen shirt paired with striped wide-leg pants creates an elegant silhouette.
4. Tank Top and Wide-Leg Pants
For those who appreciate comfort with a modern twist, this combination delivers.
A sleek handbag and sunglasses complete this versatile look.
5. Crop Top and Ruched Maxi Skirt
Let’s be real—nothing beats the timeless appeal of a well-coordinated set. A crop top paired with a ruched maxi skirt offers just the right amount of coverage while keeping you cool.
Flat sandals make this outfit perfect for a day at La Mer beach.
6. Vest Top and Maxi Skirt
It’s amazing what a few key pieces can do to transform your vacation wardrobe. A simple vest top tucked into a flowing maxi skirt creates an effortless silhouette.
Don’t forget your sunglasses for those bright Dubai days.
7. Tank Top with Wide-Leg Pants and Button-Up Shirt
You don’t have to be a fashion expert to pull off this layered look. Wear the button-up shirt open over a tank top and wide-leg pants for easy coverage options.
Sneakers keep things comfortable for a full day of sightseeing.
8. White Maxi Dress
If effortless style is what you’re after, then a white maxi dress is your answer.
The full-length coverage makes it appropriate for any location while the light color reflects heat. A black handbag adds a sophisticated contrast.
9. Wrap Mini Dress
Want to elevate your evening style? Start with a flattering wrap mini dress. The adjustable fit and elegant draping make it ideal for dinner at Zuma.
Add a clutch handbag and heels for a polished finish.
10. Slip Dress
No need to splurge on complicated outfits when you can achieve elegance with a simple slip dress.
The spaghetti straps and flowing fabric keep you cool while strappy sandals add a delicate touch perfect for sunset drinks at Zero Gravity Beach.
11. Yellow Maxi Dress
Nothing feels more vacation-ready than a bright yellow maxi dress with a flared skirt. The cheerful color photographs beautifully against Dubai’s modern architecture.
Comfortable sandals and sunglasses complete this Instagram-worthy look.
12. Black Maxi Dress
For a look that feels both classic and fresh, try a black maxi dress with a square neckline. The simple silhouette works from day to night.
Black sandals and a small handbag keep the monochromatic theme elegant.
13. Black Vest Top and White Wide-Leg Pants
Love the look of contrasts, but want to make it work for Dubai? This combination offers sharp style with appropriate coverage.
A black quilted handbag adds a luxe touch that works perfectly in Dubai’s upscale venues.
14. Crop T-Shirt and Wide-Leg Pants
Forget the rules—this outfit proves you can wear crop tops tastefully in Dubai. Choose high-waisted wide-leg pants that meet your crop top’s hem.
A small handbag and comfortable sandals make this ideal for casual dining.
15. Leopard Print Maxi Dress
Why settle for ordinary when you can make a statement with leopard print? A maxi dress in this bold pattern turns heads while maintaining modesty.
Style with a straw handbag and sunglasses for poolside lounging at Atlantis.
16. Strapless Top and Mini Skirt
When your plans call for both style and fun, this combination delivers. Reserve this strapless top and mini skirt combo for beach clubs or hotel pools.
Strappy heels elevate the look for transitioning to evening venues.
17. White Mini Dress
With a few simple details like a square neckline and puff sleeves, a white mini dress becomes special.
The romantic silhouette works beautifully for brunch at a five-star hotel or shopping in Dubai Design District.
18. Crop Top and Printed Maxi Skirt
One of the easiest ways to make a statement is by mixing prints and textures. A simple crop top balances a bold printed maxi skirt perfectly.
Sunglasses and sneakers keep things casual for exploring Jumeirah Beach.
19. T-Shirt and Pleated Midi Skirt
Inspired by minimalist style, this look brings a fresh take on casual elegance. Tuck a classic t-shirt into a pleated midi skirt and add pointed-toe pumps.
Sunglasses provide the finishing touch for business meetings or upscale shopping.
20. Leather Matching Set
Some trends come and go, but matching sets remain a wardrobe staple. A leather strapless top and skirt create a cohesive look that’s perfect for Dubai’s nightlife.
Sandals keep the outfit from feeling too heavy in the heat.
21. Oversized Button-Up Shirt and Patterned Mini Skort
You can never go wrong with the shirt-as-a-dress trick. An oversized button-up worn over a patterned mini skort offers coverage options throughout the day.
Flip flops signal pure relaxation mode at your resort.
22. White Maxi Dress
Dressing for Dubai doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance. A flowing white maxi dress paired with white pointed-toe heels creates a sophisticated monochrome look perfect for high tea at the Burj Al Arab.
23. Button-Up Shirt and Flared Jeans
Who says you have to choose between comfort and style? This look gives you both. A classic button-up shirt tucked into flared jeans creates a polished casual outfit.
Add a shoulder bag for hands-free exploring at Global Village.
24. Open Back Bodysuit and Mini Skirt
If you like a daring, elegant outfit but want to keep it appropriate, save this for evening venues. An open back bodysuit with a mini skirt works perfectly for Dubai’s trendy restaurants.
A designer handbag completes the luxe aesthetic.
25. Crochet Dress
A little bit of texture and a whole lot of personality—this outfit is a must-try. A crochet dress offers breathability and style for beach days.
Oversized sunglasses and slide sandals complete this effortlessly cool look for Kite Beach.
