Job Discussion Forums

[Monkey_Girl]

Just wondering if anyone out there could give some advice to a newbie about what to wear in Oman. I'll be arriving from Thailand in September, so I was hoping to have some things made before I arrived.

Would it be acceptable to wear an (East) Indian style tunic top with pants underneath? How formal do you need to dress for work?

Thanks heaps!
Monkey Girl

[veiledsentiments]

Hello Again,

Great idea to have things made in Thailand beforehand. There are also good tailors in Oman, but perhaps not as cheap? I am not exactly sure what your tunic top looks like, but as long as it is not too form fitting (loose is both modest and cooler) and the shoulders and upper arms are covered, they should be perfect. (I normally had my sleeves elbow or 3/4 length.)

Personally I preferred skirts as they are much cooler than pants. I had 2 long skirts that I used for patterns and had about a half dozen of those gauzy 'broomstick' skirts. I always brought a supply of good cotton back from summer leave and had my tailor there make up skirts and tops.

If you have been living in Thailand, you should be ready for the weather in Oman, it can be hotter, but at least it is usually less humid.

VS

[veiledsentiments]

Monkeygirl,

Adam has been his usual helpful polite self, but it does bring up something that I might add.

In Oman, it would be considered a bit strange if your clothing was too 'ethnic'?? (for want of a better term). The teaching staffs are very international, but very few western expats are ever seen wearing what would be considered national dress of some other country. You would not be criticized for it, but I thought that you might want to know that it would be thought a tad eccentric. (in particular by your fellow expats as Adam has demonstrated)

Perhaps you are just referring to combining the tunic length tops - made with the wonderful fabrics available there - with other skirts and pants (no jeans at work, of course) - and perhaps you are not even a westerner but I just thought that I would elaborate.

VS

[Monkey_Girl]

thanks for the advice! (and i apologize for the late response)

i wasn't planning to go too 'ethnic'; i just wanted an idea of what is acceptable and how formal i should dress.

i think i'll have some things made in thailand and then figure the rest out when i arrive.

thanks again!
monkeygirl