Job Discussion Forums

[Lulu29]

I have recently been offered a job in Muscat. Can anybody make any suggestions as to what kind of clothes would be appropriate, A: for teaching and and also just in terms of the climate/ and wandering around.

I've heard that skirts/ dresses should be down to the knees of below.
How about shirts? Down to the elbow, or is shorter OK?
Does it get "cold at all" in the winter? worth bringing really warm stuff?
So many questions, and not at all concise...well, what can I say I'm in the middle of packing...

[veiledsentiments]

Personally I dressed very conservatively... my skirts were mostly to the floor (remember the "broomstick" skirts? wonderfully cool plus nice and long. ). So, skirts below the knee, the more below the better. Sleeves to the elbow... nothing tight and form fitting. If you are teaching all-women, things can be more relaxed, and often the students wear things that I wouldn't... at least in public... because you draw too much unwanted attention. As to shoes, lived in sandals all year. Depending on your employer, you may also be able to wear slacks, but with long tunic style tops.

In the "winter" the weather is mostly gorgeous 70ish... but the nights can be cool and I sometimes used a space heater in the bathroom during the coldest month. Of course, "cold" is a relative term. It depends on whether you are from Boston or Miami. That said, I would have some lightweight jackets and sweaters for the winter evenings... and all those places where the AC is set at freeze. Oman has tailors that can expand your wardrobe if you need more once you get there. They can copy almost anything. And there used to be a JC Penney in a nearby mall.

Also if you enjoy camping, hiking, beaches... take along clothing to enjoy those activities.... jeans... hiking boots... swimming suit... running shoes... etc.

VS

[denise]

You can wear most of the same clothes that you'd wear anywhere else--obviously, modesty is appropriate for work, so skirts below the knees & sleeves to the elbow. If you're a city gal and plan on hanging out in Muscat, you'll see women (expats) going sleeveless in the expat-y areas, but usually with shawls thrown over their shoulders. And if you are into nightlife, bring your cocktail dresses--again, with a shawl to cover your shoulders until you're actually inside. There are some private beaches, where bikinis are far more common than one-pieces.

Winters can be downright cold in the mountains & deserts, so if you plan on heading to either, bring a coat. I remember colleagues saying that it was -3 up on one of the mountains once.

d

[Lulu29]

Thanks Folks!