Job Discussion Forums

VictorianChick · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 11

So, it looks like I'm moving to the Gulf. I've been before, long ago, and am aware of the requirements of modesty for women.

Does anyone know of any blogs or online shops that could be useful for brainstorming outfits? What's fashionable right now in the Gulf for women?

Much thanks!!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You are not required to dress like the locals. All you need do is be sure that your skirts are well below the knee... even to the ground if you wish. Best that sleeves at least reach the elbow. Avoid skin tight clothing. Some employer allow trousers/slacks, but it is best to wear a tunic style top. As to shoes, I lived in sandals all year, but avoid flip-flops.

Saudi Arabia is the only country that requires an abaya and a head covering.

If you are in the US, I would recommend taking a look at Deva Lifewear. It is clothing made in the US (mostly sewed by local farm women) that is made of wonderful cool cotton. I bought quite a few of their skirts and tops over the years.

VS

VictorianChick · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 11

Thanks, VS, but I didn't think I had to dress like the locals. I want to dress like the locals. And like I said, I already know about the modesty rules. I'm not talking abayas, either.

If anyone reading this is in the Gulf right now and likes fashion, please let me know how I can inform myself. Thank you!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

That is a whole other issue AND, it is just NOT done. The other expats will think you are dotty and playing dress up games... and the locals will likely say nothing, but will not be pleased - and some will be offended. I am referring to work outfits here.

Students have provided me with a local dress for wearing to a party for a wedding or an Iftar. For the most part, in the Gulf these items of clothing are made by tailors. I'd say that you are better off waiting until you get there, and it would be something for your female students to educate you about... they would enjoy that.

Even Muslim expats do not take up local dress, they wear the styles of their home countries.

VS

VictorianChick · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 11

Sigh.

I'm not talking about indigenous dress. I'm talking about styles, colors, and fabrics that are popular right now. You do know they have malls there, right? And clothing stores from around the world?

I'm off this thread. I'm going to google and email the people I'm going to be working with. Good grief.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:47 pm Post subject:

It's always amusing when posters blame other posters
for "misunderstanding" them (Sigh) when it's the original poster who was so unclear and misleading to begin with.
Hope such people aren't teaching writing (or, for that matter, reading, oral or listening - grammar MIGHT be OK.)

Regards,
John

sheikh yer money-maker · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 79 Location: Saudi Arabia

Funny. The exchange reminds me of the place that I presently work. Lots of Englixh teachers who, funnily enough, lack the skill of communication! Go figure.

It sounds like the OP was spoiling for a fight. What, exactly, is a "brainstorming outfit"?

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:57 am Post subject:

Dear sheikh yer money-maker,

Well, personally, I often do it in the nude in the shower.

Regards,
John

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Do you want to wear couture, or UK High Street, or American casual etc. Spanish young and trendy, etc. etc.

You can buy anything you might find in Europe or North America as anywhere between there and here.

If you google shopping malls you'll get a link and probably be able to access a list of the clothing shops available.

And being easily irked is not a trait that serves one well in the Gulf.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 1:44 am Post subject:

Dear heleni,

Somehow I get the feeling this poster will be more of an irker than an irkee.
Her colleagues may be in for a real treat.

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You guys crack me up. Laughing

Ah well... And after three explanations from her, I'm still not sure what it is she actually wants to know... and I suspect that she doesn't either. Would she be planning to dress like her students if she were in the US? She hasn't told us where she is teaching, so the students might very well be wearing "indigenous" clothes. And as I recall, those who wore Western fashions from the malls usually wore what would be completely inappropriate for a teacher.

VS

VictorianChick · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 11

VeiledSentiments,
I'm sorry I popped off at you about this. I should have had more patience, but I simply didn't. I apologize.

At the time, I was feeling that you weren't paying attention to what I was asking and instead, was just throwing generic, newbie advice at me. That's why I made the point that I have been in the ME before. Plus, unlike many, I actually DO read many, many posts on these boards, so I'm aware of a bunch of the basics.

My question was regarding what's fashionable for grown women in the Middle East that takes into account the fact that Western women don't dress exactly like Middle Eastern women. I don't know if that's any clearer or not! lol

I certainly do not want to dress my students. I don't know where that idea came from.

Helen, thanks to you.

Victorian(novel)chick.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:53 pm Post subject:

Dear VictorianChick,

It was very good of you to return and apologize. In turn, I apologize for what I posted.

This, however, puzzles me:

"I certainly do not want to dress my students. I don't know where that idea came from."

I don't know where it came from, either - unless it came from this:

"Would she be planning to dress like her students . . ." (from veiledsentiment's prior post)

Probably just about anywhere, but especially in the Middle East, dressing one's students would be highly frowned upon.
Addressing them, however, is definitely recommended.

Regards,
John

VictorianChick · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 11

Hahahah oh ew.

Well, I'll say this: I do draw the line at dressing my students. There's a lot I'll do for my career, but I won't do that. Unfortunately, some of my current students would benefit from someone dressing them, because they too often leave the job half finished.

At the same time, I do not want to dress like my students.

Both things are right out.

VC

sheikh yer money-maker · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 79 Location: Saudi Arabia

What was it that Oscar Wilde was reputed to comment on the lack of communication between the denizens of either side of "The Pond" who both spoke English, but had difficulty in communicating?

And, I'm not talking Cool Hand Luke's "What we got here is a failure to communicate". Altho, that wraps it up very nicely.