Living in Dubai has taught me that dressing for the heat is less about surviving it and more about understanding it.
When I first arrived, I made the same mistakes most people do. I assumed less clothing meant more comfort. I reached for anything light, anything sleeveless, anything that looked as though it belonged in thirty or forty degrees. Experience quickly proved otherwise. Looking elegant while staying cool rarely has anything to do with wearing less. It has everything to do with wearing the right things.
Over the years I’ve settled into a way of dressing that keeps me comfortable, protects my skin and still feels like me. These aren’t fashion rules. They’re simply lessons life has taught me.
Cover Up
This is probably the most surprising advice I can offer.
Loose, breathable clothing is often cooler than exposed skin. A lightweight layer shields you from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate around your body. That’s what keeps you comfortable—not showing more skin.
During the height of summer, very few people in Dubai spend long periods outdoors during the day. The heat demands respect. A hat and SPF50 have become part of my daily routine, but nothing protects quite like choosing the right clothing. The secret isn’t the amount of fabric you wear. It’s the shape. Clothes should skim the body rather than cling to it, creating space for air to move naturally.
Choose Fabrics That Work With You
Natural fibres have become the backbone of my wardrobe.
Linen, cotton and silk breathe beautifully. They regulate temperature, feel better against the skin and make hot days noticeably easier. Synthetic fabrics rarely do. They trap heat, hold moisture and often leave you feeling warmer than necessary.
I’ve grown to love linen for another reason. It doesn’t pretend to be perfect. A few creases are part of its charm, although my son insists I look like a crisp packet by the end of the day. I can live with that.
Comfort has become one of the luxuries I value most.
Let Go of Heels
There was a time when I thought every outfit needed them.
Now I know better.
Feet swell in hot weather, pavements become unforgiving and suddenly those beautiful shoes become something you can’t wait to take off. These days I reach for sandals, ballet pumps or trainers that allow me to move comfortably from morning until evening.
Confidence has very little to do with heel height. If anything, it comes from walking naturally rather than wondering how quickly you can sit down.
The Shirt I Couldn’t Live Without
If I had to choose one item for summer, it would be an oversized shirt.
It takes you effortlessly from morning coffee to lunch, from the beach to dinner. It works with wide-leg trousers, soft tailoring, shorts or a simple dress without ever feeling overthought.
My favourite version isn’t even designed for women. More often than not, it’s one of my husband’s shirts. The generous cut, relaxed shoulders and effortless proportions simply work better.
Simple pieces usually have the longest life.
The Finishing Touches
Summer dressing becomes surprisingly easy once the clothes stop doing all the talking.
I own sunglasses but don’t wear them as often as I once did. I’ve become more conscious of listening to my body and spending sensible time in natural sunlight. A towelling bucket hat has become my summer essential. It makes long walks more comfortable, washes beautifully and always earns a place in my suitcase. Add a pair of simple diamond studs and the outfit feels complete without trying too hard.
I also wish I could tell you I’d mastered travelling light. I haven’t. I’m a big-bag girl. I like being prepared for everything—a plaster, painkillers, wet wipes or, now that my daughter is expecting a baby, plenty of snacks. Sometimes David ends up carrying my bag, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
Dress for the Life You Live
Perhaps the biggest lesson Dubai has taught me has very little to do with fashion.
It’s taught me to stop dressing for the version of myself I thought I was supposed to be.
I dress for the life I actually live.
Walking. Travelling. Meeting friends. Spending time outdoors. Saying yes when opportunities appear.
The right clothes don’t change who you are. They simply allow you to move through your day without distraction, feeling comfortable, confident and entirely yourself.
Natural fabrics. Relaxed silhouettes. Comfortable shoes. A good hat. None of it is revolutionary.
But together they make life feel lighter.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: when you feel comfortable, you carry yourself differently. You move with more confidence, smile more easily and enjoy wherever the day takes you.
That, to me, is the best style advice anyone can give.
