everything I wore in Dubai

It was 51 celsius in the sun. Here is how I functioned. Spoiler: Everything is loose.

some of my outfits, detailed below

Last week I went to visit my friend in Dubai for a few days. She moved out there recently and seeing “her” Dubai has totally changed how I feel about the place. Rather than spending all our time by the beaches, I saw a lot of the city this time. Have to say, I really like it (never thought I’d say that). However, it was insanely hot (it was June after all) so dressing took some consideration. Here’s how I got by…

I’ve been to Dubai a few times but either as a stopover or as a “fly and flop” type holiday so have never really explored beyond the obvious places. Here are a few spots I went and loved…

the vibe at Matcha Dubai (fitness and padel club)

• Matcha DXB - We went here to do a reformer class which we loved (with a really good, British instructor). The whole set up is beautiful and I really liked the cafe/chill area called Nette. Coffee was exceptional.

• bkry DXB - Really liked going around the Alskersal Avenue area, lots of cool concept stores. It all felt very Cape Town like. But bkry was unreal. The pastries, the eggs, the strawberry matcha. I’ve popped more pictures as a highlight on my Instagram. An absolute must!

• 3 Fils - This unassuming-looking find makes some of the best sushi I have ever had in my entire life. Voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the world! Well worth the visit - I’m salivating just thinking about it.

• Brix Cafe - I think there is more than one of these but we went to the one in Jumeriah Harbour. Such good matcha (matcha is a major thing out there and it tastes completely different - even I liked it) and insane croissant and pastry creations.

just some of the pastries at bkry

I don’t know how to explain this more clearly than by saying - it was so f*cking hot. The thermometre clocked 51 degrees one afternoon. Usually it’s a case of “the less clothes the better” but if you did that in Dubai you’d be burnt alive when you’re outside. So it’s about light fabrics, textures that are breathable… You get the drill. Here’s a round up of what I wore.

• outfit 1 - I bought this linen mini dress a while ago as a much cheaper alternative to a Posse one I’d seen. It is incredibly comfortable and very well made. Could be worn as a long waistcoat with trousers and a vest/tee too. The espadrilles are old favourites here, and the bag is from Loewe. I love it but a more sensible purchase would have been this one from H&M.

• outfit 2 - My WNU seersucker shirt is coming into it’s own in summer. I absolutely LOVE wearing this. It’s oversize (I have a size medium which initially I was worried was too big) and because it’s so well cut, it’s okay that its really big (and therefore light and cool) because it fits. I am going to get so much wear out of this! The trousers are M&S, they’re OOS stock now online but available in store so here are the details. Reason I love them is that they don’t have a drawstring and the waistband sits really nicely on me (rather than a tie-up-thing meaning I get bulges around my waist). I wear these a lot this trip, see below.

• outfit 3 - All hail the best white shorts I’ve ever owned - and they’re half price so hurry (also available in black). The vest is new from St Agni, I got it in the NAP sale and was kind of hoping I wouldn’t love it as even in sale it was more than I’d typically spend on a vest. But sadly, the cut is brilliant and it’s super soft so it’s staying. Here is the link. The sandals (worn throughout) are from Zara, here.

• outfit 4 - I bought this green dress last summer from a brand called Wiggy Kit. I love the shape, I feel so good in it. Somehow I get away without wearing a bra, the fit is that good. Here is their 2025 version.

So here’s me wearing the same trousers and shoes a million times over, but with different tops. During the day I needed to be presentable as we had some meetings. I was so worried about being hot and sweaty, but these all worked really well…

• outfit 5 - I bought this top ages ago and was worried I wouldn’t get wear out of it, having worn it here (and loving it) I have since paired it with everything from midi skirts to jeans. It’s just really slick, I felt very “put together” wearing this and the buttons are made out of a really cool resin that looks super expensive. My bag (worn throughout) can be found here, but' it’s very old!

• outfit 6 - Thrilled the occasion arose for me to wear a gift from Beyond Nine. This light denim waistcoat has so many uses, but it being a “business casual” look is one of the best. It was cool (temp wise) and comfortable but smart at the same time. More on the “belt” below, it’s actually a necklace and I loved wearing it like this!

• outfit 7 - My absolutely-damn-perfect t shirt, which I am currently deliberating over buying in black too because the fit just makes me feel so good. Here is a reel about why. I paired with a new entry, sparked by

  Virginia Chamlee
  - this Roxanne Assoulin heart necklace. I was worried I’d look like Mr T but Virginia showed me how to master it (well, she showed her followers). I am not afraid to say I felt really cool in this.

• outfit 8 - Ok, I want to talk a bit about this linen shirt because it’s very good. It is cut like a fitted shirt - so it’s a closer fit than say, the WNU one. However, this makes it look really slick and smart. So much so, you can just throw it on and let it do the talking. I have worn this loads (I also have the green one here) and find them unbelievably useful - a good price for the quality! The same cut also comes in cotton, I have this work-shirt and it’s really great. (get 15% off with the code JM7D in the UK or use 9WWJ in the USA - explore all new-in here). My long suffering racer back vest is from Arket - it’s done the test of time with me and still going strong - indestructible!

Here’s more of what I wore in the evening. How women in Dubai have the energy to put on a load of glam and dress up I will never know. The heat exhausted me and my focus was not boiling over. Special shout out to towelling-fabric - the unsung hero of this trip, will explain…

• outfit 9 - My first towelled entry; this striped halterneck top. I love it. Firstly because by some miracle it holds up my chest without a bra. Secondly because it was cool (temp) and sweat mark free. Not the most glamorous description but may I remind you - it was was 51 degrees. Little more matters than staying alive - better still if you can do that in stripes.

• outfit 10 - This is an old faithful, I do find Free People the best for jersey midi dresses. They come in a gazillion colours (I have this golden one, a navy and a grey). They are incredibly soft and somehow even though a closer fit, super flattering. I don’t feel like my bumps are too, erm, bumpy.

• outfit 11 - Another towelling success. Seriously, this stuff is so good and such a good price. I’d had the baby-fit tee for a while but got the shorts just before I went to Dubai. The shorts are tailored beautifully, but with an elastic waist. So comfortable. I cannot stress enough how useful this outfit was - I stayed cool and sweat free all day (sounds like a deodorant commercial but to be honest, the same pros exist!).

• outfit 12 - A final little mention for this absolutely beautiful silk top. I felt a million dollars in this. The cut is so flattering and I could wear a strapless bra with it easily. If you’re looking for a “jeans and a nice top” type thing, this is perfect. It goes with all denim shades back home and looks lovely with long skirts too.

When I did dare to bare flesh, I wore my new Left On Friday swimsuit - a gift from the brand that I am delighted with. I don’t understand how it achieves it but the swimsuit equal parts butter soft, supportive and sculpting. I have since gone on to buy this bikini in the taupe shade from them and cannot wait for it to arrive.