Cooler Temps & Hot Looks - What To Wear This Winter in Dubai
Updated November 2020
Despite what many may think, Dubai winter weather temperatures drop significantly compared to its stifling hot summers. With an average daytime winter temperature of 19.5c°, January and February are Dubai’s coolest months, with lows potentially reaching 14c°. But Dubai’s winters can also be somewhat temperamental, with temperatures soaring without warning. These months also see the most rain in the state. For many, life back home during the colder months of the year means chunky knitwear, big jackets, oversized scarves and the like. While dressing to such extremes is probably not necessary (or comfortable), dressing for winter in Dubai takes a little more thought. So, if you’re in Dubai for winter and wondering what to wear, read on.
We’ve collected some of our favourite pieces to add to your winter in Dubai wardrobe, so if you’re feeling that chill in the air, this is how you’ll be able to stay snug (and dry) while maintaining your style crown.
Dubai winter fashion is chic, and layering is the norm. Since Dubai winter weather can be unpredictable, layering key pieces will allow for all eventualities. But layering clothes doesn’t always mean practical; it also exudes that effortlessly cool look that is ubiquitous in Dubai. And there’s other good news about layering clothes in winter – it allows you to recycle some of your favourite summer pieces again.
Daytime Looks for Dubai's Winter Season
When jumpsuits and boiler suits made a comeback a few years ago, we jumped for joy. At Sand Dollar Dubai, we adore a cute jumpsuit. Usually worn in hotter months, there’s no rule that a jumpsuit can’t be worn in winter. As previously mentioned, Dubai winter style is all about layering, so adding a thin knit turtleneck top under a jumpsuit like this flower print one from Camilla would look great, thus proving that a jumpsuit can be easily modified for a Dubai winter. For a more elegant look, team this embellished jumpsuit with a long-sleeve black top underneath and a pair of black strappy heels.
And just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean your bag status should be any less than it was in the summer. Thanks to Camilla reinventing the tote, this bag style has become one of the season's most coveted accessories. From celebs to influencers, this season’s “it bag” is ubiquitous, and it complements a Dubai winter jumpsuit look well.
Dubai winter fashion still calls for a hint of colour. Add subtle pops of colour to brighten up your winter jumpsuit look with some fun bright accessories like this standout gold charm-embellished bracelet set from Marie Vigue.
Come summer or winter, rain or shine, there’s always a place for sunglasses in Dubai! For urban living, and Dubai city life, a pair of thicker framed angular cat-eye sunglasses are on point – take these from the Australian eyewear designer Pared, for example.
This entire winter jumpsuit look is perfect for the Dubai winter fashion scene. Whether you’re meeting your friends for a lazy weekend champagne brunch or going on a shopping trip to Dubai Mall, this transitional look will definitely set the tone.
Dubai Brunch Looks
Brunching in Dubai is an all-day affair; it’s a marathon, definitely not a sprint. The city is home to some seriously cool brunch spots, so if you’re looking for things to do in Dubai in winter, head to some of our favourite Dubai brunch hangouts.
If it’s a special occasion brunch in Dubai, the contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma is fine dining at its best. Treat yourself to the Champagne brunch that gives you unlimited sake, wine, beer, and even your very own sommelier.
For a quieter Dubai brunch experience, head to Traiteur, which involves an impressive range of buffets serving French-Mediterranean food, fresh seafood, tables dedicated to only cheese, and waffle stations galore. Another cool brunch venue where you can show off your cool daytime looks for the Dubai winter weather is Bvlgari Yacht Club, where you’ll get some serious 5-star treatment. With impeccable service, sharing-style menus, this plush brunch venue will certainly make for a memorable thing to do in winter in Dubai.
Working (After Work Cocktails)
While patterned trousers scream spring, winter in Dubai and the “what to wear” rules are flexible and almost non-existent. Locals and expats alike love pieces that transition across the seasons, which is why you’re probably seeing the most stylish women in Dubai wearing printed pants this season. To create an instant “wow” outfit that will take you from the office to cocktails, pair with a cropped top in this season’s hottest colour – rust – and throw on a long line black blazer over the top.
If you’re the type that’s always eyeballing the latest bag trends, you’ll know that larger-than-life bags are in – in this case, bigger is better! The teeny-tiny bag has had its day, and now it’s time for the oversized ones to enjoy the limelight, which is why adding a larger SD Basics bag to your ensemble is the way to go.
Believe it or not, wearing sandals and open-toed shoes in winter is also trending. Also, given the fact that Dubai’s winter weather temperatures can still reach the early 20s, wearing a pair of your favourite flip flops is viable, if not cool. We’re firm believers that every person should own at least a few pairs - these animal print ones are the perfect alternatives to regular ballet flats.
A pair of gold-plated loops add to this unique Dubai winter weather daytime look, and just like your bag, supersize hoops are bang on trend – why blend in when you were born to stand out?
Elegant and bold are just two words to describe this daytime Dubai winter look. This outfit is perfect for any working environment in Dubai. It’s such a cool look you wouldn’t appear out of place heading to one of Dubai’s many restaurants and bars for after-work drinks and sundowners.
Wondering where to head after a long day at the office? Luckily for you, Dubai’s cocktail bars are plentiful, and there’s no shortage of where to go.
Siddharta Lounge is the perfect Dubai winter weather cocktail bar. Located on the roof of Grosvenor House Hotel, Siddharta Lounge has both indoor and outdoor seating. As well as the impressive choice of cocktails, it also boasts a Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu.
Another cool cocktail bar where you can show off your Dubai winter fashion ensemble is the Music Hall. Part theatre part club, Music Hall is a great way to spend a cold day or evening in Dubai. With back-to-back music acts and a theatrical themed interior, this is a great place to go on a date or catch up with friends.
Skiing in Dubai
When it’s winter in Dubai, and you don’t know what to wear to the ski field, you can also layer up. Snow and deserts aren’t two words that usually go together, but thanks to Ski Dubai, you can.
Experience a real winter in Dubai with snow, albeit artificial! How about wearing shorts over tights? These cute embroidered shorts look great over a pair of thick black tights or leggings; they will easily take you from the slopes to a café or bar for a bit of après skiing as well. When paired with a simple white tank top, you’ll be able to create a seamless, sleek look, which you can also easily add layers to. Finish off your Ski Dubai look with a chunky knit cardigan that’s bound to keep you nice and cosy.
And to look ultra-cool for the après ski bit (because, let’s face it – this is the best part), add a pair of cute crystal earrings for some subtle bling.
Make sure you head to Ski Dubai for some winter fun – it’s something the whole family will enjoy, and you’ll be able to show off your cool Dubai winter fashion look at the same time. Check out Dubai’s alpine hot spot to get a taste of winter. Located just off the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is conveniently located. Here you’ll find everything you need for a day on the slopes, including ski equipment for hire and skiing or snowboarding lessons.
Fun fact: Ski Dubai is the world’s third-largest indoor ski resort!
Chilling But Not Chilly
If you just want to chill out at one of the many fun places Dubai has to offer in winter, our Dubai winter weather style tip is to combine comfort and cool.
We love lounge pants – they're so comfy – they're also a perfect winter fashion item for Dubai. These stylish joggers are not only bang on-trend, they’re also extremely practical and can be teamed with numerous different items of clothing. Their simple pull-on style makes them even more comfortable, meaning you'll probably find them hard to take off. To add a layer of warmth, a cosy knit sweater works well. And because it's a more toned-down look you're probably aiming for, you can easily get away with wearing a pair of slipper-style pumps.
If you're looking for places to chill out in winter in Dubai, there's something for everyone. Head to Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's smallest, but most beautiful artificial archipelagos for laid-back cafes, upmarket restaurants, and a beautiful winter sunset view . Another great winter hangout in Dubai is the Dubai Mall.
There’s no doubt about it that Dubai is an amazing city. It’s synonymous with art, especially fashion. Summer is easy to dress for, but winter in Dubai and knowing what to wear is also easy, particularly when you layer your clothes. Most locals do just this, and they also have fun recycling summer clothes in winter and putting together some creative fashion looks. At Sand Dollar Dubai, we have a variety of bespoke pieces of clothing that can be worn in any season. For some more Dubai style inspiration, subscribe to our email list.
