Moving to the Middle East

[PotOfYoghurt]

I need to start hunting for clothes for my move to the Middle East soon.

I need to have shoulders and knees covered but still keep me cool and be plus-size. I don't really know what sort of thing to look for- would midi/maxi dresses and skirts work best (with sleeves) or cropped trousers with t shirts?

If anyone has any idea of type of clothing or material and websites to search it would be much appreciated!

I lived out in Qatar. You might be better off getting a few essentials then buying out there if you have access to a souk etc. Cotton and linen clothes are easy to find and you can find some lovely and cheap imports from the region.

Otherwise I would say for the summer months go with cottons and light linens. Trousers, longer skirts, maxi dresses etc

Natural fabrics.

Will you be working? My DSis sounds similar to you, and works in mid range HR for a big international firm. She wears linen trousers and a mixture of tops with flat shoes year round, with a cardi or jacket in the office to balance out the AC. I would observe that the colours tend to be brighter than in the UK but the style is definitely UK mainstream high street rather than local suq or ethnic style. She mainly does clothes shopping in the UK because the Gulf has become desperately expensive.

I'll be working for a high profile HNW family, but as their nanny, so I think it needs to be a mix of practical for work but also relatively smart-ish (or at least look put together) due to the nature of the family.

It's much easier here in the UK when I can just chuck on jeans and a t shirt

You may well find yourself being given all sorts of (probably very expensive designer) cast offs if you are similar in size to any of your family's ladies and they like you. Did you ask whether there's any household "uniform" dress code they would like you to follow? It could be worth putting the question and explaining that you need to buy hot weather appropriate clothing and don't want to make any mistakes.

That's a good idea, I'm putting together a list of questions/clarifications to the house manager so I'll include that as well. Thanks!

I usually wear light cotton or linen trousers and a tunic in the Middle East. Practical, comfortable and looks smart. Cotton leggings are also OK as long as the tunic is knee length or longer. I also have a couple of ankle-length skirts.

La Redoute are good for reasonably priced linen.

I lived in the middle east for some time. When out and about ...shoulders covered, no cleavage etc. In a crowd pushing a buggy I found my forearms might be brushed 'accidentally' !!

Thanks for the recommendation, I've just filled a bag on La Redoute!

Is it okay to wear sandals/flip flops?

Yes, why would you wear anything else. Just don't EVER show the soles of your feet/shoes to anyone; it is a serious insult. Just about the worst.