How I'm Layering My Abayas as the Weather Starts to Turn

This time of year is tricky to dress for. It's still warm outside but the air conditioning indoors has a real bite to it, and I don't want to carry a jacket everywhere just in case. Layering the abaya itself has been my answer, and here's what's been working.

Why layering matters more than the calendar suggests

The temperature swing between a car, an office, and a street in the UAE right now can be 15 degrees in either direction within an hour. Rather than adding a cardigan I have to carry, I've been reaching for abayas that already build a second layer into the design, so I'm covered either way without extra thinking.

A refined layer built into the piece

The The Safiya Refined Layers Abaya does the layering for you, with a design that reads as two pieces without actually being two pieces to manage. I've worn this one on days that start cool and end up warm and it's held up both ways.

Featured Product: The Safiya Refined Layers Abaya

A tie-front for adjustable warmth

The The Sabrin Tie-Front Layered Abaya lets you loosen or tighten the front depending on how much air conditioning you're walking into. It's a small adjustment that makes a real difference across a full day out.

Featured Product: The Sabrin Tie-Front Layered Abaya

Layered cuffs for warmth right where you need it

The The Layla Tailored Abaya with Layered Cuffs puts the extra layer right at the wrist, which is often the first place I actually feel cold indoors. It's a tailored piece otherwise, so it doesn't look like it's trying to solve a temperature problem.

Featured Product: The Layla Tailored Abaya with Layered Cuffs

A shawl collar for evenings that turn cooler

The The Mashia Tailored Shawl Collar Abaya with Layered Sleeves is the one I'd pick for an evening that starts warm and cools down fast once the sun's gone. The shawl collar adds a bit more coverage at the neck without feeling heavy.

Featured Product: The Mashia Tailored Shawl Collar Abaya with Layered Sleeves

Related reading

For more on dressing through this kind of temperature swing, see:

• Abaya Care Guide: Washing and Storing
• Dressing for the Gulf Heat,
• Summer Outfits I'd Repeat All Season.

All four pieces above are part of the Classic Abayas Collection.