What to Wear in Egypt for Women: 12 Cute Outfit Ideas

Packing for a trip to Egypt can feel like a high-stakes game of “What Will Make Me Regret My Wardrobe Choices the Least?” Trust me, I’ve been there, frantically Googling “what to wear in Egypt for women” while stuffing my suitcase. Egypt’s blend of blazing sun and conservative culture can make it tricky to find outfits that are both practical and respectful. But fear not—I’ve cracked the code, and I’m here to share all my top tips and outfit ideas.

The key is striking a balance between comfort, modesty, and not melting into a puddle under the desert sun. My goal was to feel cool and comfortable while blending in as much as possible (or as much as a blonde in Egypt can hope to blend in), all without sacrificing a sense of style. I’ll break down the packing list, the best fabrics, and what you can get away with in different parts of Egypt. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to wear in Egypt for women—no last-minute fashion meltdowns necessary!

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1. What to Wear in Egypt for Women: Packing List

I’ll give you a quick packing list on what to wear in Egypt for women and then give you plenty of tips and outfit inspiration below! Here are some essentials to include on your packing list:

• Maxi dresses & skirts
• Lightweight Pants
• Long-sleeve tops (or short-sleeve tops that cover your shoulders)
• Sturdy sandals and/or trail runners
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight Scarf
• Bathing suit & cover-up
• Sweater or jean jacket (for evenings)

2. Considerations

When figuring out what to wear in Egypt for women, consider two main things: the weather and local customs. Egypt’s hot, dry desert climate means you’ll want breathable clothes that don’t weigh you down, especially if you’re visiting during peak temps. I was there in January, and even then, it was hot during the day, though it did get pretty chilly once the sun set. The other consideration? Egypt is a conservative country, so modesty is key—think of it as an excuse to try out that flowy dress you’ve been eyeing.

3. Pick Lightweight Fabrics

In Egypt, you’ll quickly become best friends with natural, lightweight fabrics. These fabrics are breathable, quick-drying, and won’t cling to you when the temperature rises. Think airy maxi dresses and loose tops that won’t trap heat.

4. Opt for Loose-Fitting Clothing

If you’re wondering what to wear in Egypt for women, remember this golden rule: looser is usually better. Tight clothes might be the norm at home, but you’ll be a lot more comfortable in flowy silhouettes that let the breeze in. Loose clothing helps you blend in with the locals who also opt for relaxed fits. Plus, how cute are these flowy skirts? I’m kind of obsessed!

5. Cover your Shoulders & Knees

If there’s one rule of thumb for dressing in Egypt, it’s to keep those shoulders and knees covered, especially outside touristy areas. It’s not that you’ll get in trouble—it’s just a sign of respect. A loose blouse over a sundress or a chic longer-sleeve top with your favorite maxi skirt does the trick. This way, you’ll stay comfortable and avoid curious stares from locals.

6. What to Expect in Cairo

Cairo is a bit of a style wildcard—it’s more modern and Westernized, so you’ll see women in jeans and trendy tops, but they still tend to keep it modest. While in Cairo, I stuck to maxi skirt and a lightweight shirt, with a scarf handy for extra coverage. If you’re heading to the pyramids in Giza (outside of Cairo), pack a hat and some sunscreen because shade is not an option.

7. Layer Up for Evenings

Evenings in Egypt can get surprisingly chilly, especially if you’re visiting in winter. Bring a light sweater or a denim jacket to throw over your daytime outfit when the temperature drops. It’s a great excuse to accessorize, and if nothing else, it’s a cozy way to ward off the cool breeze on a nighttime Nile cruise. It was actually surprisingly chilly on our Nile cruise in the evening, and I was extremely thankful I had a fleece to combat the cooler temps and wind!

8. Bring a Hat & Sunglasses

The Egyptian sun is intense, making a hat and sunglasses non-negotiable. They’ll protect you from the sun’s wrath and make you look effortlessly stylish. Plus, let’s be real—channeling a mysterious movie star vibe at the temples is half the fun of dressing for Egypt. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not squinting in every photo.

9. Choose Comfy Shoes

Leave the stilettos at home, folks—Egypt is no place for fancy footwear. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for wandering dusty streets, scrambling over ruins, and surviving endless ancient temples. Think lightweight (sturdy) sandals or cute hiking sneakers that you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Your feet (and your sanity) will thank you.

10. Bring a Scarf

A scarf in Egypt is absolutely essential: it’s lightweight, versatile, and takes up virtually no space! Use it to cover your shoulders, protect yourself from the sun, or as a headscarf when visiting mosques. I carried mine everywhere and was forever grateful when the breeze kicked up a cloud of desert dust. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a pop of color to neutral outfits!

11. Bring Beachwear & Cover-ups

If you’re heading to the Red Sea or staying at a resort, you’ll want some beachwear. Swimsuits are totally fine at the beach or hotel pools, but pack a lightweight cover-up for moving between the pool and your room. A cute flowy cover-up will keep you cool while respecting local norms.

12. What to Expect at Western Hotels

Some hotels in Egypt, especially those in tourist-heavy areas that catered to a Western crowd, were a bit more modern when it comes to dress code. I felt comfortable wearing sleeveless tops at a few places we stayed, though I still paired it with a long skirt. The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (pictured below) was my favorite spot we stayed in all of Egypt and I didn’t feel weird with my shoulders uncovered at the hotel.

However, I still stuck with more coverage for anything beyond hotel grounds to avoid attracting unwanted attention. It’s all about reading the room and knowing what’s appropriate based on your surroundings.

13. What to Wear on a Camel Ride

A camel ride may look Instagram-worthy, but it’s also a recipe for sand in all the wrong places. Stick with lightweight pants, a loose top, and definitely avoid dresses unless you want some serious chafing on your thighs.

Bring a scarf to wrap around your face if the wind kicks up—blowing sand really does get everywhere! I’ve ridden a camel a few times now, and one of the times, it was so windy that I could feel the gritty sand in my ears for hours after!

14. What to Wear on a Nile Expedition

For our adventure into a village on the banks of the Nile from our dahabiya, I opted for an outfit that was practical and conservative. You’ll likely be traipsing through fields and potentially mud, so sturdy trail shoes are a must.

Lightweight pants will keep you covered from bugs while allowing you to stay cool in the heat. Stick to modest clothing—pants and a dri-fit top are perfect for staying comfortable, avoiding sunburn, and respecting local customs while you take in the sights along the river. I repurposed the pants I wore on safari in Tanzania, and they were the perfect option for exploring Egypt!

15. What to Avoid Wearing in Egypt

Shorts, crop tops, and short dresses are better left for the beach resorts or the pool. Around town, these items are likely to get you some unwanted stares, which I actively try to avoid. In Egypt, it’s all about blending in, not standing out.

16. How to Look Cute in Egypt

Yes, you can dress modestly and still look cute in Egypt. When considering what to wear in Egypt for women, think colorful prints, cute accessories, and breezy outfits to keep things stylish. Layering scarves, jewelry, and a fun hat can add some personality to your look without sacrificing comfort. It’s all about embracing those effortlessly chic vibes that make you look like you’re not trying too hard (even if you totally are).

Figuring out what to wear in Egypt for women doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, you can pack a wardrobe that’s respectful, comfortable, and stylish—without melting in the desert heat. Keep it light, keep it loose, and don’t forget the scarf. Follow these tips, and you’ll be feeling cool, confident, and ready to explore Egypt in style!

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