Here's my experience, for the first few months I was very self concious about my wardrobe. It took forever to decide what to wear. After one year here, I feel, I've internalized some of the expectations toward modesty. You will see some westerners showing more skin than is recommended. Personally, I would not recommend following suit. Just because some people do it, does not mean it is appropriate. When out in malls or any public place locals frequent, I wear full length skirts and my shoulders are covered. I've experimented with calf length skirts and found that in some places, I felt out of place in these. I don't feel I'm being inappropriate in a knee length skirt and leggings but, if there are many women in elaborate abayas and ten inch heels, I definitely feel under dressed, if not, a bit on the trashy side. At the compound, which is predominantly westerners, I will wear a casual knee-length sundress that bears the shoulders and feel ok. Unless I pass our Muslim friends on the way to the mosque. Then, I always feel kinda busted ;) Many women on the compound wear short shorts or dresses and, for the most part, it's ok. I just don't want to draw attention to myself so I keep it ultra conservative. Bikini in the pool however and lululemon at the gym ;) I won't become a total prude.
Here's my experience, for the first few months I was very self concious about my wardrobe. It took forever to decide what to wear. After one year here, I feel, I've internalized some of the expectations toward modesty. You will see some westerners showing more skin than is recommended. Personally, I would not recommend following suit. Just because some people do it, does not mean it is appropriate. When out in malls or any public place locals frequent, I wear full length skirts and my shoulders are covered. I've experimented with calf length skirts and found that in some places, I felt out of place in these. I don't feel I'm being inappropriate in a knee length skirt and leggings but, if there are many women in elaborate abayas and ten inch heels, I definitely feel under dressed, if not, a bit on the trashy side. At the compound, which is predominantly westerners, I will wear a casual knee-length sundress that bears the shoulders and feel ok. Unless I pass our Muslim friends on the way to the mosque. Then, I always feel kinda busted ;) Many women on the compound wear short shorts or dresses and, for the most part, it's ok. I just don't want to draw attention to myself so I keep it ultra conservative. Bikini in the pool however and lululemon at the gym ;) I won't become a total prude.