Istanbul is one of the world’s major cities, situated in the Eurasian region. For those who are visiting Istanbul, it’s important to understand the culture, local customs and most notably, the local fashion style. Istanbul is a city of fashion, so making sure you dress appropriately for the trip can be a big factor when enjoying it to its full potential.
If you are heading to Istanbul, here are the tips and tricks on how to dress. The most important thing to remember is that Istanbul fashions are usually modest and reserved compared to other major cities. All-black looks that are highly fashionable in Los Angeles or London are considerably more unlikely to be fashionable in Istanbul. Women can wear trousers or jeans, but longer skirts are more appreciated by the locals. In some parts of Istanbul, public Islamic clothing like Abayas, hijabs, and long dresses are preferred and can be found at many of the city’s ethnic shops.
When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. Istanbul does a lot of walking and its roads are often cobblestoned and uneven. Good supportive sandals or walking shoes are recommended and should be a comfortable fit. Comfortable flats can also be a good choice if the weather is comfortable.
Weather is also an important factor when it comes to dressing in Istanbul. In the summer, lightweight materials are the best choice. During the winter months, it can get quite cold. Wool or synthetic winter wear that covers your legs and arms is recommended. Additionally, if you plan on visiting any religious sites, such as mosques, it is important to stay covered. Lightweight scarves, as well as sweaters or cardigans can help you stay in tune with local codes while still looking fashionable and stylish.
Accessories can also help to pull together a look. Traditional accessories such as colorful beads, colored scarves, and long pendants are symbols of traditional Istanbuli fashion. Especially for women, a nice pair of earrings or some small jewelry pieces can help you fit in locally but still maintain your own unique sense of style. And of course, a good cross-body bag is not only practical but fashionably in-trend these days.
Finally, whilst fashion can be an important factor in Istanbul, knowing the local culture and customs is equally important. Dark colors are popular especially in the winter and it’s always best to be respectful when it comes to religious clothing rules. Overall, when visiting Istanbul a little research goes a long way when it comes to local customs and fashion. With this advice, you will be sure to have a stylish stay.
The Istanbul Shopping Experience
When visiting any city, shopping is inevitably one of the top things to do. Istanbul is no different. Its popularity has attracted a diversity of merchants, from designer boutiques to haute couture to bargain-basement sales. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. A good place to start is in Istanbul’s tourist-friendly shopping malls.
These malls offer tourist-friendly prices, helpful signs in English, and tours of their extensive stores.They stock everything from clothes to jewelry to furniture, giving shoppers an excellent variety of items to choose from. There’s also several top-notch restaurants, so after a successful shopping trip, you can relax and enjoy some delicious local dishes. Malls in Istanbul typically close at 8pm, depending on the area.
The Grand Bazaar is another must-see when it comes to Istanbul’s shopping scene. It is the oldest market in the city, and the fourth largest in the world. This sprawling complex includes over 4000 shops and boutiques, from high-end to budget, each stocked with various, unique items. This is the perfect place to take a stroll in the vibrant bustle of Istanbul. Visitors can find traditional Turkish items, as well as cheaper trinkets from other parts of the world such as India and China.
It’s important to keep an eye out for scams and prices that are too good to be true, especially in touristy spots. Most merchants in Istanbul are honest, but in any major city, it never hurts to be cautious. Still, with its cutting-edge fashion stores and ancient bazaars, Istanbul’s shopping scene is a great destination for those who crave all the perks that go along with a city break.
Eye-Catching Accessories
One of the best parts of shopping in Istanbul is the exciting array of eye-catching accessories. From colorful scarves to ethnic jewelry pieces, these items are perfect for those looking to add a splash of style to their wardrobe. Istanbul is famous for a variety of luxurious natural fabrics, including wool, cashmere and silk.
The city is home to a range of handmade accessories, from exquisite glass beads to intricate embroidery. Many of these items are traditional to the region and offer a charming insight into this unique culture. Accessories can be found across Istanbul, no matter the price range. Tips for finding the best authentic items include asking locals such as shop owners and cab drivers. They can offer invaluable advice about where to find the best deals.
Also, it’s important to look out for replicas and fakes. Istanbul has some of the cheapest prices in the world for designer labels but it can be difficult to tell them apart from the fake items. A helpful tip is to look for the label that states ‘Made in Turkey’ on the item, as this is a sure sign it is an authentic item.
For anyone looking to spruce up their look with some local flair, many Istanbuli shops have unique handmade items that can add variety and finesse to any wardrobe. From scarves to jewelry, these accessories offer a mix of culture and style that will have you looking your best in no time.
Dressing for Different Occasions
Istanbul is an exciting city to visit, and one of the most important things to consider when visiting is dressing for different occasions. Istanbul can be a great place for formal or casual dress, but it’s important to keep in mind the style and culture of the city.
For formal occasions, many people choose to dress in black, as it’s a safe and traditional color. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more unique, consider an eye-catching Ankara print or an elegant local dress. For informal occasions, a nice pair of trousers or jeans are always a good option. Also, dress up any look with a stylish accessory such as a scarf or a pendant.
Ladies should keep in mind the local conservative culture and make sure to dress modestly. This means avoiding revealing tops and skirts, and it’s always a good idea to carry a scarf in case you need to cover up. Additionally, when visiting religious sites, it’s important to dress conservatively and cover your arms. Ankara prints and neutral colors will help you blend in with locals.
You should always try to stay true to yourself and dress in a way that you feel comfortable. Istanbul is filled with a range of fashion statements, so visitors should feel free to express themselves with their choice of attire. With a little planning and consideration, you can have a stylish and enjoyable visit to Istanbul.
Conforming to the Rules of Local Mosques
Visitors from outside countries often assume that when visiting a mosque, covering their hair and dressing conservatively is enough to conform to the local customs and respect the Islamic religion. Yet, there are a few other rules that should be followed as well.
For starters, make sure to remove any shoes or outerwear before entering the Mosque as it is considered disrespectful to the place of worship. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a level of silence, respect, and humility when inside the Mosque. This means avoiding any loud talking, laughing, or disrespectful behavior. Finally, it’s important to note that people of all faiths are welcome in Mosques but that selfies can be considered disrespectful.
When visiting the Islamic faith, it’s also important to remember that women are expected to cover their bodies and arms, whereas men should cover their heads (hat) and keep their t-shirts and shirts on. Men and women must not touch each other and remain in separate sections, if requested, during a Mosque visit.
Overall, these additional rules are important to remember when visiting a Mosque in Turkey or any other part of the Islamic world. It’s always best to be prepared and respectful of other cultures, religions and customs. With these tips in mind, visitors will have a more pleasant and respectful experience when entering the Mosque.
