How to Get Egyptian Style for a Cool & Exotic Summer Look
We’re in the middle of a heat wave this summer, so what better way to get dressed than in the fashion of a country from a hot part of the world? There are many countries to choose from, but I’ve decided to choose Egypt for this post. It’s a perfect fit because the Goddess Complex (see my post on that HERE) is in the mainstream right now and goddess-style dresses and gowns are an essential part of Egyptian culture. Some of the clothing from this country show a lot and some show a little. So age doesn’t matter. Let’s see how to get Egyptian style for a cool and exotic summer look.
I came across videos on YouTube covering the history of fashion in different eras and in different parts of the world. So I reached back to ancient Egyptian fashions as inspiration for how to create modern looks. Below, I’ve gathered the components that can be used in today’s dress evoking this exotic style of the past.
How to Get Egyptian Style
For summer, Egyptians favor loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Silk and hemp are also natural cooling materials. Linen was traditionally the primary fabric used, though, valued for its breathability in hot climates.
The preferred footwear is sandals made from leather rather than cloth. Woven sandals were popular, as well as sandals with jewels.
Following are components of Egyptian style to choose from so that you can get your own cool and exotic summer look. Nothing extra is required for you to buy because you can just use what you have.
Caftans & Caftan Dresses
Sheath Dresses
Traditionally, Egyptian women wore loose linen sheath dresses in white or light gray. Sometimes they tied them at the waist.
Skirts
Ancient Egyptians wore kilts or wrap skirts. If you have something in an exotic print, that would work too. When wearing a skirt like that, you might like pair it with a wrap top.
Jewelry
Bib necklaces were often worn on plain linen clothes, especially long off-white or white dresses.
Other necklaces include: coin necklaces, long strand of glass beads, silver/pewter or gold triple plate necklaces and etched gold medallions.
Jewelry included necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, often made from gold and precious stones and sometimes copper.
Examples of gemstones used by the Egyptians were: emeralds, jasper, garnets, tiger’s eye, amethyst, turquoise, obsidian, carnelian, lapis lazuli, quartz and pearls. Today, imitation gemstones are perfectly suitable.
Shells are another natural material commonly used in Egyptian jewelry designs.
Animal and insect motifs were used in jewelry designs such as snakes, scarabs and eagles.
Hamsa and Eye of Horus were designs used to ward off evil.
Makeup
As we all know, Egyptians have used kohl eye pencils since ancient times. Green malachite powder was also brushed under the eyes. And red ochre was used as rouge on the face and lips.
Hairstyles, Wigs & Extensions
Not that we want to wear wigs in summer, but ancient Egyptians wore them so I thought I’d just mention it. However, they used them to provide shade from the sun.
Ancient Egyptians often wore their hair long and straight, sometimes plaited with beads or gold decorations. Women also styled their hair in elaborate braids, incorporating hair extensions and adorning with jewelry. You might like to play with these styles and show your true self!
Let’s Connect
Let us know if you get inspiration from Egyptian style. What works for you? Please leave a reply below.
Like this post? You might also like to read more:
- “How to Look Like the Goddess You Are”
- “How a Duster Can Suddenly Make You Look Dressed”
- “How to Wear a Kurta American Style When the Weather Gets Warm”
Also, visit my Shop to get a Style Guide on ways to wear kaftans.
I now have a Shop page where you can purchase for a nominal price one of my Style Guides. Over time, I will add more and more. Please support Your True Self. Visit my Shop HERE. Or go to the top of this page and select the Shop tab. Thanks!
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This post is linked up with Fancy Friday at Nancy’s Fashion Style and with Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot at Marsha in the Middle.
Thank you for visiting Your True Self!
Angie
Related posts:
Inspiration, Style Inspiration
Dress, Egyptian Style, Exotic Style, Linen, Summer, Summer Style
Egyptian style is very feminine, and I love linen and cotton. I do have some Egyptian inspired jewellery, however, heavy jewellery is too hot in the summer for me.
❤️carmen
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts, Carmen! Jewelry with an Egyptian vibe that you can add to your outfits include: long strands of glass beads, gold medallions, anklets, gemstones, pearls, shell jewelry and many more. I think there are loads of possibilities that are not too heavy.
Lovely outfits!! The dress with the side pockets look very comfortable and I particularly like the eye make-up.
-Soma
Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it!
I love this!! I don’t have any caftans, but I’m really tempted now. I love the colors of the clothes, too. And, I do love the types of necklaces they wore. I have a rather good one from Stella & Dot.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I get great inspiration from this style and love how we end up looking modern instead of costumed after using these ideas. I have a style guide on wearing kaftans in my little shop because I like to accessorize a one-piece outfit to make it a little different each time.