Luxe Edit: What to wear in AlUla

Luxe Edit: What to wear in AlUla

Channel your desert chic for your next escape to AlUla
13 April 23
AlUla Luxe Edit What to Wear
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Words: Kate Hazell 

AlUla’s vast expanse of desert, oasis, and astounding ancient structures is enticing waves of explorers, as well as culture and fashion fans to Saudi.

Everyone’s keen to experience one of the world’s most magnificent masterpieces with their very own eyes.  

Here we bring you a curated luxury edit of versatile and somewhat retro safari-inspired wardrobe pieces to take with you next time you visit, perfect for the region’s hot, arid days and much cooler nights.  

WOMEN 

1. Chanel Sunglasses 

Sunnies are your most important AlUla accessory. Thankfully, French fashion house Chanel has jumped onto the e-commerce bandwagon, and the latest styles are now available at the click of a button.  

Shop Chanel sunglasses here

2. LOEWE Silk Set 

Nothing says breezy, balmy evenings in the dunes like a luxe silk set, and this LOEWE duo, exclusive to the Middle East, is the one to snap up. Wear with sandals during the day or slip on some heels if you're heading to dinner at Maraya Social, one of the newest restaurants by Michelin-lauded chef Jason Atherton.  

Shop LOEWE here 

3. IRO Jumpsuit 

Ease and functionality make the jumpsuit a versatile wardrobe option for exploring the awe-inspiring and unique sandstone mountain ranges of AlUla. Choose 100 percent cotton to keep you cool and neutral shades to stay chic.

Shop Iro here 

4. Iris & Ink Cardigan 

Stargazing is a must in AlUla, as the vast open space — and its lack of pollution — presents the perfect canvas for a spectacular performance in the skies by night. But beware! When the sun dives, so does the temperature. Make sure to pack a warm cardigan to keep you snug when the show begins.  

Shop Ink & Iris via Outnet

5. KHAITE Oxford Shirt 

An oversized Oxford shirt is foundational for any closet. Wear with shorts or white, wide-legged jeans during the day, or pop the collar and throw over a tank or swimsuit as a breezy cover-up when the sun’s rays hit hardest.  

Shop Khaite here

6. Brunello Cucinelli Cargo Pants 

Functional cargo pants are the perfect accompaniment to exploring AlUla’s sandy and rocky terrains. These luxe versions are straight-legged and sit high on the waist, which means they work just as well with heels if you want to elevate your look.  

Shop FARFETCH here

7. Michael Kors Swimsuit 

AlUla isn’t only about exploring. Resorts such as Banyan Tree AlUla and Habitas AlUla have tranquil pools to laze by and switch off, so make sure you pack a swimsuit. For a sartorial shift, this one will work as a bodysuit under jeans during the day or with a maxi skirt at night.  

Shop Michael Kors here

8. Chloé Jeans 

A timeless wardrobe must-have, the humble white jean is worn wide-legged and high-waisted, and is the chicest answer to denim this season. Go one or two sizes up to give an oversized feel that is key to the silhouette.

Shop Net-A-Porter here 

9. Proenza Schouler x BIRKENSTOCK Sandals 

The must-have hot climate collab since launching in 2020, these “Arizona” sandals come in the latest colorway, white. They will not only keep you hot on the heels of summer’s biggest trend, but lend themselves to desert dwelling, as well as lounging by the pool.  

Shop the collab here

10. Bottega Veneta Bag 

The “Andiamo” tote is a new take on the brand’s signature Intrecciato technique and one of its debut bags to come from new creative director, Matthieu Blazy. The bag is light, roomy, and slouchy, and will fit all your daily essentials with room to spare.  

Shop Bottega Veneta here

11. Missoni Dress 

A breezy light knit dress like this Missoni number offers maximum style with minimal effort. No ironing is required, so you can pull it out of your suitcase as soon as you land, or quickly slip it on for a chic option for dining under the stars. 

Shop Missoni here

12. Fendi Scarf 

A large silk scarf can transform your wardrobe when it comes to packing light. Try tying one around your head into a turban to protect yourself from the beating sun. Alternatively, you can wrap it around your waist at the pool for a quick cover-up, or drape around your shoulders when the sun starts to dip. 

Shop Fendi here

MEN  





1. Valentino Garavani Sandals 

A true desert creeper that’s perfect for daytime explorations, this pair of sandals looks dapper with denim or a more tailored pant. Pack these beauties, available at Level Shoes, and your shoe game will be strong. 

Shop Valentino here

2. Brunello Cucinelli Jacket 

This cotton blend cargo jacket is so exceptionally light and soft, it almost wears like a shirt. A casual-cool mainstay built for functionality with plenty of pockets, you won’t need much more than this when heading out to explore. 

Shop FARFETCH here

3. Frescobol Carioca Set 

A light linen shirt and matching pants (this season is all about keeping it tone-on-tone) will keep you cool yet covered while exploring any one of the 100 or so masterfully constructed ancient tombs at archaeological marvel Hegra, Saudi's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Shop Frescobol Carioca here

4. Alexander McQueen Trainers 

A luxe take on the canvas high top, these rubber-soled sneakers, available at FARFETCH, are a light alternative to the hiking boot and will switch up cargo pants, denim, and even a loose linen pant.  

Shop FARFETCH here

5. Balmain Shirt 

The beauty of short-sleeved silk shirts is that they can transcend their stance as a wardrobe basic. Wear this one, available at FARFETCH, with cargo shorts or open over a pair of trunks at the pool during the day, or team with more tailored pants at night. You really won’t need to pack any other shirts. 

Shop FARFETCH here

6. Zegna Sunglasses 

You’ll want to get a safe glimpse of AlUla’s stunning sandstone formations, so shield your eyes from the sun with these acetate sunglasses. The neutral-shaded frame means they’ll safely go with any outfit.  

Shop Zegna here

7. RIMOWA Suitcase 

RIMOWA’s “Essential Lite” is its lightest suitcase range to date.

This approved “Cabin U” carry-on weighs just 2 kilograms, which seriously lightens your load when it comes to packing for your weekend in the desert. 

Shop RIMOWA here