3 Ways to Style an Open Front Abaya for Casual Days in Oman

There’s something effortlessly graceful about the abaya, right? At House of Amal, we’ve always believed that modesty and style can walk hand in hand—especially when it comes to those busy, casual days when you want to look put together without overthinking your outfit. That’s where the open front abaya in Oman truly shines.

You know those mornings when you’re running errands, grabbing coffee with your sister, or even just heading out for a beachside walk? We’ve all had those moments where we need something easy to throw on—but still want to look stylish. The open front abaya is that go-to wardrobe piece for us. It's practical, it flows beautifully, and best of all—it lets us express our own personal style with just a few little touches.

So today, I want to share 3 easy and wearable ways to style your open front abaya for casual days in Oman. These looks are super simple, comfy, and perfect for our warm weather and laid-back lifestyle.

1. The “Coffee Run” Look – Chill Yet Chic

If you’re anything like us, you probably have that favorite coffee spot in Muscat or Sohar where you love catching up with friends or unwinding alone. This first look is inspired by those quick coffee runs that turn into long conversations.

Here’s how we style it:

- Start with a white or neutral slip dress underneath—it keeps the look clean and lets the abaya shine.

- Layer a light cotton open front abaya in a soft shade—think beige, sand, or light grey.

- Add a crossbody bag (bonus if it has gold details) and some white sneakers or soft flats.

This look gives that relaxed vibe but still makes you feel confident and graceful. It’s casual, breathable, and looks amazing even without much effort. Don’t forget a simple hijab in matching tones to pull the whole look together.

We love how this outfit feels like a modern take on modest wear. It’s the kind of look that says, “Yes, I just threw this on—but I still look good doing it!”

2. The “Market Day” Fit – Practical & Effortless

Let’s be real, we all have those busy days when we’re hopping from the souq to the grocery store to our cousin’s house. You need something that works all day, doesn’t feel too heavy in the heat, and still keeps you looking put together.

Here’s our go-to formula:

- A lightweight pair of trousers (linen or cotton work best in our climate).

- A tank top or fitted tee underneath for comfort.

- A flowy open front abaya with side slits for ease of movement—bonus if it has pockets (yes, we adore pockets!).

Pair it with some comfortable sandals, a large tote bag, and a turban-style hijab if you like experimenting with headwraps. This is our “I’ve got a million things to do, but I still care about my outfit” look.

Oman’s weather can be tricky—hot one moment, breezy the next—so this layered approach works really well. The open front allows for air circulation, and the outfit still respects our modesty in the most graceful way.

3. The “Weekend Stroll” Style – Relaxed Glam

You know those relaxed Friday mornings when your family decides to take a stroll along Shatti Al Qurum or visit a wadi nearby? This third look is perfect for those weekend outings that are low-key but still deserve a hint of glam.

Here’s what we do:

- Choose a flowy maxi dress in a floral or pastel print as your base.

- Throw on a silk or chiffon open front abaya in a bold or jewel tone—think emerald, navy, or maroon.

- Add a pair of elegant sandals and a structured handbag for that polished finish.

We usually go for a silk hijab to complement the abaya, maybe with a soft brooch or pin. Add a touch of lip gloss and sunglasses, and you’re ready to turn heads—even at the beach!

This look feels effortless but still has that “I care about my appearance” aura. It’s casual, feminine, and just the right amount of extra.

Our Final Thoughts

What we love most about styling an open front abaya is how easy it is to create new looks without changing too much. With just a few accessories and layering pieces, you can make it feel casual, classic, or even trendy.

At House of Amal, we design our open front abayas with Omani women in mind—thinking about the fabrics that suit our climate, the cuts that feel modest yet modern, and the small details that make an outfit feel special. Whether you prefer soft pastel tones or bold, rich colors, our collection is built to fit your everyday life.

We know that modest fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we also carry versatile pieces that can transition from casual mornings to evening dinners. One of our favorite pieces lately has been a sand-toned open front abaya with minimalist gold embroidery—it literally works with everything.

It’s also worth mentioning that while open front abayas are gaining more popularity in Oman, the timeless elegance of a classic abaya in Oman style can never be replaced. Sometimes, we love to mix the two—layering a modern silhouette with the graceful simplicity of a classic cut.

Your Turn – Style It Your Way!

So there you have it—three easy ways to style an open front abaya for your casual days in Oman. Whether you’re hitting the souq, meeting up with friends, or just out for a drive, you can stay comfy and chic without compromising on modesty.

If you’re ready to add a few new staples to your wardrobe, come visit us at House of Amal or check out our online collection. We’d love to help you find your perfect fit—and maybe even help you build your own go-to casual lookbook.

Let’s keep inspiring each other with our style, our culture, and our grace—one abaya at a time. 💫