Most Turkish citizens are Muslims, but Turkish society, in principle, is modern, so the European style of dresses predominates. If you go on vacation to Turkey, you will notice that they dress here in the same way as in France, Germany, Italy or the UK. You can see some women in a burka (black covering the whole body with a black veil on the head). In fact, this outfit is illegal in Turkey (but few people are interested in the law), and even wearing hijabs in a secular context (universities, government agencies, etc.) is controversial.
Stylish dresses to go out
As a rule, people who go on vacation to Turkey think that there they will see locals dressing in rags. In addition, many believe that all Turkish women wear a burqa. But it is not so. Turkish dresses can also be stylish. Although there is one peculiarity among the inhabitants of Turkey: in the summer, both women and men dress almost identically. It can be lightweight shorts with a t-shirt. Although if a lady plans to attend an event, she will not do without a dress. In Turkish cities, as well as in Sydney, New York or London, most of the locals around you will be stylishly dressed.
Modest clothes
Of course, Turkish dresses can be modest. Clean, modest clothing is appreciated and often required. In short, with it, women do not show hips, shoulders, or upper shoulders. These are wide trousers or a dress / skirt to the knees, a blouse or a top with sleeves to the middle of the elbow. There is a scarf so that women can cover their hair. In the cool season, they wear a light hoodie. It’s a great idea to just put it on your head at the entrance to the mosque, so Turkish women don’t have to bother with a handkerchief when it’s cold outside.
But this does not mean that in Turkey you can’t wear ordinary clothes. Shorts, sleeveless jackets, and even overt clothes for women and men are sold in stores. Shoes don't matter. But in Turkey, something comfortable is used to shoes, so that it can be easily removed at the entrance to the mosque. Therefore, almost all the inhabitants of the country go in moccasins. In the most visited mosques, attendants can provide cover for all clothing (for free) if the person’s dressing style is not suitable for this establishment.
Beachwear
In the seaside resort towns you can dress as you like. However, it must be borne in mind that nudity is illegal, but some tourists sunbathe topless on the beaches of Turkey. Although, if police officers find out about this, you will have to pay a fine. Interestingly, Muslim women have their own special beach outfit. It is somewhat reminiscent of a diving suit.
A trip to the restaurant
If a woman decided to go to a restaurant, then she needs to purchase restrained Turkish dresses, photos of which can be seen a little below. This outfit looks more formal than in the US or Australia. In no case is it allowed to visit restaurants in shorts and T-shirts. The same goes for dining rooms. That is, you need to eat food in beautiful clothes. In the evening, it is preferable to wear Turkish fashion dresses, a skirt or a top. Men do not have to tie a tie (but you can do it if you wish). A jacket is also optional. If the man comes to the restaurant in a jacket, then he can be removed at any time and ask the waiter to take him to the lobby.
Rural clothing
In rural areas, located away from tourist places, the Turks will receive you in normal clothes. But to see here on women stylish Turkish styles of dresses you are unlikely to succeed. Most likely, it will be a fully enclosed outfit. If a foreign woman wants to become part of traditional Turkish life, then she will wear pants. You can also buy traditional Turkish harem pants, a top with sleeves (at least to the elbows). In public places do not go out without a hat. Although usually visitors go directly to tourist camps, and the countryside is not particularly interested in them.
Traditional women's costume
Turkish national dresses have several variations: jalabiya, abaya and hijab. Now they are not all worn. Basically, such an outfit is a necessary attribute for Muslim women living in remote areas.
Jalabiya is a dress or shirt to the heels. Also, such Turkish dresses, the photo of which is shown below, have long sleeves, since women are forbidden to show even their hands. There are simple (home) jalabis and festive, the surface of which is decorated with embroidery.
Abaya is mostly black. Since usually the battles in the Arab countries took place at night, the women who wore black Turkish dresses could quietly escape. Abaya is designed to be worn in public, while jalabiya is a home outfit. Usually it is worn with a scarf.
Hijab is a costume that reveals a woman's face. This is a long loose dress with which you can disguise a figure. It is very convenient in this outfit to breast-feed a baby, since it is practically invisible. It is also difficult to distinguish a pregnant woman, although in this position she is rarely allowed to leave the walls of the house. Previously, women wore a burqa to feel protected. Now it is found infrequently.
Thus, in Turkey, people dress differently in different places. But do not assume that there is no stylish clothes. On the contrary, those who come here often note that the Turks practically do not differ from tourists.