As many of my Pbase friends now know, wearing an abaya is required for women by law in Saudi Arabia. In this country, unlike others, it must be black and should be devoid of decoration. However, in the past three years, I am told, women here have started buying decorated abayas, some very understated but others quite flashy, with gold, silver and colorful materials as a trim. That was a wonderful revelation for me, and I see it as a statement of identity as well as a fashion statement. I was introduced to a marvelous designer http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13372186 who has a real talent for creating beautiful garments that still basically abide by the regulations, but with flair. The abayas I have purchased from her are not traditional, yet they are, but in a wonderfully different way.

Women are also required to cover their hair, and the Saudi women in Riyadh cover everything but their eyes (and sometimes cover their entire face). Foreign women tend to leave their head uncovered until told by the religious police to cover up. They always carry a headscarf with them.

I'll be adding to this gallery as I purchase more abayas. My feeling is if I have to wear one outside our compound, then it should be fashionable and something I feel comfortable in.