Istanbul – What to wear when you’re there

by chris
December 27, 2012
in Destinations, Fashion, Istanbul, Street Style, Style, Turkey, What to Where
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Where? Istanbul, Turkey
Exactly? House Hotel Nisantasi
Why? Press trip with Transitions Eyewear to test the new day to night opticals.
Companions? Marcus from thechicgeek.co.uk, Basma from ES Magazine, Mikey from Sunday Times Style, David from The Times and 40 other international journalists.

Me (left) and Basma (ES Magazine) on a night out in Istanbul

What to Wear When You’re There – Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s second largest city, so despite the hot climate and the fact you may be on holiday, the style rules here are the same as you’d apply in any city; sophisticated rather than beach/resort wear. For an Islamic country Istanbul is very liberal in terms of dress. Evening attire in the bars and restaurants is quite glamourous, you’ll see an abundance of heels, designer hand bags and lots of diamonds on show. Many women wear skirts, this isn’t a problem at all, but many locals are in hijab or head scarves too.

During the day for sight seeing and shopping it’s quite tourist friendly, but it’s best to dress respectfully to avoid any unwanted attention in the bazaars and markets. When visiting the Blue Mosque women are required to cover legs and shoulders, but the mosque provides cover ups if you need them. Its also a good idea to take some socks with you so you don’t have to walk bare foot. And as for menswear? Anything goes. Lucky boys!

Streetstyle – Istanbul
What to Wear When You’re There

Valentina from Italian Vogue wears a simple white shift dress

Me and the gang cross the river to Bebek

Light colours always work best in the heat

David and Mikey from The Times sport spots and stripes

Hussain accessorises with a pair of Transitions glasses

TheChicGeek Marcus looks very chic in a tux jacket

Sleeping – Where to Stay in Istanbul

We stayed at:
The House Hotel Nisantasi
Abdi Ipekci Caddesi 34
34367 Nisantasi
Istanbul

Located in the chic shopping area of Nisantasi, The House Hotel is literally above the Prada store. Sweet dreams for all fashionistas! The Autobahn designed interiors are chic, minimal and homely, akin to a Wallpaper magazine shoot. The staff are friendly and efficient and for the purposes of our 48 hours in Istanbul, it’s the perfect Diptyque candle scented home from home.

The foyer / library at The House Hotel filled with coffee table books

W Hotel
Suleyman Seba Cad 22
Akaretler Besiktas
Istanbul 34357

It’s very likely that you’ll be spending an evening partying in the Lounge Bar at The W, so why not stay at the hotel. I love W hotels anyway but this one is a particular favourite. The best bit? The suites have bridge walkways to private day bed varandas. How very fabulous! At reception ask for Cem or Atti – they have the best ‘little black books’ in town.