Abayas

Yesterday, I had the pleasure to get a quick view of my friend's "abayas" - the black "garment" many women wear on top of their clothes when they are outside the home.
"Shaila" is the scarf-looking head garment.

There are numerous of different designs. The styles can vary depending on whether they dress for work, leisure or evening/special occasions - or from what region you are from. Even the seasons impacts the choice of style - some women wear thicker fabric during the cooler months. They styles varies also when it comes to buttons (and sometimes zippers), patterns, belt, lace and touch of colors. 

And as it is with most clothes, the fashion varies constantly.