Wonders of the Doja Market

A bright red lipstick, or a deep kajol to add drama to the eyes is often a go-to for many of us girls. Another sure shot way to lift the mood is to dress up pretty. A flair there a wish here, some shimmer or a snug bold t-shirt with a lovely lace wrap?

But getting great and new outfits so frequently means burning a hole in your pocket…or does it? This is where Doja market opposite Dhaka College can prove to be a veritable mecca. Apart from traditional saris and wedding wear, practically all other sorts of female dresses found here is brilliant.

Single kurtis

Kurtis are an everyday affair, and yet, there is so much variety in style and type that every day can be a new look quite effortlessly. Doja market has a host of shops offering locally made kurtis, with embroidery and other embellishments. To add to that, there are options available in a variety of materials and lengths, like cottons, linens, and georgettes which can be paired to create both office and casual looks. Kurtis can be found in the range of Tk 400-1200.

Long summer dresses

Long and flowy summer dresses are always a joy to look at, and even better to wear. It creates an aura of comfort and relaxation. Soft cottons are breezy, while those in silk and satin can be elegant and fit for evening parties. There are various designs available in these as well, although a bit uncommonly available compared to the other wares. Summer dresses and silk versions can be found for Tk 800 and above.

Bodycons

Figure hugging bodycon dresses have been all the rage this past year, and are typically available in knitwear at Doja market. Starting from common versions like the bodycon LBD, longer and more everyday suitable options are fairly easily available at Doja. The dresses also vary in length, from mid-thigh to knee to mid-calf, as well provide as options like mid-riff baring or cold shoulder styled. Prices generally vary between Tk 400-850.

Formal shirts

Formal shirts are the easiest yet fresh look for everyday office wear, and can be accessorised easily to convert into evening-worthy looks. At Doja, variations of formal shirts can be found in cotton, viscose, silk, georgette, and combination of these. Most formal shirts are button downs, and some offer lace and other small details too. Prices usually range between Tk 350-600.

Fancy tops

If you are looking for pretty and feminine blouses or colourful tops, Doja market will not disappoint you there either. Halter tops, cold shoulder blouses, ruffled sleeves, lace collars, embroidered necklines and padded shoulder…think of any pretty trend, and chances are you will sport something at one of the hole in the wall shops inside the Doja market labyrinth. From polka dot silk shirts to crop tops, or off-shoulder to kaftans, every type can be seen here. Depending on material and quality, prices can vary from Tk 250-700. 

Shrugs and capes

More often than not, a look or outfit comes together with the addition of a trendy or elegant outer piece, like a shrug or cape. These can be simple knitwear in bright colours, some enhanced with contrast borders, and others varying in length, cut and style.

Long lace ones are a sure shot option to elevate even a simple t-shirt worn underneath. At other times, silk ones would be the star item, paired with the supporting cast of a tank top or sleeveless blouse and silk slacks. Cape and shrug prices can vary from Tk 250- 1200 

Skirts

Most women have a little girl heart that loves the swish and swirl of a large skirt. There is a certain charm to twirling in one, mostly in private, and maintaining elegant poise in public of course. Doja market has a plethora of options for anyone looking to get skirts. There are thick cotton and linen gypsy skirts in a gazillion bright prints, elegantly flared A-lined silk skirts, and of course minis and midis in denim, gabardine and cord. Depending on the material and style, skirts can be found for Tk 300-800.

Belts

Every western-wearing girl needs a couple of different types of belt in her cupboard, to cinch a long dress at the waist or add some flair to the plain slacks — options for customisation are endless, for which various type of belts like braided faux leather, gabardine, metal tinted, and cloth belts are available in various styles. Belts usually start as low as Tk 150.

Jeans, trousers, tights and palazzos 

Just like the range of tops, every type of bottoms that you could think of have been in the shelves of Doja market shops. Denims, from jeggings to boot cut to flared and slim fit, chinos, culottes, slacks, palazzos, tights and yoga pants, you name it, somebody probably is selling it. Great quality and long-lasting tights can be found for as low as Tk 150, whereas fancier trousers and denims can be around Tk 1000. 

Sweaters and jackets

Winters in Bangladesh are sadly too short, but every day is an opportunity to try on something in a new way, unbothered by heat. This also means all those high neck sweaters, long cardigans and of course chic jackets and gabardine, suede and of course denim, amongst a host of other materials. Jackets usually begin at Tk 650, and the prices increase up to Tk 7000 for heavier versions fit for snow. 

Doja market is the largest of such sartorial wonderlands that Dhaka hosts, there are similar, although not nearly as varied, spots in Mirpur and of course Bongo Bazar in Old Town. Happy shopping for your next great look!

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Efa

Makeup: Suman

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha