What Not to Wear

I realize I should be waxing on about how distinctly different things are here in Tehran; how I'm backwards with culture shock and trying to get used to everything...but it's just not like that.
I'm in a massive house, fourth floor of five, with an elevator and all the modern appliances and fixtures I've ever had in any western home. Our car is something I can't recall the name of, but it looks and drives like a Lexus. The computers in the house are all brand new and our internet connection is fast, and wireless (granted, we've to negotiate a few filters). But the one thing I've to put some effort toward to work into my daily life is wearing a scarf and mac when I go out.
While we were on the airplane from Bombay I found that the one pashmina I'd packed was simply too hot along with the coat I'd worn but wasn't allowed to take off at my seat, so I excused myself a few times and locked myself in the bathroom so I could shed the layers that were making the flight so miserable.
Sometimes, adaptation means finding a way to ditch the system, even if it's just for a second.

Once we'd arrived in Tehran I realized that rather than wearing an actual coat or long jacket over their clothes, most girls opt for something along the lines of a fitted shirtdress, perhaps with a tank top hidden underneath.
To wear the shirtdress too tight is unacceptable and I'm not one to enjoy swimming in my clothes - fortunately there seems to be quite a bit of leeway in terms of fit and I've found a few pieces that are very comfortable and look fabulous with jeans and boots.
My skirts hide out in the closet or are worn only at home, but I don't really mind as the house is so very big and always seems to be opening it's doors to visitors anxious to see Hamid and his American bride, so I've plenty of opportunity to wear whatever I like.

Of course, this comes from the perspective of a tourist, someone who has the freedom to experience these things knowing full well that they aren't a life sentence - but most of the girls I've met seem to accept that this is just the way it is and find other ways to express themselves (ie: heavy makeup and other, more private rebellions, in the younger generations) but generally the girls find ways to wear the scarf (they are slipping farther and farther back on the head these days) that suit them.
I find myself admiring the silks and chiffons in different designs as I would other girls' hairstyles.

Now when we go out it's a simple matter of which shoes, which bag, and which scarf to wear.