MODEST STYLING TIPS WITH @basma_k
We sat down with @basma_K to discuss the ins and outs of modest dressing. She’s expertly styled an edit of River Island pieces and shared her outfit plans for Eid. Think long sleeves and maxi hemlines – never compromising on glamour.
What does modest dressing mean to you?
Modesty for me goes beyond just the meaning of dressing conservatively and hiding your skin and hair. As a fashion creator, I love wearing pieces that express my individuality and creativity. For me, dressing modestly is not necessarily limited to religion but rather a form of subjective expression.
Describe your modest style in three words?
Feminine. Colourful. Experimental
What will you be wearing for Eid this year?
I will be wearing an Abaya, which is a traditional Islamic dress, for the morning prayer at the mosque. In the evening I’ll probably be wearing an embellished dress, and will colour co-ordinate with my two daughters.
Would you say that Eid is synonymous with dressing up and fashion?
Yes! Dressing up in one’s best clothes on Eid day is actually part of our Islamic faith.
How do you use layering to keep it modest but still feel stylish?
The layering pieces I like to incorporate are long sleeve tops, bodysuits and slip dresses, and I choose clothing with longer hemlines.
What’s your everyday look?
Lately I have been living in oversized shirts and jeans to do the morning school run or the weekly shop. Just very classic and casual.
Name three essential pieces to ensure great modest style?
Long sleeved midi or maxi dresses.
Loose leg trousers or jeans
Blouses and shirts with a round or higher neckline.
What’s your top tip for dressing modest and wanting to look glam?
While modest clothing calls for looser, more relaxed fits, this doesn’t mean you should go for baggy, unflattering pieces!
I would recommend choosing pieces with longer hemlines, tops/dresses with covered cleavage, and loose but flattering garments.
“While modest clothing rules call for looser, more relaxed fits, this doesn’t mean you should go for baggy, unflattering pieces!”
How do you incorporate colour or play with prints within your wardrobe?
It's no secret that how you look on the outside can directly impact how you feel on the inside. Wearing bright and bold colours brings me so much joy and can make putting together an outfit a fun and enjoyable task.
The way I introduce colour into my outfit is by looking at what I’m wearing first. For example, if my dress is very neutral but has bits of orange florals, I would wear a bright orange pair of shoes, a belt or bag. And that just gives it a nice pop of colour without it being too in your face.
With summer approaching, what’s your go-to for modest, heatwave dressing?
I love going for long sleeved smock dresses. They’re nice and flowy and just perfect for a hot summer’s day. I also love the fact that you have the option to wear them with a belt with it which gives a nice put together look.