Modest fashion is taking the world by storm. Designer collections, as seen in previous fashion weeks across the globe, include a lot of conservative pieces that are made of luxurious fabrics with rich colors and patterns. The pieces provide full coverage, and yet nobody will be able to say that they look boring.
Apart from the elegant designs and the carefully selected materials for modest clothing, smart styling strategies contribute a lot to the hip emergence of modest fashion.
So, if you are looking for fresh ways to make your closed-neck shirts, long-sleeved maxi dresses, knit pullovers, kimono dresses, and other items in your conservative wardrobe incredibly chic, consider the five styling tips or tricks shared below.
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1. Give the monochromatic look a twist.
If you have a favorite color, do not be afraid to wear it in profusion and create a sophisticated, monochromatic outfit of the day (OOTD) of beauty.
For example, you have a white modern abaya that you love. Consider pairing it with a silk cream white blazer or wearing a knit white sweater over it to alter its shape. The difference in materials and shades of white will give your modest dress a more elegant vibe.
2. Go all out on accessories.
Chunky necklaces or layers of skinny gold ones, statement earrings, a clutch, bracelets and bangles — all of these are essential in creating a look. You can wear the same oversized boyfriend shirt and linen wide-leg trousers over and over again, yet make the ensemble look different every time, by simply switching up your accessories and shoes.
You can look edgy by wearing pointy stiletto boots and chunky metal jewelry. Alternatively, you can appear soft and feminine by donning dainty kitten heels and minimalistic jewelry pieces.
3. Make your clothes fit you better.
Anytime you want to elevate an outfit, the most important thing that you have to focus on is the fit.
Even billowy dresses can be altered to fit you better. Adjust the fit around the shoulder to prevent the pieces from shifting too much. Perhaps, tighten the sleeves as well to improve the proportions of the outfits. And most importantly, cinch the waist with a belt or sash.
Clothes that are the perfect size hang on the body in a flattering way. So, have your clothes tailored or altered to fit your body perfectly, and get yourself pretty belts and sashes to easily celebrate your feminine form.
4. Layer your pieces.
You can add a new twist to your trusty pieces by using other beloved clothing items to change the silhouette.
Wear pants underneath midi dresses to achieve not just a new silhouette, but also a new style. Or, wear a more form-fitting skirt over a loose and shapeless dress. This will really alter the shape of the dress and make it more flattering on your body. This works if your brand of modesty is more about covering up skin instead of totally hiding your feminine form.
Another layering idea to consider is wearing a button-down dress under a spaghetti strap maxi dress. This creates a somewhat grunge look, especially if you wear Doc Martens or high-cut Chuck Taylors with these.
A second idea for a button-down dress that you may have is to only button it down to the waist and wear it as a top for your choice of pants. You have the option to wear fancy footwear for an off-the-runway look or sneakers for a laidback street style.
5. “Flip” your modest clothing.
This styling trend is all about wearing your clothes in a truly unique way. During the Paris Fashion Week of 2015, a South Korean model decided to wear her designer long-sleeved top backwards and she earned the praise of world-famous stylists.
Find an unexpected way of wearing your favorite modest pieces and you may just create an all-new fashion-forward style.
See, dressing conservatively does not have to mean being outdated. With the right styling tricks, any ol’ outfit that covers you up completely can be utterly fashionable.
AUTHOR BIO
Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs today. When you slip into one of Feiruza’s creations, you can almost hear the rhythms of Africa, the beats of India and the vibrancy of Dubai – this distinctive and colourful mélange is just what Finchitua is about.