Check my Instafeed out and you will probably realize that modest-dressing has never really been a part of my style DNA, but that doesn't mean that I don't toy around the idea of modest-dressing.
Embracing Modest Wear Looks as My Own
I think there have been waay too many misconceptions and false notions about the idea of modest-dressing. Blame it on religion, they say! Blame it on the patriarchal society they say! As someone who is taking her time into learning and reading the religious texts to find out what it means to cover your modesty, the concept is actually more on the act of preserving your 'akhlak' (morals) and keeping your intentions pure via subdued dressing, bonus fact to add is that this Modest concept ALSO applies to MEN in the Quran.
This concept has become abused as a tool of control by the commonly male-dominated societies and cultures to assert their power and dominance, hence it became a concept that are misconstrued by people from the West as a form of 'oppression'. This is something I would deny wholeheartedly, on the argument that women who cover themselves are oppressed, but how so when the Male gaze are flipped over as well as to offer liberation for women to celebrate them being at their most comfortable state without having to conform into pressuring mainstream society's idea of female beauty. I will stop this here as there are many different comprehensions on what it means to be feminist/liberated s a woman, which will require and perhaps even illicit trigerring debates on a concept that may be viewed from two different spectrums of thought. As a moderate, critical-thinking Muslim woman, married to an English man - having NO pressures of dressing up to cover myself, I find it refreshingly peculiar that my inclinations on dressing more modestly came from a place of my own free will and lightweightness of pressures away from wanting to pursue impossible standards that dont fit with my belief of freedom of choice and femininity.
Enough philosophical and theological debates, I am not here to antagonize any woman who celebrates their body and freedom of dressing in their own way! My notions of Modest Dressing really isnt just from a religious, nor social context POV, but how really stylish, classy, and effortless it is to follow for women who just couldnt be bothered about dressing up without having to compromise on their sense of style. In this case the Arabs have got it right ; they are always seen donning their abayas over a pair of fabulous heels from Amina Muaddi, watches by Cartier and well manicured hands and toting Hermes Bags to the grocers. Throughout my stay in Dubai, their style has become sort of aspirational to me , and I frequently study their ways on social media as well as real life as I would have seen them around as they chill and shop in the malls. These women are living proof that modest dressing really shouldn't be overcomplicated with volume nor intricate hijab styling looks - but it is about the accents and how function and comfort overrides the need for a blaring statement piece to express themselves. How I wish I could provide pictorial samples from my roam abouts in Dubai to demonstrate this view, but I believe to photograph someone without consent is a serious offence here in the UAE 😂.
Speaking of which, since I have started with my abaya-selling business for Malaysia, I figured that I need to demonstrate how these gorgeous women style themselves by mixing both High Fashion and street-savvy pieces for their fashion expressions. No need flashy abayas, just a simple plain one over your jeans and tops, or heck for my daring sisters can also take it to the beach! Dont believe me? Lets look at some key takeaways of my got-to-have abayas to be styled to suit everyone's style - be it modest or not!
1) As an abaya itself
The philosophy of putting on the abaya itself is an underrated style statement of its own. Simply wear a maxi dress of the same hue or contrasting hue to highlight the look. I accented mine against gold tones to amp up the sophistication.
2) Double Layering
Because the abayas itself are so lightweight and airy, layering them both shouldn't be a hassle to adapt to. I took a blushing pink piece and wear it on top of a blueish-gray toned piece and tie the dress at the front as a 'top'. I bulk up the drama with some heavy duty bangles in lilac and accessorised in acrylic floral earrings.
3) As a Cape
I love button-ed down abayas simply for the fact that I can improvise the shapes and silhouettes to suit my style. This open-style cape/jacket is great when combined with your suit for a glam event look. Might add a tinge of edgyness with your choice of footwear and artisanal accessories.
4) As a Cropped Top
Again with versatility, wearing this as an oversized batwing design worn on top of my favorite jeans or skirt. I could even play with accents like brooches to stylize the look!
5) Just As-Is ; modified to a dress
This is such a breezy way for me to wear to the beach or heck, grocery shopping! Just grab a wicker tote, or mini bag and cinch the waist with a belt for added chic impact.
If you are keen, I am selling these pleated abayas in maaany different hues and sizes from 52,54,56,58,60 and 62 inches in length. They go for RM190 a pop with RM50 shipping to Malaysia, but I do shipping over to Brunei/Singapore/UK - u name it, provided you would be ok with the shipping costs incurred. Also, the more you purchase off of me, the more bundled the shipping fees can be discounted :) DM me on my Insta or email me at haidailliani@hotmail.com should you be interested!
But come on now, seeing how versatile abayas can be styled, you'd probably understand why I have been hoarding them in so many different hues! You'll defo be seeing me play with more than just one design soon! <3