While the apparel industry is further exploring the art of modest fashion, the Arab girls of the region have long vouched for the discipline.
Though trends are fleeting and everchanging, certain pieces and items have cemented themselves in the closets of trendsetters – and undoubtedly pioneering this wave are the Muslim girls who have expressed themselves modestly for years now.
So while maxi skirts and “head scarves” occupy the new “happening” items on the global landscape, they have been generational and cultural holy-grails in the MENA region for decades.
Jeans Under Skirts
The world may have been introduced to this fashion trend under the classification of Y2K fashion or kitschy styles, but pairing pants with mini skirts has been a regional style trick since primary school days.
Adding a rebellious scandalous short skirt over loose pants, modest girls brought in untraditional double take attitude to their outfits. Whether it be denim or dress pants, this elevated fashion styling trick was in the hands of many modest girls for years.
Hijab vs balaclava
While women who were the hijab have had years of skewed opinions and perceptions following their existence, the fashion worlds has adopted the head scarf in their realm.
From looser fits to to skin tight pieces, Islamic veils come with versatility in shade, texture and style. While some opt for the care-free wrapping methods, other follow a more traditional tight style.
Maxi skirts
A continuous staple in our best dressed lists, the maxi skirt has become an establish piece in trendy outfit. From low-waisted denim ones to high-rise silk elevated options, they offer range.
While wearing pants under an intriguing top is always an option. A long skirt adds some sophistication and/or unconventionality to the overall ensemble. A simple piece to style that adds dimensions and risk to even the most effortless outfits.
Full sleeve undershirt
Whether under a baby tee or an oversized graphic one, modest Arab girls have opted into the fashion trend with a strategic covering pieces underneath. From turtlenecks to undershirts, they indulge in revealing trends with an initial safety layer.
A layering trick for weather and comfort in the west, this style reimagines what “being covered” can look like. While most imagine adding layer on top, seemingly dimming the initial layer, this trick flips it on its head. Adding loud best dressed pieces overtop muted bases.
Oversized everything
Lastly, before Billie Eilish became somewhat known for her baggy style, Muslim girls who choose to remain on the unrevealing fashion side we also indulging. From enlarged blazers to slouchy jeans the oversized-everything clothing trend has seeped into every item.
Pairing big spilling pieces atop one another you create an outfit that rejects the societal pressure to emphasizes women’s body shape, and instead prioritises comfort and flair.
