From Frumpy to Modest Fashionista

Is modest fashion frumpy? No!

If you are reading this article, it's highly likely that you have searched for this term. So, I need to begin in a slightly unorthodox fashion and ask you—the reader—what does modest attire mean to you, and why might you think it's "frumpy"? Do you envision modesty as old-fashioned, akin to something your great-great-grandmothers might have worn? Or perhaps you don't know where to begin when it comes to expressing your individual style while maintaining a modest look. Regardless of your initial thoughts, it's vital we dispel the notion that modest fashion equates to a dated or uptight appearance. You can exude glamour, boldness, and fun while staying true to your personal style preferences and maintaining modesty. Here is a framework on how to achieve this.

Identify your personal style

Dressing modestly is, for many people, a religious or ideological choice. However, it does not have to define your aesthetic or limit your style options. In fact, it can serve as an excellent canvas for expressing your style, free from societal expectations. The first step in making any fashion style decision is to know yourself, understand your preferences, and have an idea of how you want to look and feel while wearing those garments. If you are unsure where to begin, Pinterest is a great starting point. You can explore the modest manifesto Instagram page or browse through the many modest fashion accounts online. Additionally, you can seek inspiration from modest fashion influencers, who come from various walks of life and belief systems - so you are sure to find someone who reflects your personal aesthetic.

Once you have a better understanding of your style, you can start to experiment with different modest fashion looks. Remember, it took time to cultivate your style up to this point; it might take time to curate a new look for yourself—no matter what style you want to go for. So, undertake whatever creative process you need to help you figure it out. Close your eyes and envision yourself in different looks, create a Pinterest board, window-shop and try different looks, and enlist the help of family and friends.

Get the modest look inspired by: Prada, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen

Finding modest fashion gems:

So now that you've identified your style, it's time to find clothes that match. This may seem straightforward, but sourcing quality modest clothing can be challenging. You might need to explore different sources and order from various places. This process will require time and it may take you a little longer to figure out the best places to shop in your area.

You can begin by exploring online retailers, as there are many specialising in modest fashion. This is an excellent starting point for your search, offering a wide selection of clothing options. Additionally, consider checking out thrift stores. These places often hide hidden gems (just be sure to inspect the clothing carefully before purchasing, as they may not be in perfect condition). Many vintage clothing items tend to align naturally with modest fashion. For example, while low-rise trousers are almost ubiquitous now, most trouser styles from the 90s and earlier were high-rise, offering better modesty when sitting or bending. Even maxi skirts, which tend to fall well above the ankle in modern fashion, can be found in full ankle-length versions when they are vintage. Lastly, don't be afraid to alter clothing. If you come across a garment that you love but you feel is not quite modest enough, you can always have it altered. A skilled tailor can lengthen a skirt, close a split, or raise the neckline of a dress to suit your modesty preferences - for a reasonable price.

Prioritise quality

A well-structured, high-quality garment drapes beautifully on the body, creating an elegant silhouette. Conversely, a low-quality garment fits poorly, develops wrinkles in the wrong places, and can make you appear frumpy. Before buying any garment, pay close attention to the fabric. High-quality clothing is crafted from well-made fabrics that offer durability and are wrinkle resistant (exception to linen). Steer clear of clothes constructed from cheap, synthetic materials. Inspect the stitching carefully, ensuring it is even and free from loose threads or wrinkling at the seam. Think about the fit; clothing should comfortably embrace your body and enhance your figure without drowning you out or being too tight.

Although investing in high-quality clothing may entail a higher upfront cost, these items will outlast and outshine their cheaper counterparts in the long run. Ultimately, you will save money by acquiring fewer, better-quality pieces. It's worth noting that designer clothes do not always equate to superior quality. In fact, it's not uncommon to encounter 100% polyester garments from major design houses. Opting for non-branded items made from quality fabric often proves preferable to choosing branded items crafted from synthetic materials.

Stay in sync with the current style and trends

Have you ever noticed how high school pictures from the 1950s and 1960s show teenagers who look much older than today's teenagers? We perceive them as looking older because their clothing and grooming are the same as those of their older counterparts today. This phenomenon highlights the importance of updating our style and dressing in a more contemporary fashion. Of course, this is not an invitation to become trend addicts, but keeping our fashion and personal styling current can help us look less outdated and frumpy.

Even if you are wearing a wardrobe staple like an Abaya, give it an update by opting for contemporary colours, prints, and accessories. By harmonizing your modest fashion with current trends, you'll strike the perfect balance between timelessness and being on-trend.

These students were in their senior year in 1965, so they would have been aged 17-18! But most of them appear much older.

Select the right hijab colour

Selecting garments in the right colour palette for your skin tone is a game-changer. The best quality, most beautifully cut outfit can make you look tired or washed out if it's in the wrong colour.

This is even more important for hijabis because the hijab quite literally forms the backdrop to our face. So, opt for colours that neither clash nor blend into your skin but rather complements it and harmonize with your undertones. Alternatively, you can use the hijab as part of your styling for the outfit. For example, Saint Laurent Fall 2023-2024 showcased chic tartan shawls. This could be adapted for modest fashion by wearing a tartan print hijab (in your right colour palette).

Saint Laurent ready to wear show 2023-2024 featured velvet and tartan print shawls. These could be adapted for a contemporary modest style by wearing these fabrics as hijabs.

TLDR

In conclusion, dressing modestly does not require sacrificing style or succumbing to the notion of looking frumpy. Modest fashion is a means of expressing your individual style while upholding modesty, and it can be a bold and glamorous choice. To achieve this, it's essential to identify your personal style, explore different sources for modest clothing, prioritize quality over quantity, and remain attuned to current fashion trends. Additionally, selecting the right colours that complement your skin tone and matching your modest fashion with contemporary accessories can elevate your overall look and keep it fresh and relevant. The most crucial element, is to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. When you radiate self-assurance and comfort, your outward appearance will naturally reflect this inner confidence.