In the ever-evolving fashion world, the past decades have witnessed a transformative shift in women’s empowerment through clothing choices. Revealing attire has become a narrative of women’s empowerment. However, modern times have experienced a shift. Breaking away from the narrative that intelligence or capability is linked to uncovering, women worldwide have accepted the idea that their choices are a testament to their strength.
In a society where femininity has often been related to body-revealing styles, the concept of modest clothing has faced stigmas of being labeled as “unfeminine.” However, women of today are passionately reclaiming modesty. Asserting that true empowerment lies in the freedom to express oneself through diverse fashion choices.
In this blog, we will discuss modest fashion, its evolvement, and how it ended up as a superior 2023 trend.
The Evolution Of Modest Fashion
Modest fashion isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a way of life that has stood the test of time. From religious practices to the runway, modest dressing has become a choice for many.
Modest fashion involves wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved garments that don’t reveal too much skin. People opt for modest clothing based on personal preference or often due to religious beliefs.
Islam stresses the importance of modest dressing, outlining guidance from sacred texts. This does not only stop at Islam. Other faiths, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Amish Mennonite, Orthodox Judaism, and Christianity, also stress the importance of modest dressing.
Over the years, modest fashion has played a significant role in various societies and time periods. Let’s look into modest silhouettes and what role they have played in different eras.
Islamic Empire And Modest Fashion
Modest fashion finds its roots in the eighth-century Islamic Empire. In the early days of the empire, simplicity and modesty in clothing were common, primarily driven by religious considerations. During this era, both men and women used to embrace similar styles.
Another aspect of modest clothing in the Middle East can be attributed to the region’s climate. Over centuries, the need for protection from the desert environment and intense sun has led to a continuity in garment styles.
Modest Silhouettes of The Elizabethan Era
From 1558 to 1603, Queen Elizabeth I held over England, leaving a lasting impact on fashion. Her extravagant style set trends that moved through generations. However, the Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws dictated what people could wear, limiting personal fashion choices, which were usually determined by their social status and wealth.
In this era, women’s fashion drew inspiration from men, with a popular trend being the “geometric silhouette” characterized by broad shoulders and a slim waist. Achieving this look involved layering under a floor-length gown using padding, rolls, and an overskirt attached to a bodice.
The iconic ruff was an official mark of Elizabethan fashion worn by both men and women. Worn only once due to its delicacy, the stiffness of the ruff imposed an upright posture. Today, elements of the ruff can still be seen in the modest attire of Anglican clergy.
Sleeves became a separate garment during this period, offering a variety of styles with padding and ruffles. Cloaks were popular outer garments for women, providing additional layers over long gowns. They came in diverse styles, lengths, and fits, contributing to the overall modest and fashionable Elizabethan look.
Modest Wear Of Victorian Era
Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901 marked an era of modest fashion. The Victorian clothing style was particularly modest, influenced by the perception of women as delicate beings. The emphasis on modesty aimed to protect women from unwanted attention and overbearing men, leading to the adoption of multiple layers of clothing.
During this time, women maintained a small waist, opting for long skirts that created a geometric shape on the body. High necklines on bodices and puffy sleeves were in style. The fashion choices of women mirrored Queen Victoria’s preferences and, similar to Queen Elizabeth I’s era, drew inspiration from men’s clothing.
Various accessories contributed to the modest Victorian look. The fichu, a linen handkerchief often edged with lace, was draped over the shoulders and secured into the front of the dress bodice.
Skirts of the time were floor-length, attached to the bodice, and exuded a voluptuous style.
Present Day Modest Wear
In today’s fashion scene, modest wear is stealing the spotlight like never before. What’s interesting is how the Western world, known for its bold and sometimes revealing styles, has jumped on the modest fashion bandwagon in a big way.
While modest dressing has been a thing for certain groups in the West, like religious communities, it’s now making waves across the fashion mainstream. There’s a new vibe with oversized outfits, clothes that cover up more, and a shift towards simple yet classy looks.
Similar to the stylish, covered-up styles in the East, the West is also taking part in modest wear that includes loose fits, longer hemlines, and higher necklines. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about wanting fashion that’s comfy, versatile, and not all about showing too much skin.
Designers are also catching on, and you see big names like Channel and Versace giving a nod to modest wear. They’re realizing that people want to look good without going all-out revealing.
Rebranding Modest Wear As a Trend
Modesty or modest fashion wasn’t always the go-to in fashion. However, it’s gained popularity thanks to some key fashion stars, especially Gen Z star Sophia Richie. She made oversized, neutral, and earthy-colored modest wear a new trend. Her style caught on, influencing fashion icons like Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Victoria Beckham, and more, which later influenced thousands more fashion followers.
What’s interesting is that by dressing modestly, they’re sending a message that aligns with what Muslim women and other religious people have been saying for ages. A few decades back, nobody really cared about modest fashion, but now it’s a thing. Everyone’s into clothes with big proportions, full coverage, and loose fits – and it all started because one celebrity decided to give it a shot.
It’s a bit ironic that the same people who once said modest clothes were old-fashioned are now the ones making it a trend.
Breaking Stereotypes
Just a decade ago, the idea of modest wear, like hijabs, wasn’t exactly welcome in the West. It was tough for everyday hijabi women who just wanted to live life on their terms. Choosing a modest lifestyle became a struggle in a world that wasn’t always accepting.
But in the midst of all the fuss, some Muslim influencers stepped up to break those typical stereotypes. These women showed the world that modesty is not a barrier; it’s a statement. Some of the bravest and most influential women were,
Zainab Al-Eqabi:
Zainab is the Iraqi para-athlete who decided to strut her stuff on the runway at Milan Fashion Week in 2022. She was the only hijabi turning heads at the Boss’s show, making a huge statement
Halima Aden:
Halima, the Somali American model who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp, made waves as the first hijab-wearing model, stepping onto the runway at the Yeezy Season 5 show in 2016.
Soha Taha:
Soha Taha is an influencer with over 798,000 followers on Instagram. She’s all about inspiring her fans with chic, modest styles that define that being vogue doesn’t always come with revealing attires.
Global Recognition Through Mainstream Media
The world is changing, and it’s incredible to see how mainstream media is also getting on board with the whole modest-wear trend. Thanks to social media influencers shining a light on it, even big entertainment giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime are making room for modest wear in their themes.
Popular entertainment shows like Elite, Ms. Marvel, and Homeland are breaking stereotypes left and right by featuring hijabi women characters.
And it’s not just on the screen; even in the digital world, things are getting more inclusive. Social media platforms like Snapchat and iOS have jumped in, introducing hijabs as options for female avatars. Now, Muslim women can easily pick and create characters that represent them the way they want.
It’s sudden that people have accepted that modesty isn’t just a fashion choice; it’s a way of life for many. From big screens to commoners around the world, they are opening their eyes to the beauty of diversity and inclusion. It’s a positive change, and it’s making it easier for Muslim women to be seen and heard, both online and offline.
Tips For Styling Your Modest Wear
With modest fashion becoming a superior trend, it is important to look over the complete fashion palette for Muslim women. Styling your modest wear can be both fashionable and comfortable with these essential pieces for your wardrobe.
1- Abayas:
Forget the narrative that abayas are unfashionable. Today, designers offer chic and trendy abaya dresses suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. Modern abayas come in sophisticated designs, providing an edgy appeal while embracing modest ideals. These versatile garments are a must-have for modern, modest women.
2- Kaftans:
Kaftans are a wardrobe staple, available in various styles, materials, and colors. They are incredibly versatile garments that transform from elegant wedding outfits to casual beach party ensembles.
3- Dresses:
Dresses are timeless and popular in modest fashion. You can embrace the practical and conservative nature of dresses while adding excitement and style to your look. With endless possibilities, dresses are a go-to choice for modest fashion enthusiasts.
4- Tops:
Tops are the best choice to enhance any outfit without adding much effort. Tops are perfect for layering, adding depth to your ensemble. Tops come in a variety of colors, styles, and prints, allowing you to stand out while staying on-trend.
5- Jackets:
Jackets are no longer limited to formal occasions; they can elevate your look for a date or a casual day out. Versatile and perfect for layering, jackets effortlessly enhance your modest clothing, making a stylish statement with minimal effort.
6- Skirts:
Maxi and midi skirts have been a fashion must-have for ages. They offer a simple yet stylish statement piece for your wardrobe. Skirts are easy to style and visually pleasing and complement various outfits, providing a laid-back yet charming appeal. It is an ideal choice for women who want to embrace modest fashion throughout the day.
How Does Onyx Abaya Assist In The Ongoing Modest Fashion Trend?
Onyx Abaya stands out as a prominent name in premium modest wear in the UAE, contributing significantly to the ongoing trend. Renowned for its wide collection of abaya designs, we are your go-to destination for achieving the perfect modest look. Meticulously crafted by the finest designers in the UAE, our abayas boast distinctiveness, ensuring you stand out in style.
What sets Onyx Abaya apart is not just the unique designs but also the commitment to comfort. Using high-quality fabrics and classy embellishments, we ensure that your modest wear is not only stylish but also exceptionally comfortable. The combination of unmatched design and top-notch materials makes us a reliable choice for those embracing the modest fashion trend.
For an unparalleled blend of style and comfort in your modest wear, choose Onyx Abaya. Elevate your fashion game with our exclusive abaya designs, created to redefine your modest fashion experience. Discover the perfect abaya online in Dubai with us and adorn your modest wear in style.