To celebrate Ramadan, Open for Vintage delves into the world of modest dressing – and the women championing the choice of covering up.
Modest Dressing is one of the oldest fashion subcultures. Despite popular belief, it isn’t always connected to religion-ethnic identity – it represents the choice of dressing to varying levels of coverage.
All it takes is one search of “Khaleeji” on TikTok to be flooded with content based around modest dressing – always accessorised with luxury cars, handbags, and every fine jewellery brand you can think of. This fashion began long before the TikTok trend, but accounts from young women from the MENA region, like @saudi_trends, show that modesty is a fluid concept. As these modest dressers will show that the term is completely personal, and simply defines the choice to cover one’s body.
Now, brands are taking more of an interest than ever. According to the 2022 State of The Global Islamic Economy Report, spending on ‘modest fashion’ was an astronomical 245 billion pounds globally, and is forecasted to continuously rise.
Because of this, high-street and luxury brands are chipping in with their own take on modest collections. And with the start of Ramadan, these styles are being seen more than ever. Those who celebrate often purchase new clothes to wear to celebrate Iftar and especially Eid al-Fitr – festival of breaking the fast – at the end of the 30-day period. Some luxury brands aren't focusing on their modest dressing clientele at all, but that doesn’t mean these women are turning their backs on high fashion. Instead, they’re focusing on accessories, arguably making their ensembles all the more special. Shoes, handbags, watches and fine jewellery make the perfect pieces to elevate every outfit, ideal for a month full of occasion.
A stream of modern influencers such as @hodanyousuf, @mariaalia and @zozosfits are proving that modest dressing doesn’t mean losing your personal style or sticking to a neutral colour palette. With instagram feeds that mix street style and high fashion, celebrate individuality and read like a rainbow, modest dressing is anything but boring. You’ll never see these trend-setters without vintage pieces, over-the-top bags or a stand-out piece of jewellery that lets you know they mean business. It’s these items that give each look a unique personality, elevating everyday modest dressing to something noteworthy and chic.
The combination of internet subcultures and an influx of influencers who cover up have brought about a heightened awareness, and appreciation, for modest fashion. Whether because of religious beliefs or personal preference, a woman’s choice to cover up is entirely that – her choice. And with accessories galore, modern modesty is anything but ordinary.
Shop our Elevate the Everyday edit, curated with the chicest designer pieces for pairing this Ramadan.
