Modest fashionistas these pieces are more than clothes: they are identity statements, forms of worship, and expressions of style. Women have worn hijabs and abayas for generations, but how these pieces are styled is constantly evolving, giving way to new looks each season. Whether you’re a seasoned hijabi or abaya wearer, or even just discovered modest fashion, here are the dos and don’ts of the hijab and abaya.
Understanding the Hijab: A Symbol of Modesty and Grace
The word hijab means ‘curtain’ or ‘veil’ in Arabic and refers to a headscarf worn by many Muslim women. It is meant to cover hair and neck while the face is supposed to be left clear. The hijab has therefore always had a conservative and private meaning. At the same time, it can look very elegant and act as a fashionable head accessory. The hijab comes in different styles and can be made of different materials and in various colours to suit the event or outfit.
Types of Hijabs:
Pashmina Hijab: Very warm and pretty thick, this hijab is perfect for cooler weather and you can wear it many ways.
Jersey Hijab: Super soft, stretchy, and breathable in an everyday fit.
Chiffon Hijab: The most elegant of all hijabs, these are formal and informal.
Silk Hijab: Silk hijabs are luxurious and smooth, and would be a nice choice to wear during a special event or adding some sophistication to your outfit.
The Abaya: A Timeless Garment of Modesty
A long, flowing cloak, usually floor-length, that covers the body is worn by women in the Middle East. The garment is called ‘abaya’ and it is a term that is traditionally used to refer to women wearing modest clothes, covering them all over the body.
The abaya could be worn over other clothes to protect against cold or poor-quality garments underneath. Today, abayas are designed and marketed in different styles from the Conservative, traditional style to the modern, embellished design to cater for women’s needs in expressing their personal style, while practicing cultural and religious values.
Popular Abaya Styles:
Classic Black Abaya: The quintessential abaya, known for its simplicity and elegance.
Embroidered Abaya: Features intricate designs and patterns, making it ideal for formal events.
But open abaya, designed to be layered over other clothes, which can be buttoned up or left open.
Kaftan Abaya: the style gets its name from the traditional kaftan and tends to be more voluminous and has wider sleeves.
How to Perfectly Pair Your Hijab and Abaya
Choosing the right hijab to go with your abaya varies often from matching colours – rather, it’s all about coordination and how you creatively pair each piece together to complement the other. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
1. Color Coordination
Monochrome Look: If you choose a hijab and an abaya in the same colour, you will achieve a chic monochrome look. eg a beige hijab with a beige abaya will look instantly chic.
Colour Blocking: If you’d like to stray from the classic black-abaya-white-hijab combination, chose a hijab in a colour contrast with your abaya. A bright red hijab with a black abaya, for example, makes for a stand out combination.
Abaya Accent: If your abaya features embroidery or embellishments, try matching your hijab to those elements. This small detail will tie the whole look together.
2. Fabric Play
Heavy vs Light: Balance a heavy, bejewelled abaya with a light, floaty hijab. For example a chiffon hijab can look good with a velvet or brocade abaya.
Texture Mix:By mixing contrasting textures. Add a touch of glamour to your look by pairing soft and smooth silk with a textural linen abaya.
Seasonal Considerations: Consider the season. Pick wool hijab for winter and cotton or linen abaya for summer.
3. Pattern Pairing
Solid with Print: A printed hijab can become overwhelming so match it with a solid coloured abaya to create a good balance.
Printed Abaya and Solid Hijab: If your abaya is the focal piece, keep your hijab simple. A plain hijab accentuates the attention to the abaya.
Pattern Askew: still experimental, but less arduous than pattern mixing. This look depends on getting the proportions right, so try on separates and swap between work and weekend bags to make sure the two pieces sit in relation to each other. / ( ( ( ( Pattern Mixing: for the adventurous, pattern mixing is still a fun look – get the colour tonality right and a clash results.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
1. Casual Day Out
For days when you want to look fashionable but feel like relaxing – for instance, a veiled brunch session in a villa – I proffer a relaxed Fit: choose an open abaya and partner it with a jersey hijab. Beige, olive and other natural tones work well.
Pop of Colour: If wearing a neutral hijab, consider an injection of colour to give your ensemble some personality and brighten it up. Add this bright piece to a coat or abaya.
2. Work or Professional Setting
Structured outfit: Select an abaya with a more tailored fit, opting for a belted or buttoned style, and pair it with a neutral hijab. Navy, grey or black work well for a professional look.
Minimalist Accessories: Have only a few accessories that are minimal and subtle. Put on a simple watch or a dainty bracelet to accent your look without over-powering it.
3. Special Occasions
Crown Jewels: This abaya is all about making a grand entrance and creating a luxurious impact in an elegant way. The look is not abrasive nor showy. It’s for a woman who appreciates simplicity. All photos courtesy Lolá Montez
Jootis: If you’re visiting a friend’s place, pack a pair of shoes called jootis, which have a pointed toe and a flat heel. Wayfarer shades: nothing ruins a photo quite like squinting eyes. Add a pair of cool practical wayfarer shades to your collection.
Current Trends in Hijab and Abaya Fashion
Modesty fashion changes all the time as we have new designs available for each season. I will mention some of the latest hijab and abaya trends.
1. Pastel Palettes
Soft pastel colours, such as blush pink, lavender and mint green, are the latest trend in modest fashion and a hit for spring and summer, bringing a fresh new youthful vibe to your outfit.
2. Minimalist Designs
Public spaces, even shopping malls are getting filled with simple clean lines and undecorated, unfussy abayas. Musical instruments suffer too. Those with loud, obtrusive sounds such as drums and trombones are increasingly shunned in favour of gentle, unobtrusive ones such as qanun and accordions. This is especially true if the pieces are Western, with the absence of maqam-sas (Arabic musical scales). Minimalist aesthetic values are congenial to the moderation camp. You can look elegant and sophisticated without attracting attention or disturbing anyone else.
3. Layered Abayas
Abayas with layered or tiered looks add volume and interest, so are perfect for special events, or any time you want to make an impression.
4. Bold Prints
Tried and true are the solid colours but the bolder prints are having a moment too – in particular with the hijabs. Florals, geometrics and abstract prints can make your look a bit more contemporary.
Conclusion
The hijab and abaya are not just fashion pieces but also symbols of religion, identity and personal style. By learning how to mix them with each other and with clothes underneath, you can create outfits that are modestly fashionable. Whether dressing for a day out, an office or an occasion, a well-chosen hijab and abaya combination will yield clothes that are neat, chic, modest and true to you.