A decidedly stylish and more modest approach to fashion for any occasion this season
The insider trick to dressing modestly is to look for timeless silhouettes that both flatter and most importantly cover without appearing shapeless.
With the latest collections landing in stores, now is the time to shop. Fill your wardrobe with a curated selection of sartorial staples that you can quickly pull out and rework for various day or night looks.
From sharp tailored shirts to wide-leg palazzo pants, the most enduring style hits from past seasons have always been sleek yet modest – after all, how many times can a girl wear the same sequinned mini frock. Case in point, the classic maxi skirt – a star piece so versatile it can be worn all year round for a multitude of occasions, be it at the office or a special evening event.
Whether you’re after work-approved blouses or covered evening dresses, follow our essential guide to the new season items you need now. We’ll also be revealing the ultimate style tips to mastering ‘modest chic’ along with the best-dressed icons inspiring us for the season ahead.
The Style Inspiration
Modest outfit ideas from a few of our favourite fashion icons
Model-of-the-moment and Vogue Arabia’s recent cover girl Imaan Hammam is the epitome of elegance in a printed column gown with full-length sleeves.
Model and IT girl Olivia Palermo proves her style icon status in an impeccable slim-fit suit paired with boyish flats and a velvet chocker - an effortless outfit that ticks all the right boxes.
Bringing all new meaning to the term ‘fashion royalty’, HRH Queen Rania of Jordan shows exactly why she’s so often deemed one of the Arab world’s most stylish women at a recent red carpet gala.
Fashion Finds to Buy Now
The new season capsule pieces you’ll want to wear time and time again.
Gold kaftan, AED13,245, Missoni at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates
Decked in a luxurious metallic lurex, Missoni’s S/S17 kaftan is rocketing to the top of our wish list. Wear draped over daywear (think denim and casual tees) or to top off a frock for evening soirées.
Style tip: When on the hunt for a full-length covered dress or eveningwear, avoid heavy fabrics that can drown your frame and instead opt for lightweight materials such as tulle and chiffon.
Striped blouse, AED179, Mango, visit Mall of the Emirates
The perfect office-approved piece, Mango’s loose-fit striped blouse with smart cuffs and button detailing will be a love-forever staple in your closet. Team with tailored trousers or layered beneath a flowing abaya.
Black maxi skirt, AED59, H&M, visit Mall of the Emirates.
A love forever wardrobe staple, this long black skirt will be a go-to for the months ahead.
Style tip: Wear with crisp collared shirts or shrunken sweaters tucked-in at the waist for easy elegance.
* Prices shown are at the time of the visit to the mall and could change at any point.
Where to Buy the Best Abayas in Dubai
Both Mall of the Emirates and the City Centre shopping malls across the Middle East are packed with specialised shops and boutiques offering abayas, jalabiyas, shaylas and more. Ameerat (City Centre Deira) and Hanayen (City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and Mall of the Emirates) are our top picks for refined Arabian threads, while Al Motahajiba (Mall of the Emirates) presents a new spin on traditional national dress with bold colourful designs embroidered with beads and crystals.