The Holy Month is upon us and with it, virus allowing, come gatherings as we get together to break the fast. Follow our tips for Ramadan looks that manage to be both eye-catching and modest.
Day to Night
This look will take you from office to Iftar without looking overdone. So, if you have an informal get together with family and friends, this is the look for you. Show off your fashion chops with one of the summer’s most sophisticated pieces, the full-length pleated skirt in a dark colour. Add a top in a luxe fabric or with interesting details to balance the sobriety of the lower layer. Classic flats coupled with eye catching jewellery and a mini bag – another of the season’s hot trends – will complete your look.
Fabulously Fierce
OK, so in our climate, you probably don’t want to go all-out with both a heavyweight suit and a cloak – though they do look rather fab. Adapt the look to suit both our climate and your style with an equally gorgeous suit featuring either a bustier, like this one from Rubeus Milano, or a waistcoat, another of summer’s coming trends. Top it with a cover-up tunic or open-fronted abaya and add to the glamour with statement footwear and accessories.
Embroidered Elegance
A lightweight embroidered overshirt/coat is a useful wardrobe addition all year round but comes in particularly handy during Ramadan when good manners suggest shoulders should be covered. This example, from Mango, will allow you to wear a skimpy top underneath. Pair with plain trousers – either wide legs or skinnies – to let the embroidery do the talking. We’ve gone for the satin-red killer heels but this look would be equally at home with kitten heels for important daytime meetings.
Floaty and Feminine
Going girlie doesn’t have to mean boring. Channel the ethereal vibe seen at Chloe with a lightweight, full-length dress like this one from Iris & Ink. Preserve modesty and add interest with a metallic cami (though you won’t need it with this gorgeous full frock from Ted Baker). Platform sandals add height and drama while choosing interesting accessories such as a quirky handbag and jewellery will give this look some extra oomph.
Black Beauties
If you are attending or planning a more formal Iftar, you can’t go wrong with black. It leans toward the traditional while still looking dressy and confident. Both the Coach dress and the M&S separates blend different textures to lift the sombre mood and you can drive things up another notch with a slash of bold red lippie to enhance your sparkling accessories.
Bold and Beautiful
Dressing modestly doesn’t have to mean forsaking bright colours. More and more designers are catering to the modest segment of the fashion market, which means ever increasing choice. For bold brights, the Ramadan capsule from Leem gets full points. Dulled metallic shoes won’t detract from your plumage and will work with just about anything in your wardrobe. And, your bag can either pick up one shade from your dress or go neutral, another great multitasker.
Carefree Kaftans
Whether out and about or relaxing safely with family at home, kaftans are the ideal garment for both comfort and style. Loose and flowing, they are perfect for our weather all year round. This option from H&M really leads the way with its casual lines and gorgeous pattern. Funky cropped pants, like these from Henna Mehndi, will add interest to a tunic. And, if you’re feeling the mood, go all-out with glam accessories.
Amazing Abayas
To steal a famous phrase, abayas are for life, not just for Ramadan. We may be more familiar with mostly plain black everyday coverings, but the Holy Month provides the perfect excuse to shake things up a little. This stunning abaya/dress combo from Shaikha Hend was shown at Dubai Fashion Week to great acclaim. But you don’t have to look so far – check out the gorgeous pieces from homegrown brand, Amal’s Abayas. Statement jewellery and a dusting of shimmering powder will complete the look.
