Top 4 Modern Islamic Fashion Styles You'll Absolutely Adore
Staying in style and keeping up with trends in fashion have become relatively daunting for Muslim women now more than ever. Despite the industry becoming more inclusive every passing year, it may still seem like there are very limited choices in Islamic fashion style for the modern Muslim woman.
The good news is that modest fashion has become on-point in the past few years and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. That means you don’t need to forgo fashion styling to stay true to your beliefs or vice versa.
What you do need is to know these top four modern Islamic fashion styles from your favorite Arabian fashion designers and international brands next time you shopping in Doha, Qatar:
A Crown of Modesty The hijab is one of the core elements in Islamic fashion. Worn by some Muslim women outdoors (or around other male members of the family), this veil usually covers the head down to the chest. But in recent years, more and more hijabis opt for another variation of the head accessory, in the form of a turban. Now, the half-turban-half-traditional-hijab hybrid is making waves in Islamic fashion. Some may even call it the “crown of modesty.” This is an excellent alternative if you’re planning to mix up your usual Islamic clothing ensemble. Where to Get Them A couple of Arabian fashion stores in Doha Festival City carry a line of lovely hijabs and its variations. This includes Kashkha, which has a wide range of colors (from earthy tones to darker shades or pastels) and styles such as the square, rectangle, and ready-to-wear hijab. Down-to-Earth Cover-Up Another key piece found in the Islamic garment section is the abaya, which most Muslim women have worn for centuries. Although considered a traditional garment in the community, abayas have been updated through the years. In fact, they now come in many modern variants, from down-to-earth and classic styles to brighter, more stand-out designs. Abayas have become a prime choice for many people in the Middle East, not just Muslims. Some are made with textured materials for special occasions, while others come in different colors to suit women’s daily needs. They even double as a cover-up during hot summers, when wearing a coat simply isn’t practical. Where to Get Them You can find some great abaya selections at Al Motahajiba and Lamsat Harayer, located on the first floor of Doha Festival City. Al Motahajiba sells abayas for all occasions and ages. They have some designed for adults during special occasions and daily wear, as well as ones tailored specifically for teenagers. Meanwhile, Lamsat Harayer’s selections are more formal-looking, with black, grey, and neutral tones being the common theme across their collections. They have colored abayas as well, though the selection leans more towards earthy colors than brighter hues. There are a couple of vibrant options available at Kashkha, located on the first floor of Doha Festival City. They also have jackets and kimonos, and even nightwear designed around modest fashion. The No-Frills Empire Waist Empire waist dresses are more common than pants in the Islamic culture. But did you know they are also a great choice during lazy days? With empire waist dresses, you simply dress up and go — no extra frills and fuss. This type of dress has become a crowd favorite in many Muslim countries because it is easy to wear, needs minimal effort to style, and accentuates the waist to flatter most figures modestly. You can even use it for any occasion, be it formal or casual, depending on the pattern and style you choose. Where to Get Them Kashkha also has several gorgeous pieces that fall into this category, some sporting floral patterns and ornate Islamic geometric prints, while others are designed for more formal occasions. In addition, you can visit the Doha Festival City department stores for more brands and selections for Arabian women’s clothing in Doha. Business-Formal Minus the Stereotype Despite what others think, versatility is the core of Islamic fashion. What modern Muslim women wear to the office today breaks stereotypes and, ultimately, helps them stand out. Whether you’re headed to a job interview, leading a corporate project, or proposing a company merger, you can do so in style with formal pants, a cool blazer, and a tucked-in shirt (plus your hijab, as needed). There is no need to stick only to pencil skirts, tight blouses, and any other stereotype regarding the way women in the professional world dress. All you need is to bring your confidence, skills, and competence to accomplish what you wish to achieve. Where to Get Them Visit our department stores, including Harvey Nichols Doha, for a wide range of options in the formal and office attire department. You can also get your business-formal ensembles from Gerry Weber, Adolfo Dominguez, Zara, and other clothing stores inside Doha Festival City. Beyond the Stereotype and Status Quo Today, modern Islamic fashion goes beyond stereotypes and the status quo, but still stays true to the individual’s culture and beliefs. Use this article as a guide when updating your wardrobe and find a style that suits you – and everything about you – perfectly. Not sure what to wear? Browse our website for more fashion ideas or visit Doha Festival City in your free time. (Images courtesy of Kashkha)