My Modest Take

For the longest time, modesty felt very black and white. If it was not long sleeve or ankle length, it was easy to rule it out, well at least that is how I saw it for a long time. I’ve learnt that modest dressing doesn’t have to strip away style. Through layering and under layering it can introduce texture and contrast, creating a sense of intention.

“The fun in dressing is layering pieces that tell a story about you.” — Ines de la Fressange

What is Modest Dressing?

Okay, but let’s first look closer at modest dressing. Saying “I dress modestly” can be as vague as saying “I like prints”. The question is always what kind, and how is it expressed?

Modest dressing is not one fixed look. it shows up in different ways and is shaped by personal, cultural, and religious choices. For some, it simply means covering the shoulders and wearing hemlines below the knee. For others, it may mean covering the bust or choosing to avoid mini dresses. And then there are people like me, where modest dressing includes wearing the hijab. And my approach to modesty is rooted in long sleeves, ankle length hemlines, and relaxed silhouettes that do not cling to the body. From there, I focus on balance through tailoring, texture, and styling, keeping everything aligned with my personal style.

This is what modest dressing looks like for me. 

Trends Without Compromise

Trends still exist within modest dressing, they just show up differently. Not always in the pieces themselves, but in how they are styled and reworked. I’ve always been drawn to lace, trims, soft sheers, little details that feel romantic. Sometimes it means reworking a piece through layering, other times it shows up in quieter details, a bandana tied at the hip, lace trims, a chiffon poncho or subtle detailing on a shirt. It may be understated, but it’s still present, allowing space to experiment without feeling left out.