Cover up with style! .. we are modest yet stylish ..
Im back! This time from a new country, new culture, and new values. I lived in England for a very longtime; I don’t remember how it is
to live here. Here is Oman; my home town. I finished my University degree (finally!)
and to those of you who are still studying… hahah I can laugh at you all! I always
wanted to be able to do that, and now I can!
So by moving back home one of many differences is the way I dress! I wear an ‘Abaya’
what most people know as the boring black gown that poor Muslim women have to
wear. It’s not all that bad like they make it seem. Abaya’s can be very stylish
if the woman wearing them is stylish that is; just like when non Muslims go out
there are some stylish women and others who aren't so stylish. An Abaya is what you make
of it; and personally I love wearing it!
Firstly to love your abaya you have to be convinced with the
design of it; yes yes them long black cloths have styles n designs I promise. I like
to design my own abayas; I get inspiration from other cultures and fashions and
try adapting them to my abaya designs. I then find a good tailor who will
create what I drew and often they turn out very good!
Once you have abayas that you love and feel confident to
wear you need to focus on accessorizing and creating a fashionable look. Now
this all depends on the abaya you wear; if your
abaya is over the top keep the accessorize simple, and if your abaya is simple
go all out with the accessories. Here are three things to consider;
Necklaces and rings; Wearing a necklace will
make all the difference. Women who wear a hijab often will not wear a necklace
as they think the hijab will cover it, but to find a statement choker that’s low
enough for the hijab not to cover usually makes a look more stylish. A big
statement ring will automatically change the outfit and make it dressed up!
Shoes; shoes can be over
the top as the abaya will be covering them a lot of the time so make the time
they peek through worth it! Add an anklet on and you’ll be edgy!
Bags; Now with bags you
know your budget but I love a little bit of designer here and there! Don’t worry
if you can’t afford a designer bag. Any bag would do just make sure
it makes a statement add some colour to your outfit as your abaya is black. Customizing
is always fun and original; buy a cheap bag and add studs and stones to it make
it unique! Keep in mind Abayas usually stain a bag when they rub against it for too long so its best your bags aren't very light shades!
First Look: A funky Abaya with simple accessorizing
This abaya was tailored in a small store in Bahrain (i got the part that's on the sleeves and took it to the tailor don't be hesitant to take things you bought to them to add to your abaya), the slippers are Topshop and the bag is Michael Kors. The abaya has a lot of work done to it therefore i kept the accessories simple with a set of golden rings.
Second Look: A very plain abaya with statement accessorizing
This abaya was designed by myself and tailored in Kawashi in Oman. The blue necklace is from Forever21, the shoes are Chinese Laundry, and the bag is a Moschino. The abaya is very plain which is why i added the pop of colour by pairing the golden bag and shoes with the blue necklace.
Finally my two favorite statement pieces that can spice up any outfit are these rings. The one on the left is from Swarovski and the one on the right is by Ted Baker. Adding a large sized sparkly ring can really dress up the outfit!
So don’t hate your abaya make the best of it! It’s harder to
be stylish without an abaya. With an abaya
it’s easier to mix and match, so don’t be scared girls go for it try new
things; An abaya is a blank canvas take time with the accessorize!
Let me know how you like to style your abayas and tips you keep in mind!
Let me know how you like to style your abayas and tips you keep in mind!
Till next time keep it stylish, modest, and memorable!
Happy New Year!
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