Stop Putting Modest Fashion into a Niche!

STOP PUTTING MODEST FASHION INTO A NICHE!

Modest fashion is not a niche and its about time the fashion industry integrates modesty into main collections rather than treating it as such. This is one of the biggest reasons of why so many people cannot relate to modest fashion, even though they still prefer coverage and its why I started my brand – RIA Line. We are seeing the rise of Tik Tok’s and Reels from influences all around the world showing us how to make the very clothes their non-modest friends are wearing modest – thank you. Huge fashion labels such as Dolce & Gabanna, Louis Vuitton and Max Mara have released modest collections that are nothing like their main collections which is understandable in this booming billion-dollar industry. But brands focus so much on full coverage that the style is lost and so no longer appeals to a fashionable crowd, unless you live in the Middle East or are going to a wedding that is. The digital generation need strong “fits” and “OOTD” and this modern modest community wants to attract attention on and offline. I have always believed there is a way to be fashionable and modest for those that prefer more coverage and explain more below.

Is modest fashionable?

The quick answer is YES, I mean do you even know there are Modest Fashion Weeks in the world!! On a practical note, it's all about clever styling. I believe those who wear modest fashion are actually educated stylists, they have had to be in order to make mainstream fashion work for them. If you are lucky, you may have had a big sister, a cool mum or even a cool aunt that you got inspiration from. If like me, you had no one then read on for all the tips and tricks I have learnt over the years in how I incorporate mainstream trends as a modest woman.

What is modest fashion?

Let’s start with talking about what modest fashion really is. I have found the word modest to be subjective, it means different things to everybody and who are we to say if something is modest or not? People’s cultures, religions, families and personal preference all shape what they believe the word modest to be. For example, it is fair to say the royal family have a modest approach to their appearance but someone who dresses even more modestly may disagree. However, there is a consensus belief in modest dressing, it is for anyone who doesn’t like revealing too much skin and overall prefers a longer or looser fit to their clothes.

Who is a fashionable person?

I would say this is a stylish person, someone who has a bold sense of fashion. S/he knows what looks good on them and often incorporates trends to their outfits. It can be as simple as your friend who always wears the best jeans and layers them perfectly for any occasion or someone that looks like they have just walked out of a fashion magazine. However, most fashionable people tend to have one thing in common and that’s confidence. The confidence to try out trends, to style pieces together, to go bold with their choices and not worry what others think. Repeat after me “I LOVE ME”

So, can YOU be modest and fashionable?

I am going to be honest here, the reason why I separated the two above is that in my experience modest fashion and mainstream fashion do not always align with each other, there is a disconnect. Fashion and modesty are often seen as opposing forces in the world of style. Modern perception of fashion tends to prioritise boldness, exposure and the breaking of traditional norms. In contrast modesty is associated with conservatism, simplicity and adherence to more reserved standards of dress. You see if something is trending in mainstream fashion it may not be suitable for modest women. For example, lately we have been seeing a lot of sheer clothing which is unsuitable for modest women. On the opposite side, sometimes modest fashion is so focused on covering everything it loses its trendiness and follows its own fashion path entirely. This can put off some people from wanting to dress modestly, they can feel boring or don’t want to look out of place in a world where they just want to fit in. Personally, I do believe it is possible to balance both modesty and fashion and it's about time both were realigned together. We can look fashionable without sacrificing our personal values and beliefs. So how can we do this?

1.      Embrace layers

Layering is the most powerful tool a modest woman can possess. With the correct layering techniques, you can make any garment modest:

Vests, full sleeved vests, sleeveless vests, t-shirt style vests you need them all. These are the ultimate undergarments for most but especially for modest women. You can use the full sleeved vests under tops or dresses that don’t have sleeves or you can wear a sleeveless style under an abaya. Vests are great when the neckline is too low and they can even be worn on its own, the possibilities are endless. Check our RIA Line’s Modest Solution wear that brings us coverage solutions to access main fashion, they are all high neck and super soft, think of them as the modest skims we all need.

Cardigans and Blazers: An easy hack to wear on top of bottoms that may be a little fitted is to wear a longer top. An oversized blazer can balance your outfit out perfectly, you can wear trainers, chunky loafers or even heels with this fail-safe outfit. Ria Line has introduced snippets of their Afsheen jogger set in a luxurious buttery soft fabric you will want to live in. The top has a length that falls below your bottom to give you a modest street style look and if that wasn’t enough it even has some bling!

Scarves, shawls, hijabs: Some people like to wear a shawl across their necks and chest whereas others want to cover their heads in order to be more modest. Whatever your preference they look elegant and come in a range of patterns and colours to suit all your moods.

Slip dresses: I remember a time when sheer dresses used to come with a slip, not now! Now we have to find a slip separately and most of the slips are shorter in length and have strappy tops which are not suitable for modest women as you can still see our shoulders and the bottoms of our legs. Within RIA Line’s Modest Solution Wear there are long length comfortable under dresses which are maxi length and high neck useful for any mainstream dresses hen the back is too low or its completely sheer. You can also wear these modest slip dresses on their own or layered under an abaya. Simple and genius.

Leggings: I grew up wearing leggings underneath everything! They were an easy fix to dresses or skirts that were shorter in length or had splits. Fast forward and everyone still loves leggings. Leggings are usually opaquer than tights but both can provide you with coverage under any mainstream dress or skirt you find in the shops. Don’t by shy to show the legging either wear it proud to show you don’t believe in limitations!

Oversized/long T-shirts: If you want an easy modest street look or a modest holiday outfit then you know you will need a loose t-shirt. Many of my modest friends used to wear their husbands’ t-shirts on our summer breaks as they were looser and longer. Ria Line’s has already shown the famous Materialistic T-shirt on the gram, deliberately oversized, long and not even with a tiny split, it owns what people may think with no shame, because who cares if we love fashion!

Abayas: okay if you don’t own anything else an open abaya will make your outfit instantly modest. There has been a huge rise in open abayas with women wearing them mostly on jeans and tops to provide them with more modesty instantly. An abaya has long loose sleeves, maxi length and an oversized fit meaning you can chuck it on absolutely anything. I mean every modest influencer is on the abaya trend. Ria Line has recently introduced the Nyla Abaya that takes fashion trends from the catwalk mixed with Middle Eastern bling we all love.

2.     Choose the right fabric

If layering is the most important tool for us modest women, then we really need to get to know our fabrics. There is no point layering a load of thick items that will make you unnecessarily hot. In order for your outfit to look stylish the items need to drape well whilst still providing coverage. Some excellent fabric choices include:              

Cotton/linen: Cotton is breathable and lightweight therefore keeping you comfortable and cool when adding other layers on top

Crepe/Viscose: This fabric is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear with excellent moisture absorption properties. It is often textured meaning it is durable and you don’t have to worry about creases, which is a huge bonus. Pair them with your favourite t-shirt or loose shirt for a classic summer modest outfit that never goes out of style.

Satin/silk: if you are looking for an evening modest look then a maxi dress made from satin/silk will give you an elegant style. The shimmer from the fabric exudes luxury and feels soft on your skin. Ria Line has gorgeous maxi Sanaa Satin Dresses in exotic turquoise and coral pink that have full sleeves and high necks. They come with a longer zip at the back which you can easily step into after getting you glam on. Suitable for evening dinners, holidays, Eid and beyond.

Jersey/Nylon with spandex /modal: All these are great fabrics for modest undergarments such as vests as they are super comfortable, durable, stretchy and can keep you cool under all your other layers. Ria line uses premium fabrics for all the Ana Vests and dresses to ensure comfort and coverage where you need it most.

Chiffon: Chiffon is a lightweight and often sheer material. It is super flowy and so can be great in the summer months. It is quite sheer so you will have to pair it with suitable undergarments like the ones mentioned above to give you more coverage.

3.    Opt for midi and maxi lengths

Modest fashion always takes an elegant approach giving you sophistication in every outfit. Let's face it, you can never beat elegance.

Midi lengths can still look elegant and as a modest woman we can definitely make them work. For instance, in the autumn/winter months I would wear my midi length skirt/dress with longer boots. Midi lengths also work well with leggings or tights, wear with your trainers or ballet flats for a casual look.

Maxi Lengths, dresses and skirts that are maxi length give such a graceful and elegant vibe especially floor length, which was all over PFW! My personal favourite length especially if there is a huge skirt I can twirl in! Watch out for A/W2025 when the Aleesa Skirt will be released from Ria Line, and if you know this brand expect some sparkle to complete your outfit.

4.     Colours and details

Block colours can give you a bold and striking look. Wearing something in this season’s colour palette can instantly make you look fashionable, even if it’s a t-shirt.

Florals are a great way to add interest to your covered outfits.

Embellishments, as modest clothes are designed to cover choose outfits that have some embellishments to add excitement and jump on the huge maximalism trend. Take Ria Line’s Rania Rhinestone or Safwa Dress, perfect for when you want all the attention!

Accessories: if there is one thing, we don’t have to compromise on in modest fashion, it’s accessories! Add this season’s trending accessory to your modest outfit to keep you looking on trend easily.

Shoes and bags, listennn wearing a hot pair of kitten heels, chunky shoes or the latest pair of adidas with your outfit shows that this modest girl did not come to play and knows her fashion.

Conclusion

Overall modest dressing does not have to be boring, and you can still nail mainstream trends by following the tips above. Remember to have the confidence to layer items, there is no wrong way. Be creative and because your style is your expression to the world. If you still don’t feel brave enough, follow a tailored sophisticated style which is naturally more conservative and therefore modest by investing in oversized blazers, straight leg trousers and A line dresses and skirts.