Islamic Insights | Inspired by the Holy Quran and AhlulBayt

For the warm months, the fashion world has been touting the safari look, in addition to outfits with multiple textures, ruffles, metallics, sequins, and beadwork. Luckily for us, blazers, 1960's-style A-line shift dresses that can be worn over pants, and long sleeved full-length dresses are to be in store. Even better, those dresses will have more modest necklines than before.

Modesty is something we'll keep in mind as we plan our summer looks, as well as budget. While we want to carry forward our spring wardrobe into summer, we want to spend as little as possible, since these are fleeting trends. Even when incorporating trends, we plan to choose things that we would use the following year too. Rather than try and get an entire blouse embellished with sequins like in the magazines, which would be immodest as well as impractical, we will get a little bag with sequined accents. Bags and statement jewelry such as bracelets are great ways to add an update, as long as they aren't so attention-grabbing that they defeat the purpose of Hijab. Things to look for are exotic and tribal prints, butterfly motifs, fringes, and beading.

Aside from loose long dresses in light colors and in botanical prints, a long white dress will be very important this summer. Also, it will prove to be a very versatile piece, if you search for a classic design that can be worn for years to come, instead of just one which follows the trend of having ruffled detailing.

Colors to look for in the warm months include varying shades of blue and aquamarine, lime green, lemon yellow, slate grey, dusty rose, lavender, grayish-purples, and combinations of these. Bright colors such as orange, hot pink, and bright red have also been paired with neutrals by designers, but those won't suit the spirit of the Hijab-wearer in most circumstances.

The Hegab-Rehab blog has assembled a sample outfit using neutrals with green-blue accessories to freshen one's look. While Style Watch does not suggest wearing the exact pieces in these images when non-mahrams are around, this outfit could inspire a similar summer outfit, with a slitless dress and toned-down accessories. These accessories can be chosen at one’s own discretion, depending on what kind of gathering the outfit is for:

Greens

http://www.polyvore.com/untitled/set?.mid=embed&id=7711368

Also popular in summer will be short kimono-sleeved dresses and tunic kaftans, which can be worn over pants as casual wear, as can short summer dresses. Some of them might need to be hemmed in-store or at the dry-cleaners to look right when worn over pants.

Stylish Muslimah has put together a summer outfit with hints of soft gold that’s lovely to look at while being very modest. Remember though, any summer sandals would require opaque socks, as covering the feet is part of hijab, so consider choosing a different style of shoe.

GoldNeutrals

http://www.polyvore.com/gold_summer/set?.mid=embed&id=2896278

With so many Hijab-friendly options coming our way, we can't wait to find an excuse to go shopping!