I've always dreamed of seamlessly blending the life I've grown up with the one I desire. Being able to dress modestly while still reflecting my full personality has been a long-standing goal. However, growing up, this presented a challenge. In the West, modesty isn't typically promoted, leaving me feeling uninspired by clothes that reveal more than I would like. However, upon rediscovering my love for the elegance and flow of abayas, I realized it's possible to harmonize tradition with modernity.

It was during the past Ramadan that my understanding of modesty, and my relationship with abayas, experienced a profound shift. Wearing my abaya, I felt enveloped in a sense of regality — not just due to the sparkles and charms trimming it (though they certainly played a part), but because I had asserted control over my appearance. I held the ability to reveal or conceal as I saw fit. In this empowerment, I discovered a profound beauty — a sentiment every woman deserves to embrace.

One of my main goals this Ramadan was to create my own trends, and wear my abayas comfortably without feeling like I stood out. To achieve this, I decided to pair abayas into my everyday outfits, something that is quickly growing in trends within the muslim community. Pairing my casual black top and jeans with a more vibrant abaya, shimmering in an ombre blue, elevated my outfit. To maintain cohesion, I opted for a winter hijab shade, complementing the hues of my abaya. Adding VELA's classic woven hijab in Midnight Navy enhanced my outfit while keeping it cohesive.

Another trend i've loved is prioritizing comfort within your outfits through accessories. For me, I wrap my hijab in a style that suited me best, draping effortlessly both in the front and back. Ensuring it stayed in place throughout my entire day and taraweeh, is why I relied on VELA's hijab magnets for their unmatched strength. With a flowy style like mine, it's essential to prevent unwanted movement, and a magnet at the base of my neck provides the necessary stability. Using both hijab hoops and added charms allows for an even more whimsical and adorable look to your outfits. I really enjoy pairing the moon and star charm for taraweeh, especially with my sparkly star adorned abaya. It all pairs perfectly. 

Whether it's a more embroidered abaya or a hijab color that stands out but also complements the entire look, an outfit is only complete when one feels comfortable in it. Thus, keeping my base as I would usually wear gave me the strength to adorn such a cultural piece, something that I hope to do time and time again. One of the biggest trends I've seen between various abaya companies is the growing love for pink! While black is undeniably comfortable, pink offers a refreshing change, effortlessly complementing both daytime and nighttime outfits.

The biggest trend I've noticed over the past year and continuing into this one, is the rise of linen abayas. The comfort they offer is unmatched, and in my opinion, linen is the perfect material—keeping you just the right balance of warmth and coolness during those tightly packed Taraweeh rows (mashallah). What I’ve also seen is a shift in design, with many abayas featuring detailed sleeve accents rather than the usual focus on the shoulders or back. I thought this was a refreshing, unique touch especially when experimenting with different hijab styles. 

Quite the opposite but equally as beautiful, are abayas with more elaborate sleeve detailing. These intricate designs are not only stunning but often double as a special piece for Eid. They allow for the perfect balance between elegance and modesty, making them both formal and fitting for any occasion.

In the end, the strength of women truly shines when we are free to be ourselves, unburdened by societal pressures to conform to a narrow standard of beauty. In the privacy of our homes and within our communities, we find pride and joy in our modesty, forging connections based on mutual respect rather than superficial judgments.

The choice to wear the abaya is a declaration of autonomy, self-expression, and empowerment. Muslim women who embrace modesty find strength in defying societal norms, celebrating their unique beauty that transcends the surface. Modesty, for us, is not a constraint but a source of pride, asserting our individuality in a world that often seeks to standardize and objectify. In doing so, we allow our elegance to bloom, and our inner strength to enter the room first, leaving a permanent mark on the narrative of resilience within modesty. 

And as always, no abaya outfit is complete without an iced coffee in hand :).