modest

Photo: Instagram.com
Given her impressive streak of color-saturated monochrome ensembles over the years, it’s no surprise that Meghan Markle picked a striking red look for her first public speech in the United Kingdom since stepping down as senior royals two years ago. The Duchess of Sussex took the stage at the One Young World Summit in Manchester on Monday, where she addressed 2,300 delegates from over 190 countries and territories while making a strong case for modest and stylish workwear.
Photo: Instagram.com
Her outfit of choice was a Valentino co-ord, featuring the Italian brand’s collarless blouse with a tie around the neck and straight-legged trousers, both in a bright red shade. She completed her look with matching pointed-toe heels by celebrity-loved footwear label Aquazzura, minimal gold jewelry, and her signature sleek ponytail. Royal watchers were quick to note that Markle’s outfit might be a light nod to her mother-in-law Princess Diana, after her 25th death anniversary last week. The late royal was photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in a red Valentino dress for British Vogue just before she passed away in 1997.

The lovely Princess Diana in #Valentino for Vogue UK in 1997. Shot by Patrick Demarchelier pic.twitter.com/vs5zblYik0
— Valentino Garavani (@ValentinoMuseum) November 9, 2019

This is not the first time the Duchess has championed demure style in Valentino. One of her most talked-about looks this year has been an oversized all-white suit by the fashion house, which she wore to the Invictus Games in the Netherlands. Her latest look is also reminiscent of her monochrome look during her last appearance at the One Young World Summit in 2019. While she chose to wear a dress by Aritzia then, it too came in a modest silhouette and a vibrant shade of purple.
Markle in Valentino at the 2022 Invictus Games. Photo: Getty
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Photo: Instagram.com
Newlywed Jennifer Lopez is embracing summer florals with open arms on her honeymoon with husband Ben Affleck. Currently in Paris, the newly-minted 53-year-old star was spotted in the City of Lights wearing not one, but three breezy dresses in the happy print, with the standout being a beautiful modest number.
Photo: Instagram.com
While most of Lopez’s honeymoon looks have been casual, this particular one leaned more on the glamorous and formal side and offered inspiration for demure dressing in the summer at the same time. The singer wore the romantic dress for a dinner date at Plénitude ahead of her birthday, which came with blush pink flowers intermingled with shining gold leaves on a cream fabric. The full-length piece featured long balloon sleeves and pleated detailing on the bodice, as well as metallic embellishment on the neckline, making the dress occasion-appropriate. Lopez accessorized the look with a gold Dolce & Gabbana box purse, flower-shaped stud earrings, and bracelets. For her beauty look, the star went for an elegant updo with curtain bangs framing her face, and glowing, rosy cheeks paired with a nude lip.
Other floral dresses worn by Lopez on her honeymoon include a corseted off-white dress with dainty flowers and another with a larger, 50s-style print. Her low-key, yet chic wardrobe for sightseeing in Paris arm-in-arm with Affleck also included a bold monochrome number—a bright fuchsia dress with a keyhole neckline, which she paired with a pink Valentino Garavani bag and nude platform heels.

Check out all of Jennifer Lopez’s Paris honeymoon looks so far.
Photo: Instagram.com
Photo: Instagram.com
Photo: Instagram.com
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Rawdah Mohamed in Alberta Ferretti. Photo: Instagram.com/albertaferretti
Among all the noteworthy looks seen on models and actors at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, Rawdah Mohamed ensured that the modest fashion side of things was more than covered. The hijab-wearing Somali model attended the event on two separate days, in distinct and equally stunning outfits.

At the star-studded amFar Gala, Mohamed’s appearance championed Arab designers as she opted for a dazzling number by Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika. The blue dress came with silver embellishment all over, which the Oslo-based model matched with a metallic silver headscarf and square-toed heels. What took her look to the next level were the dress’ sleeves, made entirely of a long cape of feathers, and Mohamed was seen flaunting them at the gala for Instagram.
The next day, the former Vogue Arabia cover star attended the premiere of Mother and Son (Un Petite Frère) matching the red carpet in the best possible way. Wearing a bold shade of red from head to toe, Mohamed’s look for the day featured a double-breasted pantsuit from Alberta Ferretti, the brand known for its sharp women’s tailoring. The model went for a monochrome look with a red top tucked under high-waisted wide-leg bottoms and topped with an oversized jacket. Contrasting her red hijab, Mohamed wore a diamond necklace with green stones by Pasquale Bruni.

While there are a few good ways to complement your bright red outfit with your makeup look, Mohamed clearly took the bold route with her glam, courtesy of Pat McGrath. Her makeup came with a hint of red eyeshadow blended into the crease, a classic black winged liner, and the highlight, a matte red lip.
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The fall 2022 season of New York Fashion Week seemed to cover nearly every aspect of modest dressing. With comfort as the major underlying tone with most collections, as is the case with post-pandemic fashion, pieces came in demure and loose silhouettes. At Proenza Schouler, a head-covered Bella Hadid may have garnered the most attention, but there were also long skirts, dresses, and tailored suits. Brandon Maxwell offered various styling tips with its collection, which included full skirts paired with knitted sweaters, shirt dresses with jeans, and the star of them all: a blanket shawl that doubles as a cozy and stylish wrap.
Pushing boundaries with edgier looks, Eckhaus Latta sent pieces with fun fabrics and slits down the runway, including two looks that will speak to anyone who doesn’t associate modest with boring. Altuzarra‘s collection toed the line on fall fashion and featured an abundance of outerwear with shearling collars for extra warmth, long wool skirts, and the standout sequin dresses, one of which was paired with a peacoat. If post-COVID-19 style means fewer sweatpants and more dressing up to you, a few designers also presented their take on maximalist style this season. Cue Carolina Herrera’s Wes Gordon-created pieces for the woman who “want the wow from Herrera”. Think, playful and colorful designs combined with refined glamour in coat dresses, dramatic full sleeves, and other 60s style silhouettes. Naeem Khan took the sentiment a step further in stretch sequined dresses, and evening wear jumpsuits, as well as caped dresses.
Below, take a look at our edit of the best modest looks from New York Fashion Week Fall 2022 Ready-to-Wear.
Proenza Schouler
Brandon Maxwell
Eckhaus Latta
Altuzarra
Carolina Herrera
Tory Burch
Proenza Schouler
Eckhaus Latta
Brandon Maxwell
Altuzarra
Naeem Khan
Helmut Lang
Carolina Herrera
Michael Kors
Batsheva
Michael Kors
Naeem Khan
Read Next: The 23 Best Modest Looks from the Spring/Summer 2022 Couture Season

Photo: Instagram.com/rawdis
There was a time when modest dressing had a reputation synonymous with dull and drab clothing, but this is no longer the case. As more and more hijab-wearing and demurely dressed women enter the fashion space, modest style inspiration abounds. Case in point: Somali model Rawdah Mohamed, who recently made a case for a fun ensemble in a pattern few would dare to wear head-to-toe.
The Vogue Scandinavia fashion editor opted for a full-sleeved dress doused in black and white checks, and making a bold choice, paired it with flared pants in the same dizzying print. While the two pieces were essentially the same in pattern, the slight difference in the color and size of the checks is what made the outfit work and noteworthy. The Oslo-based model completed the look with a white headscarf and green lace-up platform boots and chose to go without any accessories to help the playful pieces stand out.

In another post, Mohamed can be seen keeping warm outdoors by topping the outfit off with a long black coat draped over her shoulders, or wearing a sleeveless cream-colored knitted turtleneck over the dress. For those wishing to go big with a print like this—which can also be toned down when needed—it’s time to take a page out of the model’s book with this styling trick.
Read Next: Rawdah Mohamed Gave Modest Ski Dressing a Bold Spin in This Scarlet Red Ensemble

Modest designs are not uncommon in fall/winter collections. However, as appreciation for demure style transcends the Middle East more and more each season, some of this one’s standout pieces happened to be modest. Dior‘s sheer and whimsical dresses were juxtaposed with a generous number of head-to-toe tweed ensembles, full skirts, and even a hooded cloak. At Iris van Herpen, the house known for its cut-out panels and 3D silhouettes, the Dutch designer offered a structured yet still feminine and covered dress. A lesson on minimalism in modest-wear came from Lebanese label Maison Rabih Kayrouz, as its six-piece collection included two timeless looks in neutral tones. The first, a camel-colored poncho over wide-legged trousers is studded with thread-tied and gold-dipped shells, while the second is a black coat and trousers combo with the coat featuring hand-tied velvet fringe. On the more glamorous side, Zuhair Murad delivered a Venice-inspired three-piece ensemble in velvet and dripping with crystals, and design-duo Viktor & Rolf created a majority of their collection with a patchwork of various fabrics to create maximalist modest gowns fulfilling royal fantasies.
Click through the gallery above to see the best modest pieces to come out of the couture fall/winter 21-22 collections.
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Helen Nonini wearing a Vivia For Love By Vivia Ferragamo suit, an Altalen turban with Fornasetti Fabrics, and Pomellato Jewels (worn throughout). Photographed by Sandra Bourhani, Jenia Broggi, and Francesca Todde
Day playbook
When Milan-based Helen Nonini launched her consultancy agency H.Edge in 2015, it was with the vision to fill a niche that she could credibly and creatively cover. “We bring out the best of a company’s key assets, then shape them to better fit present and future challenges,” she explains about her platform that specializes in brand experiences and image. “We started in remote working mode, without offices. Paperless without business cards, and above all developing a model that would empower young talents – especially women,” she says. Nonini started her career in investment banking and private equity while passing through fundraising and non-profit sectors. Upon leaving the financial world, she landed the role of head of operations at luxury concierge service company Quintessentially. Equipped with contacts that she’s fostered over the years, she now enchants clients with her intuitive solutions. “I’m working with the main financial institutions of the country alongside supporting the top Italian institute for independent clinical research; a high-quality delivery service; and an online fashion marketplace connecting young and talented designers that do not have distribution channels to worldwide consumers,” she shares. In addition to H.Edge, her professional balancing act also includes partnerships for two startups that focus on mental health and yoga.
Helen Nonin wear in an Altalen turban and Caftanii Kaftan. Photographed by Sandra Bourhani, Jenia Broggi, and Francesca Todde.
A tour of turbans
Nonini has a serious presence, in part because of a specific signature – her turbans. How many exactly? “I have more than 100 turbans and I love them all because they are one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says of her headwear, all handmade by Milanese milliner Altalen. Bold in shapes, patterns, and colors, her turbans are an extension of her style. “I’m effortless in my approach because I follow my instinct and try to always feel at ease,” says the Pomellato brand ambassador, wearing a coordinating pastel Pucci pajama set and complementing silk turban. She relies on Massimo Alba shirts, Nasco Unico blazers, dresses by Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni, and Stephan Janson, and Fratelli Rossetti flats to sail her through the spring season.
A Caftanii Kaftan and Officina Del Poggio bag. Photographed by Sandra Bourhani, Jenia Broggi, and Francesca Todde.
Jubilant jewelry
The entrepreneur’s style approach to minimal cuts with flashes of color also applies to her jewelry collection. A Pomellato Nudo necklace and Iconica chain link bracelet soften her aesthetic of strong architectural lines, as do her Nudo rings featuring a flash of bright stones. Her grandfather’s watch adds a touch of bygone-era charm to her everyday looks.
Pants and slippers by Toile Society. Photographed by Sandra Bourhani, Jenia Broggi, and Francesca Todde.
Signature scent
Hydration is key to Nonini’s daily beauty regimen, and Santa Maria Novella Vitamin Cosmetic Oil occupies space on her vanity alongside Augustinus Bader, Helena Rubinstein, and Mi-rê creams. With Egyptian-Iranian roots from her mother’s side and Italian on her father’s side, her approach to fragrance is ingrained through her heritage. “Being born and raised in the Middle East has influenced my use of essences,” she says. She creates her own bespoke scent by layering six different perfumes and oils.
In a Loretta Caponi outfit, with Loretta Caponi guest towels. Photographed by Sandra Bourhani, Jenia Broggi, and Francesca Todde.
Food for the soul
“My favorite restaurant in Milan is Soulgreen,” shares Nonini, pointing to its healthy food and atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Garibaldi district, the restaurant with its exposed beam ceiling and lush greenery is known for a vegan menu of smoothies and quinoa or rice bowls bursting with a medley of fresh vegetables. Meanwhile, you’ll catch Nonini in the artistic district of Brera peeking over a menu at Osteria Stendhal for its contemporary and traditional Milanese cuisine. Asian Mood is her go-to for dim sum, while Davide Oldani is her destination for a multisensory gastronomical experience.
Nonini wearing an Altalen turban with Emilio Pucci fabrics, with shoes and outfit also Emilio Pucci, and jewels by Pomellato. Photographed by Sandra Bourhani, Jenia Broggi, and Francesca Todde.
Unplug and unwind
Nonini unfolds her day with a routine. “I open my windows, turn on some music and send my friends songs,” she says. “Letting the light in and giving rhythm to my day helps me approach my activities with a good vibe.” Another fundamental aspect of her day is devouring a good book by candlelight. Currently on her nightstand are Illusions by Richard Bach and The Soul’s Code by James Hillman. She herself is the author of business novel Professione Problem Solver. Meanwhile, spending time outdoors is what grounds Nonini. “I love nature, long walks in the countryside, and spending time at Lake Como – it’s a place I’m strongly and emotionally tied to,” she notes, adding, “Meditation, exercise, and massages are always done with my phone off to be disconnected from the rest of the world, but connected with myself.”
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Originally published in the April 2021 issue of Vogue Arabia

Halima Aden, Ikram Abdi Omar, and Amina Adan. Photographed by Txema Yeste for Vogue Arabia April 2019.
Far from encompassing solely the Muslim community, modest fashion is quickly becoming a more inclusive way of dressing for women — regardless of religious and cultural background. Around the world, modest style influencers are using their social media platforms to amplify the voices calling for more covered ensembles and the mainstream fashion industry is taking notice. From fashion week runways touting longer, loose-fitting collections to hijabi supermodels starring in leading campaign shoots, the concept of modest dressing is being constantly redefined to represent the growing influence of the modest community.
Acting as a voice for modest fashion on the streets of their hometowns and the feeds of our digital networks, these visionary bloggers boasting thousands of followers each are unapologetically themselves, shifting the global perspective of modesty with their unique personal style and signature looks. With creative layering, statement accessories, and imaginative headwraps, modest-wear has never been so accessible so it only makes sense to turn to the experts for guidance. Scroll through the gallery below for a look at our some of our favorite modest style muses that continue to welcome more women into the folds of this timeless trend and empower those who do choose to dress modestly.
This Amsterdam-based entrepreneur not only wears elegant ensembles around the world but is also the owner of Shop Modiq, a boutique touting modest designs for the contemporary woman. This Kuwaiti fashion blogger has mastered the art of power suiting with bold colors and fun accents, often transforming a classic look to a haute modern-day approach. Based in Dubai, this Emirati-Palestinian influencer provides everyday inspo for conservative dressing with a blend of affordable pieces and designer accessories no matter the occasion. Often photographed traipsing the streets of her Florida hometown in an effortless mix of stylish layers, this fashion-forward influencer is also the host of the weekly podcast Arab-American Psycho, which shares her musings on life and invites other Arab women guest stars to do the same. This Sudanese-American was one of the first few hijab-wearing YouTube stars and is continuing to make waves in the fashion industry with her elevated street style that is chockfull of statement pieces, like this mustard trench. Celebrated as a modest fashionista, this Irish-Palestinian often collaborates with leading luxury brands, presenting chic combinations that play with different textures to emulate a ladylike aesthetic that is anything but one-dimensional. A Dubai-based instagrammer who likely needs no introduction, Al Ghouti is a proponent of premium streetwear embedded with her own inimitable edge and signature over-the-shoulder black hijab. This Londoner living in Riyadh is a longtime supporter of Arab designers, donning minimalist ensembles that favorite seamless silhouettes and earthy tones, whether it’s a linen abaya or knitted matching set. Known for championing comfortable yet structured pieces from patterned oversized blazers to tailored trousers, this Bangladeshi communications coordinator in Paris occasionally complements her no-nonsense outfits with a pop of traditional accessories from hometown flea markets. An Egyptian designer with an enviable closet, Taha explores the power of adventurous modestwear with abayas and bishts rooted in the season’s hottest trends. A Syrian-American content creator with an endless collection of versatile go-to pieces for the young modest generation. This emerging Swiss-Tunisian style blogger is a model for solid color-blocking combinations and vintage-inspired motifs reminiscent of her current European location. This half-Palestinian can be found photographed throughout New York City’s concrete jungle with imaginative ensembles emblematic of her thrift shop finds and cool attitude. Featuring a palette of pretty pastels and muted neutrals in dresses and skirts made for twirling, this Pakistani influencer is a vision of modest femininity. A self-proclaimed digital creator based in Stockholm, Asry is a veteran modest blogger who opts for a simple Scandinavian style that packs a subtle punch.
Read Next: This Book is Exploring the Many Forces Behind the Modest Fashion Movement

HA: Another key point is opportunity for all. What does that look like at Tommy Hilfiger?
TH: We want to become a more informed organization that creates a strong sense of belonging. From designer to factory worker, everyone in our business deserves to feel valued, supported, and have their voice heard. There are a few internal programs being developed to support this, which I hope we can share soon!
HA: Recently, Tommy Hilfiger launched the People’s Place Program to advance the representation of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities within the fashion and creative industries. Can you share a bit about that?
TH: At 18, I created the original People’s Place as a dedicated space for people from all walks of life to come together to enjoy art, music, fashion, and pop culture. Shaped by the cultural revolution of the 1960s, the original store fostered an exchange of ideas, encouraged authentic self-expression, and challenged social norms. It is in this spirit that the People’s Place Program has been founded, with the aim to advance the representation of BIPOC within the fashion and creative industries. To achieve this, we will be annually committing a minimum of US $5 million for the next three years and focusing on partnerships, career access, and industry leadership that advance this mission.
The Original People’s Place, launched by Tommy Hilfiger when he was 18

HA: You’ve been outspoken in your support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Can you share some of the changes you’ve made within the company with regards to that?
TH: So many steps have already been taken to create more opportunities and platforms for all associates to listen and be heard. We have also rolled out mandatory “unconscious bias” training to all associates, provided resources to develop a deeper understanding of systemic racism, and launched an educational event series on racial justice. But there is always more to be done, and we won’t stop until our organization, and our industry, is truly open, inclusive, and equal.
Aden at the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya show at Paris Fashion Week, 2019

HA: One of the things I most admire about you is your commitment to helping the world’s most vulnerable children, as the mission resonates so personally with me. I was thrilled to attend and see you recognized and honored at the Save the Children event last year. Can you share what your hope is and how you continue to work to provide opportunities to our future leaders?
TH: Since I received such incredible advice early on in my career, I have stayed passionate about mentoring future fashion designers and industry leaders. We have a responsibility to use our platform to advance upcoming talent across all creative mediums. And by building partnerships, we are providing the next generation of leaders with resources, advice, connections, and support.
HA: One of the highlights of my career was wearing a custom Tommy Hilfiger burkini in the pages of Sports Illustrated Swim. What does it mean to you to be highlighting a piece that is geared towards not only Muslim women, but modest dressing women in general?

TH: It was such an honor to work with you and Sports Illustrated on this statement-making moment. When I began designing at 18, my philosophy was to start with the consumer: how they wanted to dress, what they thought was cool, what they needed. This approach is even more important today so we can keep expanding our understanding of what makes beautiful, classic, exciting fashion that is accessible to and inclusive of everyone.
HA: Any final thoughts or a message you would like to share with all of your fans in the Middle East?
TH: I have always admired the elegance of Middle Eastern fashion. I love to see the unique twist our fans across the region put on our collections. It really inspires me to experiment with new approaches.
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Originally published in the December 2020 Issue of Vogue Arabia