muslim women

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

A young artistic collective is rewriting the rulebook, challenging stereotypes while celebrating and nurturing genuine diversity – meet the Muslim Sisterhood.
Members of the Sisterhood’s collective: Rahma Mohamed, Farzana Ahmed, Yasmin Moeladi, Jasmin Abraham, Lamisa Khan (wearing coat, Saks Potts at Selfridges; top, Ester Manas at 50m; pants, Daily Paper; shoes, Axel Arigato), Hana Raage, Jeeba Marri, Zeinab Saleh (wearing suit, Filles A Papa; shoes, Axel Arigato; earrings, Aurum), Ikram Yassin. Photo: Malak Kabbani
Founded in 2017 by Zeinab Saleh, Lamisa Khan (both London based), and Sara Gulamali (who currently resides in Canada), Muslim Sisterhood began as a beautifully compiled photo series, capturing young Muslim women expressing themselves freely and authentically. Today, the collective has evolved to work within photography, fashion, film, publishing, and events, culminating in the launch of a zine last year.
Clockwise from top left: Jeeba Marri, Hana Raage, Farzana Ahmed, Jasmin Abraham. Photo: Malak Kabbani. Photo: Malak Kabbani
Khan wears jacket, Tokyo James. Lamisa wears jacket, Miló Maria; pearl necklace, Butler & Wilson. Photo: Malak Kabbani
“This was the first moment that our online community could come together and celebrate our work in real life,” they say. “It was so empowering to create a space that completely catered to our needs as Muslims. We had a mocktail bar and prayer space, and we commissioned Muslim florists, DJs, and panelists. Everything in our zine was produced, designed, and curated by a diverse and entirely Muslim female team.”

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Saleh wears dress, Toga; pants, Milo Maria; earrings, Aurum. Khan wears dress, Shrimps; vintage head scarf, Atika. Photo: Malak Kabbani
Khan wears coat, Susan Forrest; dress, Ashley Williams at The Lobby; necklace, Butler & Wilson; earrings, Aurum. Saleh wears shirt, Marr; corset, Ellie Misner; jeans, vintage Levi’s at Atika; jacket, Toga; earrings, Maeve. Photo: Malak Kabbani
Rejecting the prejudice that western narratives can project onto Muslim women, they explain their motivation stems from “a realization that if you want to see certain things and ideas come to fruition in modern media, it’s best to do it yourself.” Merging activism with championing creative talent from marginalized communities, they describe curating a medium where “young women, people of color, and Black women can prioritize their experiences,” and ultimately take ownership of their lives. Shining a light on what it means to be young and Muslim today, the Sisterhood’s network continues to swell as their work gains momentum. “So many things have led organically into the other,” they say. “Every part of our journey has been a source of pride and joy. We can build ideas for the future as much as we like but as this year has shown, ultimately Allah is the best of planners.”
Saleh wears top, dress, tights, shoes, Prada. Photo: Malak Kabbani
Read Next: 10 Inspiring Muslim Women We Should All Look Up To
Originally published in the October 2020 issue of Vogue Arabia