MAGAZINE #7: How to Wear the Abaya- A Whole New Perspective!

it's Friday and apart from it being the day of the week many people get "turned up" , it's also the day of worship for our Islamic brothers&sisters. So in their honour, we're bringing you Islamic fashion to spice up your Friday.

When people hear Abaya, they think: boring, style-less, covered up and all sort of un-fashionable words they can find. That’s totally untrue and if you are one of those; after reading this article, you will see the abaya in a brand new light!

The abaya "cloak" is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by women  of the Islamic faith . Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands.

     Abayat are known by various names but serve the same purpose, which is to cover. Contemporary models are usually caftans, cut from light, flowing fabrics like crepe, georgette, and chiffon. Recently, designers and fashionistas alike began getting  more adventurous with the abaya.

         Here are few tips to get you started on “funkinizing” your abaya.

The casual Abaya chic

       Abayas can be worn casually for running errands or everyday outings. They come in different fun, casual and comfortable fabrics like cotton, jersey, polyester and chiffon. You can pair them with flats, sandals ,wedges or slippers for a complete casual look.

        Some have funky buckles and buttons to make them edgy, trendy and yet retain their casualness

beach abaya 

The Professional/work abaya 

       Oh, you’re a professional? Not to worry there are efficient and classy abayas to suit you just fine. You can also pair with jackets to give that power look.

        Belts can also be used to cinch the abaya at the waist, helps to show your fabulous shape in a classy and modest way.

        Staple abaya colours in brown,blue,black come in handy here. Use accessories in nude, black, blue and brown to complete the total look. Pointy toed shoes are trendy for work. Low and kitten heels work just fine too, it all boils down to your preferences.

The Occasion Abaya

For that really big party everyone is talking about, the wedding, classy ball or whatever occasion you can think of; the abaya comes in handy.

From sequins, buttons to all kinds of embellishments, the abaya is able to make you shine at that event! 

 

The trick is to Accessorize, Accessorize!!

•We all know that accessories can make or break an outfit. You can use accessories to dress up or dress down an abaya.

•Scarves are a fun way to switch up an abaya. You can use different scarves on the same abaya and come out looking different always.

•For a casual abaya look, you want to use simple jewelry(corals, loosed bangles, hoop earrings etc),flats, wedges and kitten heels

•For a formal work abaya look, the jewelry is kept minimal, remember: simplicity is key! Colours are earth toned and dark hues. You can use some cute cuff links and corsages for that extra chic office touch.

Now that you have seen the various ways to spice up the abaya, I have just one request: go, and rock your abaya like a star!!

 you can get some of these looks and more at Inayah 

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