1.What is your ideal style? My ideal style would be one that is modest, simple and elegant. It definitely has to be something I feel comfortable in but also something that I feel good wearing.
2. How do you plan your outfit?
I think of where I’m going and what I’m going to be doing. For instance, if it is a formal event or a casual one?
I also consider the weather because I want to be comfortable. This is particularly important for me a muslimah who tries to cover up because clothing options like sleeveless shirts and knee-length skirts for instance are not an option for me. A lot of of the time it boils down to the nature of the fabric. Light breezy clothes for a regular sunshiny day!
In terms of colours, I look for ones that look good together and are appropriate for whatever event I’m attending. It’s often easy for me to pick black by default so I usually need to make a conscious effort not to.
My choice of footwear is also determined by comfort. Besides what I think would look good with my outfit, I also consider how much walking or standing I’m going to do. I would for instance prefer flats over heels if I plan to do a lot of walking.
3. What are your go to items ?
My go to items I’d say are jewellery, especially rings and band bracelets.I also rely a lot on long summer jackets or coats especially when I wear jeans.
4. Share your Style hacks
I can’t say that I have a lot of style hacks but for me the key is to keep it simple. And find that one “banging” item that ties it all together, like a nice little handbag, a scarf, a bracelet… whatever that works.
Generally, I don’t like to feel like there’s too much going on.
I also avoid satin or silk scarves if I’m not ready to deal with a bad hijab day. I’m still finding my way around those unfortunately.
5. Modesty struggles
Finding the balance between looking great and staying within the bounds of modesty can sometimes be challenging.
You want to wear lose decent clothing but at the same time you don’t want to feel like you threw on a sac.
There are days when it just doesn’t seem to be working. But when you’ve decided modesty is going to be style and there’s no going back, you find a way.
6. As a corporate worker and a Muslim, how do you manage to look both professional and modest?
The great thing for women is that we’ve got lots of options in terms of office wear. I usually opt for trousers because these are naturally long anyway. I like well-tailored ones with clean cuts as they look good even when they are loose-fitting paired with a simple top and a decent pair of heels. That usually does the trick.
Mariam Mahamah is a development Economist,Lover of arts and photography. Creative director at Modest code.
Get social with her @kande_sissala
Great insights from you.
Good read.
KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM.