I believe fashion is a powerful expression of culture and identity, and for many women, both the hijab and the abaya is an expressions of modesty, faith and beauty. Choosing the right hijab to pair with an abaya can provide a truly elegant and culturally significant look. In this article, I will share tips for how to pair your hijab and abaya for different occasions, whether you are a novice who is just beginning to wear them or a seasoned veteran looking to refresh your look.
Understanding the Hijab
Hijab, in islam, is a light headcover that is used to show modesty and privation. It covers all the hair, neck and sometimes the shoulders from the shoulder blades. It does not cover the face so the eyes and face are visible. While it is a symbol of being a Muslim, it is also a style of fashion and with it you can wear it in different material, colour and styles you like.
Types of Hijabs:
Shayla: A long, rectangular scarf that is draped over the shoulders.
Square Hijab: a scarf that has been folded into a triangle and pinched under the chin.
Turban Style: A contemporary remix where the wearer fastens a shawl or a scarf around his head, often exposing the neck.
A two-part hijab with a fitted cap that snaps onto a loose tube-like scarf that goes over it Al-Amira 2.0 : No longer two pieces but now just a fitted cap that snaps into a tight tube-like scarf.
The Abaya: A Symbol of Modesty
The abaya is a loose, hip-length cloak that Muslim women wear over their everyday clothes to keep modesty. Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, the abaya has evolved from a black cloak to a fashionable garment, available in a range of styles, colours, and materials.
Popular Abaya Styles:
Classic Black Abaya: A timeless piece that embodies simplicity and elegance.
Embroidered Abaya: Adds a touch of artistry with intricate designs and patterns.
Open Abaya: Worn over a dress or pants, an open front that can be buttoned or tied.
Kimono Abaya: Based on the Japanese kimono, it features wide sleeves and a more structured silhouette.
How to Pair Your Hijab and Abaya
You can achieve a sophisticated hijab style by choosing the right hijab for your abaya. Below are some tips for how to combine your hijab with your abaya.
- Color Coordination
Mono Look: Black Hijab In Black Abaya is a classic, monochrome, and sophisticated look. Either match it with a yellow, orange, white, or red hijab and few accessories like bracelets, bag, sandals, or add a pop of funky accessories like a beaded clutch. Pretty much, the options are your choice.
Contrasting Colours: Wear a hijab in a contrasting colour to your abaya. For example, a white hijab with a navy blue abaya makes for a striking contrast but looks elegant, modern and chic.
Shades of, er, shades: a hijab the same colour as your abaya (right) matches the outfit, while two wildly different styles (below) will clash – try black, black and black instead.
- Fabric Choices
Chiffon Hijab with Silk Abaya: A chiffon hijab with a pure silk abaya makes the whole look feel Poshest/Super glam.
Cotton Hijab with Linen Abaya: A combination of colour and style, a cotton hijab and a linen abaya create the casual, comfortable look of everyday wear.
Leopard Print Viscose Jersey Satin Hijab: If you are heading out for an exclusive gala dinner event, a satin hijab like this one to match a viscose abaya with dazzling embroidery will add that required shimmer.
- Pattern Mixing
Solid Hijab with Printed Abaya: The corruption depicted on his armoured warriors exemplifies, in uncensored terms, a portion of what actually transpired.
Printed Hijab with Plain Abaya: in contrast, a plain abaya can be given a much-needed infusion of visual interest and personality with a printed hijab.
Hijab and Abaya Styling Tips for Different Occasions
- Casual Outings
Everyday Elegance: Go for an open abaya and matching hijab for breathable comfort. Stick to lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen as you step into the balmier months.
Contemporary Casual: balance a loose, open kimono-like abaya with a turban styled hijab for a sense of relaxed modernity.
- Work or Professional Settings
Subtle Neutrals: Wear beige, grey or navy abaya with hijab in matching or contrasting colours to get the look of a sharp and smart professional.
Subtle embellishments: opt for abayas with simple embellishments or embroidery these stylish touches pull the look together without overpowering the rest of your outfit.
- Special Occasions
Deluxe Fabrics: For nuptials or celebratory occasions or religious holidays, an abaya made of lush fabrics such as silk or satin allows for the wearing of a glamorous embroidered or jewelled hijab.
Draping elegance: Try out different hijab draping styles that will fit the formal occasion. You may also adorn your look with a brooch.
Hijab and Abaya Trends
Along with styling advice on accessories and make-up, the world of hijab and abaya fashion is so dynamic it has its own trends that emerge from season to season. Here’s what’s hot in the world of modest women’s wear.
- Pastel Colors
Soft pastel hues, meanwhile, appear to be the colourful choice du jour – both hijab and abaya brands are trying to break free of the dark-dominated palette and put more emphasis on female energy with their fashion tones.
- Bold Prints
Printed hijabs and abayas, with all kinds of floral, geometrical and abstract patterns, are all the rage.
- Layered Looks
On the ground, the way it is here, abayas layered over dresses or skirts, with a matching hijab, combine into a three-dimensional, fashionable look.
- Minimalist Designs
Simple, stringent lines and no faffy adornments for a new, less showy aesthetic.
Conclusion
In an ideal world, a carefully curated hijab and abaya can be mixed and matched in infinite ways that are both chic and modest. Classic, or not; trendy or traditional, the world of textiles presents the opportunity to mix and match a chic outer look while keeping modest and true to oneself.
Wear it well, like the hijab and abaya themselves, and revel in it.
