As a modest dresser, I’m grateful that designers are incorporating items in their collections that can seamlessly blend into my everyday wardrobe. For a large part of my life, I spent extra time sewing up slits on dresses, going up in sizes to get a looser fit, and resorting to ordering modest clothing from questionable international sites. Now, the modern-day consumer’s desire for comfort has resulted in more loose-fitting, oversize, and covered-up options than ever before. On the runways, we got everything from skirts-over-pants layering at Maryam Nassir Zadeh to ethereal maxi gowns at Peter Do, who continues to reign as the designer grabbing everyone’s attention during fashion month.
As much as I am grateful for the recent shift in the sartorial world, it’s hard to ignore that even when the global modest-fashion market proved to be worth hundreds of billions, there was still a lack of attention on it until the clothes modest dressers have been wearing all along just happened to go mainstream.
There’s still a long way to go for modest representation, and that’s why I’m taking matters into my own hands and styling the biggest modest trends of S/S 22 below. There is no cookie-cutter definition of a modest dresser, so while I put my own spin on these six trends, the options are endless. Keep scrolling to get inspired and try out the trends for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Since layering is a huge part of modest fashion, pairing multiple colourful pieces together has always been a challenge for me. After seeing the array of saturated shades on the recent runways, I realised the rules for colours aren’t as strict as I was making them out to be. I followed Amy Smilovic of Tibi’s advice that colour should be “one, ton, or none,” which means an outfit will be more streamlined if it consists of one colour (or its similar shades), a ton of colour, or none at all. Here, I’m obviously using that “ton” approach.
This fuschia tone is a real stand-out.
Sleek tailoring courtesy of Zara.
Coperni’s bags have stolen the hearts of all fashion followers.
Colourful mules are the perfect finishing touch to any look.
When I was growing up, preppy fashion didn’t look like what it does today. Back then, the fitted polos and khakis weren’t exactly the best options for a modest dresser like me. But now, It’s back with a little bit of a rebellious touch, which works in my favor. Whether it’s an oversize knit or loose-fitting trousers, the new take on the aesthetic is what moves it from its past iteration to its present-day compatibility.
A white shirt is the perfect layering piece for work days or beach trips alike.
Wardrobe staples are the backbone of great styling.
Arket is my go-to for great tailoring at equally great prices.
This is a brand you need to know.
A chunky sole adds a modern touch to this classic preppy look.
No hate to the micro miniskirts (I still love you, Miu Miu), but when the maxi length started popping up on the runways, I breathed a sigh of relief. As a modest dresser, I view maxi hemlines as not just a 2022 trend but a crucial part of my everyday wardrobe. Now that they’re more available on the market, I’m experimenting with them more than ever. It’s my instinct to pair a billowing skirt with a fitted top, but I added an oversize jacket to mix up my usual proportions.
A leather jacket perfectly finishes a relaxed look.
I’ll be wearing this sugary sweet Jacquemus skirt all year long.
Platform heels are back.
I tend to get caught up in looking for fun and statement-making modest pieces, and for a long time, I ignored a necessary part of anyone’s wardrobe: basics. When the laid-back “luxury” look became more popular, I realized I was missing out on a variety of pieces that would give me easy yet sophisticated ensembles. Once I added a few more blazers, pleated trousers, and staple accessories to my arsenal, deciding on an outfit in the morning became a whole lot quicker. While the pieces under this trend may not be revolutionary in design, there’s no doubt they look extremely elevated.
This looks so expensive.
The three-piece-suit style is taking over my IG feed.
Minimalist musings make these trousers incredibly wearable.
Heels or trainers will finish this look perfectly.
Obsessed with the vintage design.
When I used to think of vacation dressing, my mind always jumped to bikinis, breezy cover-ups, and revealing details. I love admiring everyone’s vacation looks on the ‘gram, but I’ve struggled with translating resortwear into my modest lifestyle. After digging through many of the recent resort collections, my solution to my problem is woven accessories galore, uniquely patterned dresses, and linen everything.
Retro prints are here to stay.
Textured bags are the next big thing.
Chic summer footwear.
I’m not going to lie: When I first saw this trend up close at NYFW, I got flashbacks of wearing jeans under dresses in middle school. I was nervous to try this Y2K trend out again, but I have to say I’m on board for this comeback in 2022. It gives modest dressers more styling options, and I used it as an excuse to create a colour pairing that’ll match my bag.
Another example that modest fashion can still be bold.
And the matching skirt? Perfection.
Blue and yellow is my new favourite colour combo.
Take a moment for the intricate beading.
Neutral shoes will let the rest of the look stand-out.
