DIY for Muslim shoppers

How to Be a Modern Muslim Woman in Trendy Islamic Appropriate Clothing

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A Fashionable Muslima in London

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It can be a challenge as a modern muslima to both respect your religion and dress in the 21st century. But, with a few basic dressing principles and some great tricks, you can build trendy, modest outfits for any occasion. I will show you how to find clothing in any store you and your friends visit. Imagine being able to shop alongside your non-Muslim friends in all the trendiest stores!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Credit card for online shopping

1. 1
   There are numerous websites online that sell trendy and modern Islamic clothing. These can have some great additions to your wardrobe. The article here is designed for women who don't want to go to specialty shops. I like to go out with my friends and shop with them, and here I give my best tricks and tips for turning standard, hip clothing into a Muslim-friendly outfit. I have also compiled a list of my favorite websites and stores for Muslim-friendly clothing based on years of research.
   
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   Twin Sensations
   One of the best websites for a Muslima is eshakti.com. This website has the most up-to-date fashions and is unique in allowing the customer to modify the clothing however she deems fit. You can raise a neckline, lengthen a hemline and sleeves, and even loosen the fit. This allows for complete customization of an already fabulous design. On both shirts below you can request a higher neckline, full length sleeves, and a thigh length hem. You can even provide the site with your chest size to make sure you have plenty of room!
   
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   The Perfect
   Doesn't it always seem that companies put their best efforts and prettiest embellishment on short sleeve tops? Long-sleeve tees can turn a beautiful tank top into appropriate Islamic wear. I'm a big fan of J.Crew's long sleeve tissue tee. It adds the coverage needed but is so lightweight you don't feel any added bulk. It comes in tons of different colors, so you can find the perfect complement for any shirt (note: they're only sold in the fall and winter months). I'd suggest starting with white, black, light pink, and grey tissue tees. The latter is my best go-to color because it doesn't create the stark contrast that white does but it's still a neutral color. Target and jjill.com also have a nice selection. Forever 21's Twelve by Twelve line has a great, inexpensive variety of tunic-length tees that would look stunning paired with these tissue tees.
   
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   A Stunning Top
   A cousin of the tissue tee is the long-sleeve tunic. I find this shirt comes in handy when I have a fabulous top that isn't quite long enough. While tunics are becoming more popular, the best designs always seem to be in the form of hip-grazing shirts. The tunic will fall at your hip, providing the extra coverage you need while blending into your outfit, making your fabulous shirt the star. The Anthropologie shirt pictured shows a stunning top that can be modified (I would add a grey tunic) in such a fashion for a Muslima.
   
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   A Great Basic from Forever 21
   Now what to wear with those beautiful tops? Dark wash skinny-legged jeans, slim black "dress pants", and colored corduroys (in grey, pale pink, and light blue) all look wonderful under these shirts. The slim cut on the leg balances the flowy look on top, although feel free to choose a trouser cut for a looser fit. It's best to buy cheaper pants since typically only the lower half of the pant leg is seen anyways. Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe offer luxe-looking, inexpensive lines.
   
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   A Longer eShakti Dress and a Charlotte Russe Mini
   An equally easy alternative to the tunic/short sleeve shirt combo is a dress. All a Muslima needs to do is add one of the tissue tees under her dress and a simple pair of full-length leggings (I pick mine up for a few dollars at Walmart). With longer, knee-length dresses, this is a great look for summer. Mini dresses over slim jeans also make a dressy alternative to a standard top while still covering your bum. I would wear the dress on the left with grey leggings while the one on the right is perfect for jeans. Anthropologie has some gorgeous, albeit expensive, frocks, but Charlotte Russe is my number one stop for beautiful, inexpensive dresses.
   
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   The Perfect Pair
   What if it's too hot for pants but not quite warm enough for just leggings and a long dress? While I've devised the perfect in-between outfit. Boots! It's that simple. Boots are my go-to addition for any outfit. I love to pair them with knee to calf-length skirts. I find the longer, floor-grazing skirts never come in the pretty, festive patterns of the shorter skirts. I add a pair of leggings under my skirt and pull my boots over, making a fully-covered, yet cute, outfit. You can do the same with the leggings-dress combo to provide more leg coverage. Both the flat and heeled styles are great. I tend to opt for a neutral color like grey or brown that goes with anything.
   
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   Anthropologie Items Worth the Splurge
   When the weather gets really cold out though, I like to go for a basic trench coat. A great flair out at the bottom looks great and gives us the modest covering we need. And don't be afraid to pile on a hefty scarf. I try to keep my headscarf and winter scarf in the same color family, but I play with patterns and textures. Speaking of headscarves, I have two basic groups. My simple, pashmina, single color ones are great to just throw on without even thinking about it. I usually pick up a smaller accent color from my clothing and accentuate it with my headscarf. My other category I like to call my statement headscarves. These are the more detailed, embroidered ones, and most are just standard decorative wraps. I look for all different patterns and colors. Sometimes I use a statement headscarf to build a whole outfit, leaving the rest of my clothing rather neutral. Boutiques and Anthropologie have the best selection of unique, statement scarves.
   
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   Channel a Fashion Icon
   Don't forget to add accessories! This can be the funnest part of building an outfit and is a place to really show off your fashion sense. Because Muslimas wear high necklines, a chunky or pendant statement necklace looks great. And don't be shy to try a big pair of sunglasses with your headscarf a la Audrey Hepburn.
   
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    Great Target Finds
    A great bag and shoes are also essential. While high-end accessories do look lovely (try anthropologie.com for a great selection), I'm not a fan of the price tag. I own several of Target's bags, and my friends don't believe me when I tell them they're from Target. Fashionable shoes can also add that extra something to a Muslima's outfit. For summertime (when I'm not in my boots!), I love a good pair of wedge shoes. I find with the long, flowy tops and straight-legged pants, adding a little height looks best. Check out Ann Taylor Loft, Target, and Charlotte Russe for a large size.
    
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    A Black Tissue Tee Lends a Hand to a Dress and Top
    Now my fellow Muslima, you have all the tools you need to build your own fabulous, modest wardrobe. Pictured here are the building blocks for several fabulous outfits to get you going. Good luck and happy shopping!