Modest dresses have been a wardrobe essential of mine for as long as I can remember. Being Muslim, my sense of style has always been shaped by my faith – and it’s something I take pride in, always looking out for easy to wear pieces. It’s worth stating that ‘modesty’ is subjective, and everyone interprets it differently. Dressing modestly and comfortably whilst also being able to enjoy the latest trends is easier now than it has been in the past, and there’s a huge amount of options online. I’ve even spotted modest fashion making an appearance on the catwalks in recent years.
Christian Dior’s SS24 show saw ankle grazing skirts paired with loose fitting blazers, whilst full length, wide legged trousers made an appearance in both Loewe and Moschino catwalks. When it comes to dress length, maxi dresses were seen layered under jackets on Celine’s runway, a look I’ll definitely be recreating for warm days that move into cooler evenings.
On the high-street, Arket’s oversized cotton t-shirt dress is a winner for comfort, ease and style (you can wear it atop matching trousers), while Sezane’s Romina dress is giving all the summer feels with none of the stress.
I’m around 5 foot 7 inches and often find midi dresses fall a little short on me, so I’ll usually wear leggings underneath them (lest I have a Marilyn Monroe moment on the London Underground). I’m open to short sleeves and square necklines, as you’ll see below, but will not wear sleeveless or anything too low-cut or backless without a tank top underneath. I really value comfort, but don’t want to compromise on modesty for it.
As I previously said, the best modest summer dresses are down to everyone’s personal preferences and beliefs, but from summer wedding guest dresses and Bridgerton-esque floral dresses to long-sleeve dresses and white dresses, there’s sure to be at least one silhouette you’ll fall for.
For even more from GLAMOUR UK’s Freelancer Sidra Imtiaz, be sure to follow her on Instagram @sidraimtiaz.
Shop the modest dresses I’m wearing on rotation below.
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