We all love a beautifully crafted modest wardrobe that we are inspired to wear. We may imagine it in trendy neutrals and shades of pinks, flowy cuts, soft fabrics, lots of ruffles, and lace. Or we may think of a sportier version with straight cuts, pieces in deep black and other bold colors, and practical pockets and hoods. No matter how it should look, we probably all agree that it should be comfortable and make us feel confident.

But curating such a wardrobe is no easy task – especially when modesty is a priority. It requires a thoughtful approach, ensuring that each piece not only reflects our personal style but also aligns with our values. This process demands strategy and a focus on the essentials.

3 Questions to Consider Before Creating Your Modest Wardrobe

Before you embark on curating your ideal modest wardrobe, consider these three essential questions:

1. How Can You Determine Your Unique Style for a Modest Wardrobe?

Before adding new pieces to your already crowded closet or discarding what you have, it’s essential to consider the style(s) that resonate most with your individual tastes and personality. Here, we focus on “style” rather than “fashion” because style is personal—it reflects how you feel internally and what values matter most to you. On the other hand, fashion often represents fleeting trends that might not align with your lifestyle, body shape, or ideals of modesty.

“Before adding new pieces to your already crowded closet or discarding what you have, it’s essential to consider the style(s) that resonate most with your individual tastes and personality.”

It’s important not to feel confined by a specific style you might have seen online. Your personality is far more unique and multifaceted than the limited styles designers create! Mixing styles or dressing differently for various occasions (as discussed in question 2 below) is perfectly fine and can add versatility to your modest wardrobe.

Determining your personal style is a crucial foundation for curating a modest wardrobe. Without this clarity, you risk filling your closet with clothes that rarely see the light of day—leading to frustration, wasted money, and unnecessary resource use.

Consider these questions as you define your style:

• How do I want to dress?
• What kind of image do I want to present to the world?
• What features in clothing matter most to me, such as simplicity, comfort, or elegance?

Remember, the goal isn’t to mimic someone else’s style but to discover your own unique expression of modesty.

2. Is Your Modest Wardrobe Aligned with Your Daily Routine?

Sure, glittery evening dresses are beautiful and tempting to buy, but let’s be honest—how often do we really wear them? Unless you’re a frequent social butterfly, those sparkly gowns often end up collecting dust in the back of our closets.

Before we dive into improving our modest wardrobe, it’s crucial to think about the occasions we need clothes for. Are you a stay-at-home mom, or do you work outside the home, perhaps in a corporate environment? How do you spend your leisure time? Do you exercise outdoors, or prefer activities that require casual attire? Your lifestyle and daily routines should heavily influence your clothing choices. There’s little value in filling your closet with corporate outfits if you work from home or spend most of your time managing household duties.

In addition to considering your lifestyle, it’s also important to think about the versatility of your wardrobe pieces. A well-curated modest wardrobe is not just about owning clothes for specific occasions; it’s about having versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. For instance, a simple, elegant dress can be paired with different accessories to transition from a day at work to an evening event. By focusing on adaptable items, you can ensure that each piece in your wardrobe serves multiple purposes, maximizing both space and value.

“A well-curated modest wardrobe is not just about owning clothes for specific occasions; it’s about having versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.”

When curating your modest wardrobe, prioritize practicality and versatility over fleeting trends. This approach will not only help you build a wardrobe that truly reflects your needs and values but also ensures that you’re prepared for any occasion—without overstuffing your closet.

3. What Clothes Do You Already Have for Your Modest Wardrobe?

Now that we’ve identified our personal styles and the occasions we need outfits for, we’re off to a great start! But before rushing out to buy new pieces that match our newly defined modest wardrobe, it’s essential to take a step back. The next—and often overlooked—step is to thoroughly assess the clothes we already own. While it may seem tedious, evaluating your current wardrobe is crucial for determining what to keep, what to give away, and what new pieces are truly needed.

To make this process smoother, here are three practical tips:

1. Identify Your Staples: Begin by selecting 10 pieces you wear most often—these are usually easy to spot since they tend to be at the top of your clothing piles or hanging in the front of your closet. These well-loved items can form the foundation of your modest wardrobe. Since you already gravitate toward these pieces, they’re likely to fit your style and provide comfort during the transition to your upgraded wardrobe. If these 10 pieces don’t fully align with your new vision, reduce the selection to five. This will allow you to mix and match with new additions while maintaining some familiarity.
2. Use the Hanger Trick: If you’re unsure which items you wear most, try the hanger trick. Place all your clothes on hangers (or neatly pile them if you don’t use hangers). Each time you wear an item, turn the hanger around or move the item to a separate section of your closet. After a few weeks, you’ll clearly see which pieces you reach for most often, helping you determine what should stay in your modest wardrobe.
3. Apply the 3-Second Decision Rule: Instead of methodically selecting 10 pieces, you might prefer the “3-second decision” rule. This involves looking at each item in your closet and deciding within three seconds whether to keep it or let it go. Having a friend or sister by your side can make this process more fun and keep you accountable to quick decisions.

As you declutter, consider donating or reselling the clothes you no longer need instead of throwing them away. This not only helps reduce waste but also supports your community.

“… consider donating or reselling the clothes you no longer need instead of throwing them away.”

Pro Tip: Ensure you keep a selection of neutral-colored clothing, such as black, white, beige, and navy. These basics are essential for layering and easily mixing and matching, forming the solid foundation of a versatile and stylish modest wardrobe.

Modest Wardrobe Essentials

With these foundational reflections in mind, it’s time to explore six essential items every modest wardrobe should include:

1. Maxi Dress or Two-Piece Set

A maxi dress or two-piece set with pants or a skirt is a cornerstone of a modest wardrobe. While these items may appear quite different, they share a common benefit: each provides a complete outfit in just one piece. This simplicity eliminates the need for complex layering or combining separate items. Whether you opt for a flowing maxi dress or a stylish two-piece set, accessorize to your preference and you’re ready to go!

2. Maxi Skirt

A maxi skirt is an indispensable addition to any modest wardrobe. Its versatility allows it to pair seamlessly with various tops, from short-sleeve shirts to khimars. Maxi skirts exude chicness, elegance, and femininity. For added practicality, choose a maxi skirt with an attached inner skirt and pockets, ensuring both style and functionality.

3. Long-Sleeve Top or Blouse

Long-sleeve tops and blouses are essential for both professional and casual settings. Opt for blouses with buttons to enjoy versatile styling options—wear them open or closed based on your outfit needs. These tops are particularly valuable in office environments, and those with embroidery or unique details can enhance a girly style.

4. Abaya

An abaya is another versatile piece that can serve many occasions in your modest wardrobe. Depending on your needs, you can select a simple, plain abaya or choose one with sophisticated details like floral borders, embroidery, or glitter. Its ease of wear and adaptability make it a go-to choice for various events.

5. Outerwear

To complete your modest wardrobe, include classic outerwear such as trench coats, long coats, and blazers. During summer, replace these with kimonos for a lighter option. These outerwear pieces not only provide additional coverage but also elevate your overall look. For those who love an oversized style, stay tuned for our upcoming winter collection featuring stylish oversize coats!

6. Slip Dress, Arm Sleeves, and Bodysuit

While sleeved slip dresses, arm sleeves, and bodysuits might not seem exciting, they are invaluable in a modest wardrobe, especially during warmer months. Arm sleeves are perfect for maintaining coverage with wide-sleeved garments, preventing any slippage. Slip dresses ensure your outfits remain opaque, preventing any unintentional visibility issues, particularly when the sun creates a transparent effect. A well-chosen slip dress ensures comfort and confidence in every outfit.

Additional Advice for Building Your Modest Wardrobe

We understand the desire for a quick fix to enhance your modest wardrobe, but here’s are a two important pieces of advice:

Give it Time

Curating a thoughtful modest wardrobe requires time and patience. Rushing into buying new clothes can lead to hasty decisions, often overlooking whether each new piece truly aligns with your intended modest wardrobe.

Especially when undergoing significant changes—such as incorporating hijab into your style—it’s crucial to proceed with caution. At the start of this transition, you might not yet be certain if you’ll remain committed to the style you initially envision (refer to question no. 1 above). In these cases, it’s wise to store items you’re considering discarding in bags and keep them at home for a few weeks or even months.

By doing this, you give yourself the opportunity to reassess whether you still want to keep or reintroduce any of those items into your modest wardrobe. This method not only prevents unnecessary purchases but also helps you refine your wardrobe thoughtfully, ensuring each piece truly fits your evolving style.

Practice Sustainability when Building a Modest Wardrobe

In today’s world, where fashion trends come and go rapidly, building a sustainable modest wardrobe is not only a responsible choice but also a rewarding one. Embracing sustainability in fashion means making choices that are better for the environment, ethical for workers, and ultimately more fulfilling and aligned with our values. Here’s how you can create a modest wardrobe with sustainability in mind.

“Embracing sustainability in fashion means making choices that are better for the environment, ethical for workers, and ultimately more fulfilling and aligned with our values.”

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

When curating a modest wardrobe, it’s tempting to fill your closet with inexpensive, trendy pieces. However, investing in high-quality garments that are well-made and durable is a smarter choice in the long run. Quality pieces may come with a higher upfront cost, but they will last longer and maintain their appearance and functionality over time.

Look for clothes made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo. These fabrics are not only better for the environment, but they also tend to be more durable and comfortable. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you reduce the need for frequent replacements, which helps minimize waste.

2. Support Ethical and Sustainable Brands

As consumer awareness grows, more brands are committing to ethical and sustainable practices. These brands often use eco-friendly materials, practice zero waste, and ensure fair labor practices. When you purchase from these companies, you support a fashion industry that prioritizes the planet and the people who make our clothes.

Do your research before buying new items for your modest wardrobe. Look for brands that are transparent about their production processes and sustainability efforts. While the modest fashion industry still focuses less on issues of sustainability then conventional fashion industry, the options are growing, and with your conscious purchase decisions you can make support the businesses that try to be more sustainable!

3. Embrace Slow Fashion

Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion—it emphasizes thoughtful, intentional purchasing and values longevity over fleeting trends. By embracing slow fashion, you focus on building a modest wardrobe that reflects your personal style and meets your needs over time, rather than chasing after every new trend – exactly what we are suggesting in this post.

To practice slow fashion, take time to plan your purchases carefully. Consider whether each new item truly aligns with your modest wardrobe and how it will complement the pieces you already own. This mindful approach not only helps you avoid impulse buys but also ensures that every addition to your wardrobe serves a purpose and brings you joy.

4. Extend the Life of Your Clothes

One of the most sustainable actions you can take is to extend the life of the clothes you already own. Proper care and maintenance can significantly increase the longevity of your garments, reducing the need to buy new ones.

Follow the care instructions on your clothing labels, and consider air-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer to prevent wear and tear. Learn basic mending skills, such as sewing on buttons or fixing small tears, to keep your clothes in good condition. If an item no longer fits or suits your style, consider having it altered rather than discarding it.

5. Swap and Share

Swapping clothes with friends or family is a fun and sustainable way to refresh your modest wardrobe without spending money or contributing to waste. Organize a clothing swap event where everyone brings items they no longer need or want, and trade them for pieces that are new to you. This is not only an eco-friendly option but also a great way to discover unique items that might not be available in stores.

You can also explore online platforms dedicated to clothing swaps or second-hand sales. These platforms make it easy to find preloved modest fashion pieces that align with your style and values.

6. Donate Responsibly

When it’s time to part with items in your modest wardrobe, consider donating them to charity or giving them to someone in need. However, it’s important to donate responsibly. Make sure the items are in good condition—clean, undamaged, and wearable. Some organizations also accept textiles for recycling, which is a better option for worn-out clothes that are no longer suitable for donation.

By donating thoughtfully, you not only give your clothes a second life but also support communities and reduce the environmental impact of textile waste.

Final Thoughts: Evolving Your Modest Wardrobe

Curating a modest wardrobe is a continuous journey. Our preferences and understanding of modesty, along with our individual styles, evolve over time. While we might feel certain that our current style is what we want to maintain for the long term, this certainty can often be an illusion.

That’s why it’s essential to periodically review your modest wardrobe—ideally every year or two. This regular assessment helps ensure that your wardrobe still aligns with your current style preferences and the various occasions you need clothes for. By revisiting and refining your modest wardrobe, you can adapt to changes in your personal style and maintain a collection of clothing that truly reflects your evolving needs and values.