For those wondering whether modest wears can be classy, here is the answer you’ve been searching for. The world is beginning to recognise the positive influence modest dressing has on women, as luxurious modern fashion designers continuously make garments that modest women can wear. Organisations such as Ghana Modest Fashion Week, amongst others, are working tooth and nail to bring this fashion style to new and bigger audiences.

General manager, Ghana Modest Fashion Week, Stella Bgegbem, believes there is still a divide between modest and mainstream fashion. In an interview with Industrie Africa, she said, “There’s a gap. It is a market we are trying to introduce to the mainstream. It is not fully established.” Stella also notes that modest fashion is a relatively small industry, having influencers introduce and promote modest dressing in the last few years.

It is a delight to see the push from celebrities about modesty in the 21st century, combining their values and passion to create a personal brand. In light of modesty, some individuals and celebrities have built a brand for themselves, standing firmly on what they believe in, educating and influencing the world in their own way.

One influencer to take note of is Khadija Mahmoud from Kenya. Khadija started paying attention to her style in 2013, which she says was the first time she wore a headcover. ‘I didn’t always feel comfortable wearing a hijab, but when I began, it just stuck with me.’ Khadija’s style of dressing while growing up was big baggy clothes.

Her transition into modest dressing began in her university days, where she saw photography as an escape route to experimenting with new ways to style her wear, taking pictures, and uploading them on her blog. While being an architect and an interior designer, she creates a balance between practising her profession and documenting her style.

Khadija describes her style as laid back and casual, her wardrobe filled with denim and monochromatic shirts and turtlenecks. When she dresses up for formal occasions, you’ll find her in a bright-coloured silky wrap or slip dress, layered effortlessly with a high-collar top or pullover.

The House of Kaya, a Nigerian-based modest womenswear organisation is another brand pushing hard to see modest wear circulate the continent, creating colourful and expressive modest wear for their female clients. The founder, Ibrahim aims for the fashion house to become a leading brand locally and internationally, and in the process inspire Nigerian youth.
In 2019, a group of women across South Africa took to the streets to protest about a Gender Based issue. A lot of comments and posts went viral as a result of the protest and what these women fought for.

Though modesty is encouraged, so that women could be treated with respect, this is not an excuse for women to be treated unfairly.

All the same, modesty is good fashion. Modesty can be classy. The mindset that modesty is old-fashioned and archaic should be discarded. As we established earlier, influential brands now see the need to campaign against immodesty, educating and inspiring young adults to dress right if they desire to be respected.

The 2021 Timeless Collection designed by the Fashion Genuis Oreoluwa encapsulates modesty without compromising on standard and class.

Adding to several people springing up in the campaign against immodest dressing, Oreoluwa Adeola Mubarakat founded a clothing brand named Orekelewa Clothing in 2019. They are a luxury modest fashion brand dedicated to empowering women with elegance, comfort, and confidence. The clothing brand believes that fashion should not only reflect personal style but also embrace modesty without compromising on sophistication. Each piece in the Timeless Collection is thoughtfully designed to cater to the modern woman, offering timeless silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable craftsmanship.

The collection is specifically meant for stylish and most women who are endowed with intrinsic and extrinsic beauty. The Timeless collection consists of colourful plain trousers and tops made from quality fabrics, neatly tailored to ensure the wearer feels confident all day. These dresses are suitable for casual occasions, and formal events like birthday parties, or a graduation ceremony. Just to let you know that the Orekelewa brand had you in mind when they were creating elegant and stylish outfits for your pleasure. The clothes will surely make you stand out.

The Sacrament Green statement piece exudes elegance and class. The overall aesthetic of the outfit is just a perfect blend for any body type, stamping its versatility. The cool thing about this cloth it is an attention grabber. Wearing this empowers you to be bold, and confident in your skin, as you step outside of the box each time you choose to make a difference. While this colour is soothing and calm, you can opt for any other colour combination of your choice. Trust us when we say this piece is easy to style, making getting dressed simple and easy.
When getting dressed in your statement piece, ensure you complement your entire outlook, because, at the end of the day, you’ll be sending a specific message to admirers.

So, the top of this cloth was designed in such a way that it doesn’t segregate body size or structure. While this outfit might not fit someone with a bigger body size, the designer can as well tailor this style to fit your body size, by taking your measurements. And guess what! You’ll still feel amazing and glamorous in the wear.

The collar is the highlight, standing tall and regal around the neck without being overwhelming. It brings a vintage-inspired sophistication to the overall design. It’s not stiff, it curves gently around the neck, offering a polished look without being restrictive, making it the perfect piece for those who love sophistication but still want to breathe.

If there is a little drawback, it might be that it requires a little extra care when washing, especially if your design is made with delicate materials like silk or fine cotton. But the refined, timeless look you get in return is more than worth it.

The first thing you’ll notice in these long stylish trousers is the unusual deep shade of green, different from the normal black or grey. The cut is impeccably tailored, with a high waist that flatters your figure by elongating the legs and cinching the waist just right. The free flared design gives the right proportion of space for your leg to breathe and move freely. What makes the trouser shine is the fabric’s texture. It is lightweight but sturdy, perfect for long hours in meetings and gatherings. The side pockets are deep enough to hold small essentials without creating any bulk.

If there is a small drawback, it is that the bold colour will make you think twice about wearing it frequently, especially in more conservative work environments. But for those days when you want to look sharp and confident, these green outfit is a power move. Pair this outfit with either a heeled or a flat shoe. Whichever is your choice, you’ll still look classy and chic in your outlook. For accessories, you can wear a silver wristwatch or a bracelet. Just make sure your styling is top-notch, one that meets the standard of the true definition of modesty and stylish.

The sky-blue crop top offers a mix of modern fashion and vintage charm. The fabric is light and serene, giving the top a refined, yet refined charm. The bishop collar adds a sophisticated touch elevating the simple crop top design with a sense of regal elegance. Its cropped cut brings in a contemporary edge perfect for styling with high-waisted bottoms. The paired high-waisted free-flared trouser creates beautifully balanced silhouettes. The trouser, wide and flowing contrast the fitted crop top for a graceful and elongating effect. The high waist accentuates the figure while allowing freedom of movement, making them both comfortable and chic.

Together, the look is effortless, stylish, and versatile, ideal for casual and formal meetings. This combination of classic details like the bishop collar with the relaxed fit of flared trousers makes the outfit feel unique yet timeless, catering to a range of styles from boho-chic to polished casual.

To bring out the best in this attire, ensure to pair it with the right accessories such as a silver wristband, and wear footwear that complements your outlook.
With an emphasis on inclusivity and personal choice, modest fashion is evolving into a powerful statement that blends cultural values with contemporary trends