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Abayas are a classic choice for many Muslim women, offering both style and modesty. But when it comes to wearing them for work or university, it can be tricky to find the right balance. You want to look professional, feel comfortable, and stay true to your personal style.
In this blog, we’ll show you simple ways to style your abayas for work and university. We’ll help you create outfits that are both practical and stylish, so you can feel confident wherever you go.
Women wear the abaya as a symbol of modesty, in line with Islamic values. It provides a way to cover the body, leaving only the face and hands visible, allowing women to maintain their dignity and avoid unwanted attention. The abaya is not just about clothing but about upholding a sense of respect for oneself and others.
In Islam, modesty is deeply valued, and the abaya serves as a reminder of this principle. It allows women to express their identity without drawing unnecessary focus on their appearance. By wearing the abaya, women are choosing to honour their faith and live following its teachings.
The Prophet (PBUH) famously said:
”Modesty is part of Iman (faith)”
(Sahih Muslim)
This saying highlights the importance of modesty as a reflection of one's inner faith, showing that it goes beyond just physical appearance and is an expression of a person's spiritual commitment.
The abaya holds great significance in Islam as it encourages Muslim women to follow the principles of modesty and humility, as outlined in the Quran and hadith.
“O prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. It is more suitable that they will be recognised and not be abused. And ever is Allah forgiving and merciful.”
(Surah al-ahzab, verse 59)
For Muslim women around the world, the abaya is more than just a piece of clothing. It is a way to show devotion to Islam. It upholds the values of modesty that are deeply cherished in the faith.
The abaya allows women to cover themselves in a simple yet dignified way, as prescribed in Islam. Its modest design helps Muslim women maintain their privacy and identity while embracing their faith. It provides the comfort and freedom needed for everyday tasks, ensuring that nothing distracts them from their work or responsibilities.
Through the abaya, Muslim women can embody modesty in both appearance and actions, staying true to their beliefs while feeling empowered and at ease.
Styling your abaya according to Islamic principles can be an elegant way to show your faith while being stylish and professional, whether you're going to work or school. By making small tweaks, you can effortlessly achieve a look that’s both practical and chic. Here are some easy tips to elevate your abaya styling game.
Neutral colours like beige, grey, ivory, and tan are excellent choices for abayas for work and university. These colours offer a sleek, formal look that instantly makes you appear polished and professional. Neutral tones are often associated with subtlety and sophistication, making them perfect for a more refined and understated appearance.
Additionally, neutral colours are modest by nature, as they are less eye-catching and do not draw unnecessary attention. This aligns with the Islamic concept of modesty, where the focus is on character rather than appearance.
By choosing neutral shades, you can maintain a professional image while remaining true to the values of humility and dignity. These colours also make it easy to pair your abaya with other wardrobe essentials, allowing for versatile and stylish outfits suitable for various settings.
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When choosing a hijab or niqab, the colours should complement or match your abaya. A monochromatic look, with a matching hijab and abaya, creates a sleek and elegant appearance. It’s a simple way to look polished and professional.
If you enjoy a pop of colour, you can contrast light abayas with darker hijabs, or vice versa. This adds interest while keeping the look balanced.
Keep your hijab style simple and practical. Choose something that suits your style and is easy to wear every day. The goal is to look effortless and modest while staying true to your personal taste.
If you want to learn creative ways to tie your hijab, dscover unique and stylish hijab-tying techniques in our detailed blog!
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Accessories can enhance the look of your abaya while keeping it simple and stylish. Opt for subtle jewellery, like a wristwatch, small earrings, or a delicate necklace, to add a fresh touch. For everyday wear, focus on practical accessories, such as an elegant watch or bracelet. You can also add a ring or two to complete the look.
When choosing accessories, consider the undertones of your abaya and hijab. If your outfit has cool tones like shades of blue, silver accessories will complement the look. For warm tones, like beige or tan, gold accessories will create an effortless look. The key is to keep it simple and elegant, adding just enough to elevate your outfit without overwhelming it.
Discover elegant Islamic jewellery on Riwaya, featuring stunning pieces from trusted, vetted sellers.
When choosing a bag, go for something both practical and stylish. A tote or backpack is perfect for holding your university materials or work essentials. These bags are large enough to carry everything you need while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
When pairing your bag with your abaya, consider the overall look. If you’re wearing a simple, neutral-coloured abaya, you can add a statement bag in a bold colour or texture to create contrast. For a more formal look, choose a sleek, structured bag that complements the elegance of your abaya.
Always aim for a bag that blends well with your style, while also being functional. The right bag should enhance your abaya, not distract from it. It’s all about balance—practicality and style working together.
Footwear plays a key role in completing your abaya look. Choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Ballet flats or low-heeled boots are perfect for wearing with an abaya, especially for university or work. They offer comfort and support, which is important for long hours on your feet.
When pairing footwear with your abaya, aim for something that matches the formality of your outfit. For a more relaxed look, you can opt for simple flats in neutral colours. For a dressier style, low-heeled boots or shoes add elegance without compromising comfort.
The right footwear not only completes your abaya look but also ensures you stay comfortable and mobile throughout the day.
Looking to style your abaya for different occasions? Check out our previous blog for expert tips and inspiration beyond work and university!
In conclusion, styling an abaya for work or university is all about finding the right balance between modesty, comfort, and personal style. From neutral colours to simple accessories, each choice helps you maintain a polished, professional look while staying true to your faith. Pairing your abaya with the right hijab, bag, and footwear can elevate your outfit and ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the day. With these tips, you can effortlessly blend style and modesty, making the abaya a versatile choice for any setting.
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