Is the summer being too much for you when it comes to modest fashion? At Dubai Fashion News, we got you covered!
I had the pleasure to interview the stylist Fazila Patel in exclusive for DFN and ask for tips and advice. Take note and have fun while you dress in style under the sun.
MEET FAZILA PATEL: MODEST & STYLIST
First thing first, How you regularly prepare your closet to deal with the summer?
Well, preparing my closet in the Middle East is pretty easy as its summer all year round!
But I initially struggled to dress modestly in the intense desert heat, trying to maintain coverage without the layering- Something I have become accustomed to whilst growing up in the UK. So, I have put together a few Dila covered style advice to prepare for summer without compromising coverage.
Style Advice 1: Two-pieces are really having a fashion moment right now and they are the easiest way to stay modest, I love how versatile they are and you can mix and match to create such individual looks.
Style Advice 2: Loose-fitting silhouettes are the most elegant ways to stay cool and dress modestly. I somehow find that the tighter clothing is to your body the hotter you will feel! So pairing some wide trousers with an oversized buttoned shirt can create a cool summer outfit…
Style Advice 3: I love skirts and color in summer so a bold printed skirt is the easiest way to add flair, pair with a t-shirt for coverage and to keep cool in the summer months.
SUMMER IN THE CITY
What kind of fabrics and pieces do you recommend us to wear during this season?
Summer usually means light, airy clothing, and sheer fabrics but these all compromise modesty. Staying Modest in the summer months can be hard. That is why wearing the right fabrics that deal with the issues of modesty in hot climates is important. Here are a few fabrics I would recommend.
- Cotton or Linen- super light, thin and breathable.
- Modal – Again very light, non-transparent and breathable.
- You could also sheer fabrics such as chiffon.
Baggy shirts or tops I feel keep you quite cool, and flowy long-sleeve maxi/midi dresses are perfect for summer as they don’t require you to wear any other layers!
TRAVELING IN STYLE
If we are traveling, what do you recommend us to pack and bring with us?
Packing light is important to me whilst traveling, so I would say clothing items which are versatile and easy to wear.
- Pack more tops/ t-shirts than pants, I love creating multiple looks with one item.
- Choose one key item that can really add some style to your outfits, e.g. a colorful skirt or dress – and you can style your outfits around this piece.
- Two pairs of shoes, usually some comfy sandals and pumps; depending on where I am traveling I would add a pair of heels to glam up an outfit.
There is an old belief that says the more covered you are; the more protected from the heat you will be, is this true?
I would definitely agree, the more covered you are the more protected you are. Clothing is your first layer UV protection; it’s like how we wear sunhats or sunglasses to protect our eyes or heads from direct sunlight.
Coverage is essential for me as part of my modesty so it comes naturally, but even more so when in the heat, the more oversized and loose pieces of clothing I wear the cooler I feel.
MODEST FASHION IN THE SUMMER
What is your perfect summer outfit?
My perfect summer outfit would be an oversized t-shirt paired with some wide-legged pants, I like to keep my outfits basic and easy to wear and neutral, more whites and beige.
Accessorized with bold colors through my bag, shoes or accessories.
If you had to pick your three favorite pics from your Instagram, which one will be and why?
This image was featured in one of the local magazines and was the pinnacle moment of my confidence.
A more recent image as I never usually wear dresses but I love going out of my comfort zone at times and styling different looks, this outfit is perfect for summer!
I love putting on an Abaya and styling it in an unconventional way. Here I styled it for a Grazia event and made it work for fashion.
From all the current fashion trends, which one is your favorite?
My favorites have been the nudes. They have replaced all the black in my wardrobe and provide the perfect base, understated yet can look so elegant. It’s the new black for me!
I am also in love with the animal print and so happy it transitioned from fall to summer. It can add so much character to an outfit especially when you keep your base neutral!
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
How do you take care of your skin? What products do you use?
Growing older I try my best to pay a bit more attention to my skin. I recently started using the Kiehl’s skincare products and I am in love, especially the oil-free gel base cream and the creamy under eye treatment which I use daily morning and evening.
Twice a week at least I also try and do a face mask. I am loving Korean masks! Other than that, I use sunscreen daily and avoid heavy makeup products.
Last and not least, what advice can you give us when it comes to shopping fashion this summer?
You can easily get carried away when shopping in summer if you opt for the bold and brighter colors but then struggle to style the same pieces come fall.
Choose pieces that still work once you add a warmer base and can easily transition from summer to fall.
Bold skirts and animal print skirts can work so well with white t-shirts and sandals but just as easily adapt once you add a warm knit or some boots. When choosing items, try to think if they would work just as well in a different season. I am all for restyling outfits and making them work all year round.
You can follow Fazila on Instagram @dilacovered
LIKED THIS ARTICLE?
Then for sure, you will love these ones too!
