Something has happened… the weather has surpassed the 30 mark which means long walks and ice cream but also non stop complaining and uncontrollable sweating…
Not only that but it’s also left 90% of my wardrobe redundant. Sweaters are a no no, layering band tee’s with long sleeves is a no no, actually… layering at all is a big. fat. no. no.
And I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling uncontrollable amounts of frustration when it comes to getting ready to go out in summer. You know the scene, clothes all over the floor, the fans on highest level to control both temperature and anger, and then of course the eventual tantrum (though you’re not a dramatic person) that results in a “I’m not even going now” moment.
If one good thing can come out of lockdown this year, it’s that we don’t actually have much cause for outings which means casual airy home clothes are winning. However, with restrictions being eased I think it’s time we started planning a few backup outfits to spare potential tantrums before any socially distanced walks…or trips to Tesco…wherever it is you may be going.
So I’ve been rooting around my wardrobe today in search for a few staple pieces for my daily walks. Here are 7 of my comfy summer picks!
*disclaimer: These suggestions are of course to help those who wish to dress modestly. However, modesty itself is practised to different levels by different women. For this reason I’ve tried to cater these suggestions to many different styles as I know that we’re all on our personal journies with hijab 🙂 enjoy
1. Abaya.
Abaya’s are the strongest candidate. They’re airy, they’re elegant, and most importantly they’re halal certified! You don’t need to worry about layering, adding sleeves, or colour coordination, it’s just one easy piece!
2.Maxi Dresses.
Similarly, maxi dresses are simple as ever, one piece of long fabric, you can’t really go wrong. Maxi dresses save you looking for a cardigan to cover your arms or long enough top that’ll cover your bum! (Also I don’t know if you’ve noticed but it’s a blessing for letting air in). Maxi skirts work too!!!
3.Thin Trousers (Preferably Linen)
Generally trousers (especially jeans) can leave you feeling sticky in the sunshine. They’re thick, stuffy, and just plain suffocating. With the temperatures soaring, the perfect bottoms are linen trousers. Thin, airy and paired with a little thin blouse… you’re all set!!
3. Shirts
Channel your inner indie with checkered fit, feel corporate in a smart collared piece , feel casual in a thin denim acid wash. Shirts cater to so many different looks. Button them up, leave them open over a sleeveless top. It can be causal, smart, or somewhere inbetween. I opt for a checkered because they tend to be cotton nine times out of ten, which offers the most air in and out.
4. Thin Long Tops/Tunics
If you don’t have a problem with the bottoms but find yourself trying on 20 different tops before you go out I present to you the tunic. What was a primarily south Asian style had slowly simmered onto mainstream fashion sites like asos and nastygal. The ‘long top’ hasn’t yet become a trend in itself but its definitely making its way!
5.Thin full-sleeve blouses
Picnics are quite the thing at the moment given the lack of lockdown activity ideas, and blouses are the perfect look for the occasion. Opt for long sleeve ones to avoid layering and strike a balance between a thin fabric but not so thin that it requires a vest underneath. The optimal choice? Linen fabric and vibrant colours (reds, pinks etc.)
6. Jumpsuits.
My favourite! Modest looks require looser jumpsuits rather than the tighter flattering ones and more often than not cotton or linen are safe choices. Pair it with a matching hijab and pair of sunnies and you’re sorted.
7. Jilbab
Last but not least… Jillys! For some Muslim girls jilbab can be quite daunting to wear out due to hightened islamophobia in the west, similarly many non-Muslim people may not be acustomed to outfits like this as see them as heat trapping and just an absolute summer nightmare but this couldn’t be further from the truth! They are thin, they let air flow through them and they protect your skin from the harmful effects of too much sun. If you ever need to pop out for a bit and have a jilbab laying around the house, give it a go, it’s a God send for the summer!!!
There you have it! A few simple yet light outfits to keep you cool in the heat! Oh and I also have a random tip!! – the night before you go out fill your water bottle around one quarter of the way with water and freeze it… but on its side! This will allow the water to freeze lengthways, ultimately keeping your drink cold for longer when you fill it up in the morning!!
Other than that, remember sunscreen, keep an umbrella at hand for shade and stay safe!!