During my trip to the UAE, I considered writing a post on dressing modestly. Not arguing reasons for or against it, but basically some cute pieces you can wear if you make the choice to do so. I’ve been holding on to this post for a few weeks… and then yesterday, “Death to the Maxi Dress: A Manifesto” popped up in my feed aggregator.
(Note: This post was originally posted on my old blog, Originally Remixed in 2015.)
As the temperatures heat up, clothing options quickly point to barely there. I’m a big fan of wearing short shorts and tank tops in the warmer months but my recent trip to the UAE* taught me that it’s possible to be covered up and still look (and feel) cute. While there I wore a lot of maxi dresses with the occasional knee-length shorts or palazzo pants.
Personally, I love maxi dresses… and I’m not the only one! In the case for wearing maxi dresses (and another modest clothing), people may choose to do so for a variety of reasons: religious, body image, ease (in my case, sometimes I don’t feel like shaving my legs or moisturizing)… the reasons are endless! If you’re running out of clothing options or want to add some more fabric to your wardrobe, check out these three options:
1. The Maxi Dress
I adore the maxi dress (and skirts!) because on those days I don’t feel like showing off my legs, I can still catch a cool breeze! What I also like about dresses period… it’s a one stop shop. If you need to make a quick sartorial decision, a dress takes out all of the guesswork!
I love this bright, colorful number by Everly. ($24.o2 on Amazon) Pair it with a sparkly cardigan to dress it up a bit, or a soft, solid colored shawl for a more casual look.
2. Palazzo Pants
That’s what I’m wearing in the photo at the top of this post! These are a fun, trendy option. They might look like a skirt (depending on the angle)… but they’re pants! In hot weather these are a better option over more fitted pants because they’re more breathable. There’s no right or wrong way to style them. Go with the flow (no pun intended!) and add a loose top or choose something a little more fitted for a sleek look.
I’ve seen a lot of great solid colored and chambray options, but these pleated pants by Volcom ($51.99 & up on Amazon) are so much fun and will add some spark to your emsemble.
3. Harem Pants
These are palazzo pants’ trickier cousin. Not wide throughout like palazzo pants, but flowy at the waist and crotch area, and tapered down the leg. I actually own a pair of harem pants that I have yet to wear because I can’t figure out how to style them. *Gasp* The stylish one admitting to being at a fashion loss?! Well, I’m only human! I’ve tried fitted tanks, but that didn’t seem to work. I may go with a flowy top.
These bright and beautiful harem pants definitely won’t break the bank at $16.99… and they’re available in multiple colors!
* From what I saw, Dubai is more relaxed when it comes to women’s clothing choices, however that may only be the case in the city center; the residential areas may be a different story. I chose to cover up all across the board to be respectful of the culture.
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