Main point: Basheera is a fashion blogger in South Africa. She has suggestions for dressing in winter modestly and fashionably
By Basheera Dawjee
Winter in where I live, South Africa, is a different experience based on where one might live. Some areas might be not-too-cold, where one can carry a light jacket ‘just incase’!Whereas other places might be cold and snowy. In my town, winters can get quite harsh. I will make sure my winter gears are handy, just in case!!
Being “hijabi” in cold weather is much easier, in my opinion. I just need to cover up, and stores are full of long sleeve dresses and long skirts. All I need to do is to pay attention.
My absolutely favourite clothes for winter are full length coats. I throw coats over any outfit, and I become modest and elegant in no time.
From Trenches to coats in various fabrics such as linen, cotton, wool, leath er and even your lighter waterproof raincoat types, there’s sure to be a coat to suit every taste and budget. You can pile on the layers underneath for added warmth, add thermal undergarments, gloves, boots and you’re good to go.
My favourite colour palette for winter includes many shades of grey, maroon, tan/beige however I don’t ever restrict my winter wardrobe to just these tones. Sometimes a bright beautiful colour can make you feel cheerful on a cloudy gloomy day so wear what makes you happy and whatever colour catches your eye. I’m currently loving the look of lilac with grey and teaming maroon with blush pink. Pink was a winner on the fall 2016/2017 runways from different fashion houses including Chanel, Dior , Prada to name a few and different hues of purple also graced many runways.
You can still rock your flowy dresses and skirts in the chilly weather, simply throw over a coat and add some thermal leggings, leg warmers or tights to keep you warm. Abayas also afford you the opportunity to pack on layers underneath and/or adding a kimono or full-length coat on top as well. You can choose Abayas made from thicker, winter appropriate fabrics and enjoy seasonal trimmings like faux fur or tweed to give it that wintery look.
Last winter’s bomber/puffa jackets, bomber vests and faux fur gilets are still trending this year so you can get those out of the back of the closet too. Leopard print was quite popular on the runways with designer labels such as Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana and I couldn’t be more excited as I’ve always loved a good leopard print hijab or accessory with an all-black ensemble.
Velvet is always winter appropriate, looks luxurious and elegant and can also be edgy when worn with a leather jacket, don’t be afraid to play around with your looks. Two key trends from last season, military as well as the cape (trending for a few seasons) are once again given the spotlight this season so enjoy these too.
Quite surprisingly floral prints are being carried over to winter this year and I can’t say I’m disappointed as I’m a huge fan of feminine florals.
Last but not least, tartan/plaid prints (think scottish kilts) in a host of different colours are making a huge comeback from tshirts to coats and even dresses. I’ve seen so many variations to this print, I’m sure there will be a colour combination and print-style to suit every taste.
When putting your look together be sure to avoid bulky fabrics if you want to appear slimmer or play around with belts or corsets underneath your overcoat to give you a slimmer silhouette. Most of all have fun, stay covered and enjoy the cosy winter nights with those nearest and dearest to you.
Photograpy by Sumaya , House of colour Johannesburg
Makeup by Nabawiya