Reader's Request: Styling the Sabine Maxi for Eid

My reader Samina S. wrote on the Greater Lengths Facebook page, looking to style her new Sabine Maxine skirt (see here) for Eid.

Samina wrote:

So what tops go with long pleated skirts? only short or can i go long or asymmetric? all the photos i see are tucked in tops w a belt... i have a navy blue pleated skirt and i want to make an outfit for eid that will be long sleeves and ideally open in the front or not tucked in (for nursing).

Glad you asked! I myself bought a Sabine pleated maxi skirt in navy. I'm personally a fan of the tucked in top/maxi skirt look. I like how tucking in a top accentuates the waist, giving anyone a slimmer waist. Of the many tops I browsed, this nod to the military style came as my favoite. The lace shoulder detail, in place of epaulettes, is an edgy update and a cheeky wink to stay that one can stay classic while coloring outside the lines.

For Samina's needs, while nursing, this can easily be unbuttoned for an impatient child in need of some quiet mommy-and-child time.
Some button down blouses for your unique style:

More H&M...

If you're ready for a look different than a tucked in blouse, a hi-low pullover blouse with a belt is an option to maintain a cinched waist. Simply find a pullover blouse (some of my favorites are below) and add a neutral colored belt.

More H&M...

Similarly, a peplum - which has a built in waist-line - creates a similar effect.

More LAmade...

Understandably, this may not be the best route for a nursing mom on Eid, who needs something simple, free, and still elegant, Another route, inspired by Samina herself, is the emerging kimono trend. With a billowy cami underneath, this open-front open will be cool and free-flowing as well as easily accessible for a kid (at least I hope...I'm saying this from watching friends with experience!)

More H&M...

Hello

Reader Request: Eid Evening Gowns [part 2]

The first Eid Evening Gowns post was so popular that I decided to do another. Seems like you ladies love the idea of wearing evening gowns for Eid! Not that I'm surprised - who doesn't stare down the formal section of any department store and wish to have a reason to dress up in classy, elegant formal attire?

Here are a few more modest gowns (i.e., no strapless or low cut!) options currently available in stores and online. Click on the image to be taken directly to the retailer!

Reader Request: Modest Swimming Suits from Coolibar ( + Giveaway!)

A few months ago - specifically on April 7 of this year (I remember this because I was sitting at Cupid's Cup at the University of Maryland), my friend Sabba told me about Coolibar.

Coolibar, she excitedly told me, was a boutique swimming retailer that sells modest swimwear she'd stumbled upon. Modest swimwear is like the Lochness monster - you believe that it might exist but when you actively search for it, its nowhere to be found.

I guess the thing is, when I look for swimwear, I'm not looking for something to lounge around at the beach. I want something that I can swim laps in the pool or wear when I take another go at surfing.

Taking a surf lesson in Essaouira, Morocco earlier this year

Surfing might be my new favorite thing

Coolibar meets my needs as a swimmer/surfer (I can call myself that after one surf lesson, right?). It offers not only modest swimwear, they've received numerous recognitions from a myriad of skin disease associations for the protection offered by their products, including The Skin Cancer Foundation and Melanoma International Foundation. Plus, they rise above the basic blacks and navy blues that otherwise come with most modest swimwear. They've got great prints and cute, athletic designs.

I'm currently working on a promotion with Coolibar for my readers. Details will hopefully be coming soon. In the meantime, check out these great swimming tops currently available Coolibar. And if you order something, tell them that Greater Lengths sent you!

Click on the links below to be taken directly to the item.

1 Ruche Swim Shirt // 2 Ruched Swim Shirt in Nectarine // 3 Updated Ruched Swim Shirt in Blue  // 4 Updated Ruched Swim Shirt in Mist  // 5 Updated Ruched Swim Shirt in Berry // 6 Updated Swim Shirt in Aquatic Paisley // 7 Updated Swim Shirt in Navy Geo Ikat // 8 Updated Ruche Swim Shirt in Iconic Ikat //  9 Ruched Swim Shirt in Black Medallion // 

Reader Request: Eid Evening Gowns

A few years back, a friend invited me to an iftar night out - essentially, grabbing iftar at a halal-friendly eatery (in this case, the wonderfully satisfying Burger 7 where I had not one but TWO burgers to break my fast).  Conversation got around to what and where we're finding Eid clothes.  I generally look for Pakistani clothes, which either my mom or me will find at the 11th hour, but I embrace anyone who wears American clothes to celebrate - because being American is part of our identity, in addition to any ethnic or other cultural practices we have.

Back to clothes...Yasmin is looking for a sleeved evening gown, and was willing to put down up to $150 for a nice gown for Eid.  She wears hijab and prefered not to have to jerry rig any gown to be modest, but will do it if needed.  Additionally, she stated she's looking for more "muted" colors, but you guys know me - I live for sequins and embellishments.

A long-sleeved gown in the summer months can be tough, but I put together a few to get Eid clothes shopping kicked off. It's no DKNY Ramadan Capsule Collection, but these might be slightly more Eidee-friendly. Click on the images below to be taken to the retailer!

**Disclaimer: Sizes and stock are limited AND some of these may need to be more modestified than others for Eid.**
1) Laundry by Shelli Segal: $53.99 // 2) House of Fraser Jersey Maxi: $54 // 3) Laundry by Shelli Segal Lace Floral Gown $108 

Laundry by Shelli Segal <span>Evening Dresses</span>
House of Fraser <span>Evening Dresses</span>

1) BCBGMaxazria Long-Sleeve Meredith Gown: $134 // 2) Twelfth Streeth by Cynthia Vincent: $274 // 3) Eliza J Portrait Collar 3/4 Sleeves: $194

Eliza J <span>Cocktail Dresses</span>
BCBGMAXAZRIA <span>Evening Dresses</span>

And a few others that wouldn't fit into the layouts. Click on the images to be taken to the retailer!

READER REQUEST: Pleated Maxi Skirts

My apologies to my reader, Ayesha, who asked me a few weeks ago about pleated maxi skirts and dress.

Just wanted to ask, have you seen pleated maxi skirts or dresses anywhere? I really want one and see pics online but havn't seen them in stores?

Because spring was still alluding us until, what, two hours ago, I wasn't in the mood to think of light airy skirts and warm-weather dresses. That's changed and pleated maxi skirts are everywhere! I especially encourage you to check out the skirts on sale at Piperlime today - as sale items are an extra 25% off!

Reader Request: Jumpsuits

A few years ago, Naima posted on the jumpsuit trend, cleverly titled We've Got A Jumper!. At the time, I was a bit hesitant; aren't jumpsuits the classier cousin to the overalls? (which, by the way, I rocked heavily and in frequent rotation from 7th - 9th grade)

You saw my personal intro to jumpsuits in South Africa, but these modest fashion street style photos are also making me take a second look.



I kind of wish I had jumped (ha! get it?) on board with her recommendation earlier. Given that my most recently reader request was also for jumpsuits, I'm giving way to a statement piece that should be in every modest dresser's closet.

The jumpsuit is the modest girl's answer to the work dress.  It's a one-piece attire that you simply need to add a blouse or jacket to, and voila!, you're dressed! Granted they cause a hassle going to the restroom (you feel like you have to undress!) but that's a small price to pay.

When choosing a jumpsuit, especially if you're seeking it as a modest alternative, find one that is has a loose, billowy fit. You don't want the pants to bunch up or feel tight in rise (aka, to be indelicate, the crotch).

These are my favorite finds (linked below!):

Farrah's favorites:

Asos Dress Pants · Asos Dress Pants · Macy's Teen Girls' Pants

Here are a few different jumpsuits to suit to your needs, grouped in darks, colors, and prints. Click on your favorites!

Asos Dress Pants · Wallis Dress Pants · LOFT Dress Pants

Forever 21 Dress Pants · Charlotte Russe Dress Pants · Romwe Dress Pants

DKNY Dress Pants · Asos Petite Pants · GUESS Dress Pants

Reader Request: Modest Styling with Curves

Our reader, Noma, sent me an email about dressing modestly as a hijabi with curves.  Her edited email read as follows:

I'm sure I am an apple shape even though I don't really believe in shapes. The problem is when I read these style guides they're all so different. Some say wear empire waist or don't, cinch the waist or not to cinch the waist but majority of them say to wear something to bring attention to the bust. I am a hijabi but even if I wasn't I wouldn't feel comfortable with all that cleavage hanging out.

I realized that bootcut pants were recommended for apple bodies vs skinny jeans even though I have a few skinny jeans because it's an "in style" thing and worked with dresses. One of the main issues I want to resolve is not have my chest the center of attention besides covering with my hijab. 

I can hear the frustration in Noma's email. It's the type of frustration we all feel when shopping for modest clothes, but with an added twist of styling with curves.  Having curves, whether a few or a lot, is not a bad thing. It's just that we've been trained to believe that not being stick thin is somehow a problem (and this is aside from those who have poor diets and don't take care of your body - I see people at my CrossFit gym who are strong and athletic, but still have fuller frames).

As Noma fully understands, the important thing is to dress for your body.  Don't try to make your body fit into a trend that is meant to emphasize boy-type (think no hips and flatter-than-average fronts) frames.  A few women out there are doing this incredibly well - my two favorite being Tanesha from Girl with Curves and Mindy Kaling from The Mindy Project and my personal fave, Kelly Kapoor of The Office.

   

Both beautiful women rocking some serious fashion with great style (and yes, I realize only one of the outfits could be classified as modest per what Greater Lengths typically aspires) and most importantly, poise.  They know their bodies and own them.

So back to the original reader request - what is out there for modest dressing, hijabi women with curves?

Reader Request: Styling Geo Printed Harem Pants from Forever 21

Our reader Sarah sent in a styling request:

So I was at the mall during lunchtime yesterday and I haphazardly bought a couple of things, haha. I bought a pair of harem pants and I can't figure out what type of shirt to wear with it. I was thinking just a plain t-shirt, but I was wondering if you had any other ideas!

FOREVER 21 Spotted Geo Harem Pants

I love the premise of this Reader Request because it's TOTALLY something I would do (if there were ANY places to shop near me.

Harem pants are an ongoing creative challenge for me and in general, the feedback I read is that the challenge is styling them without making them look like fancy jogging pants.

I pulled some inspiration from these ladies below for Sarah's request. With a simple white t shirt and a boyfriend blazer - or any blazer that has a relaxed fit and a slightly longer hemline - harem pants can be dressed up.

Blazers
Shortsleeve Tops

Here's a few different black and white blazer and blazer-like jackets to wear with these pants.  However, the beauty of black and white pants is that ANY color will go with them - so if you own a bright coral, citrine, sapphire, etc blazer, then try that out!

Blazers
Pants

A few black and white blazers I found:

[Sweet Modesty] Reader Request: Long and Maxi Cardigans

Not too long ago [oh shoot, my email says 8 days ago], I received a request from a reader at Sweet Modesty.

As you may have heard, Sweet Modesty + Greater Lengths have joined forces to provide you an exclusive service for making modest shopping inquiries.  Among our first requests, this reader is, not surprisingly, looking for long cardigans.

Hawa writes:

Hey, I've been looking for long/maxi cardigans, I can't seem to find petite sizes nor a reasonable price. I hope you can help me!

Hawa, of course we can!  Thankfully, the timing is right for us as we're hitting the first batch of seasonal sales at retail stores all over.  These long sweaters, also called boyfriend sweaters, for their long lines and easy fits, pop up but rarely does there seem to be more than one of these types of sweaters in the store.

I've gathered a few of them here - divided between neutrals (tans, black, whites, creams), colored (a rainbow of them!), and finally - dusters.  Dusters are the comfy, more stylish alternative to a great sweatshirt.  They're not as hefty as sweater coats, but usually longer than boyfriend cardigans.

What do you think?  Which one of you is making you reconsider your November clothing budget right now?

Neutral-toned long cardigans and boyfriend sweaters:

XCVI Cardigans · jcpenney Cardigans · Free People Cardigans

Colored long cardigans and boyfriend sweaters:

Ann Taylor Petite Sweaters · Gap Petite Sweaters · Lucky Brand Cardigans

Dusters:

Chico's Cardigans · Loehmann's Women's Fashion · Loehmann's Cardigans

Reader Request: Styling the Anthropologie Minted Terra Skirt

The Anthropologie Minted Terra Skirt saga continues!

I, happily, received a price adjustment from Anthropologie a few weeks ago and continued to champion the beauty and steal of a deal of this skirt.  I even wore it to my friend's surprise gender reveal baby shower (btw, it's a boy!).

Apologies to the lovely ladies
I cropped out!

I think everyone should own this drapey, airy, light-as-a-cloud skirt - which is why when reader Amber emailed me, I jumped to it.

"Hi! I love your blog! I also just [bought] the minted terra maxi skirt from anthro...But I am so lost on how to style it with hijab! Can you do maybe an outfit post? I need help! Lol I told myself if I couldn't figure it out this week I would return it :( xx Amber"

DON'T RETURN IT!

I recommend matching it with a pink, yoke neck or split-neck blouse, slightly tucked in (see right).  The one I'm wearing is from Ann Taylor Outlet, and purchased just a few weeks ago on end of summer clearance (for only $17!).  For how silky soft and light this skirt is, I chose an equally loose fitting top to maintain that romantic, easy look.
























Here area  few similarly styled tops I found from around the web.  They're mostly under $50, except for the Ann Taylor silk top, which is a heinous $79. (I wouldn't be surprised if it goes on sale soon enough!)

Longsleeve Tops
Button Front Tops

You can also mix up stripes by pairing it with a striped pink top.

Long Skirts
Longsleeve Tops

Why pink? It's hard to tell in the skirt, but the piping is salmon rose colored, which can be played up through a soft pink blouse.  Not into pink (I totally get it and was with you for SO many years!), play up the mint green or light chocolate brown.  Even cream, the way that Anthropologie originally styled it, is a great look.  Just remember to stick with the airy quality of the skirt and you can't go wrong!

Mango Shortsleeve Tops · Asos Longsleeve Tops · Ann Taylor Petite Tops