Imagine this – you’re invited to an evening wedding this spring or summer. Weather will be warm, sunny, maybe even breezy. As you arrive at the wedding or maybe during the outdoor cocktail hour, the sun is just beginning to set. The sky is lit with the most brilliant colors streaming across the sky – from a moody shade of romantic violet to the brightest mango orange. Every color around you starts to become more golden and even your skin itself sparkles more beautifully.

So my question to you is – what are you wearing? Here are five colorful wedding looks inspired by twilight and sunset colors that can inspire your next wedding ensemble!

The electric colors typical for the South Asian mehndi wedding event always remind of brilliant sunsets – the kind that saturate the sky with every intense yellows, orange, hot pink and luminous gold. The outfits, the decor even the jovial mood of the dancing and singing – everything pops with color and culture. Let’s take color inspiration from Aaliyah's recent mehndi look, paired with a gold hijab.

Haute Hijab’s Perfect Satin hijab in Gold

Many people tend to stay away from prints for weddings, but I say – if it makes you feel as beautiful as Keleke felt in this look from Ri Mi, wear it, and wear it proudly! The color story seems to be directly hand-picked from a California evening sky. Paired with the 

, and sparkly accessories, this look is sure to be a hit for your next wedding guest invite.

When I saw this look on Dania this past Eid, I wanted to immediately add to cart! Colorful yet minimalist, elegant and modest – it was my whole personal wardrobe aesthetic in a single garment. How it flows over her shoulders is like a gentle wave on the beach! It’s usually at sundown that the color of the water becomes aquamarine and reflects those stunning hues of the sky. This dress is literally that moment and makes for a perfect wedding look. I would love to see this dress styled on bridesmaids, surrounding the blushing bride like the waves surrounding the beachfront.

, and you are set for your wedding event.

I’m not sure if Fatou was heading to a wedding here, but she is definitely dressed for the part! Fatou is usually a pants girl, and I love her 

. But she decided to expand her range with this stunning watercolor dress, complete with bold earrings and pulled-back ponytail. I literally stopped in my tracks! 

For those who want to wear color that’s not as intense as the colors I’ve already mentioned, this is a beautiful color palette, maybe more of a cloudy sundown, just after the rain. This elegant print that works so well as a wedding look, especially in this silky fabric and contemporary silhouette. The dress looks amazing on her, and I also love that it can easily be worn for hijab-wearing women as well with a mock turtleneck underneath to cover the neck or draping and tucking one's hijab properly for coverage.

I would be remiss if I didn’t include this gorgeous sunset inspiration from Hanan. Didn’t I tell you in the beginning of this article that every color gets more golden and rich at this time of day? Even the shimmer of her ensemble shines that much more elegantly as the sun fades into the horizon. Hijab to heel, it’s a perfect style for your next wedding look – just pair an open abaya with a slip dress and match the shoes to the dress and the hijab to the abaya.

To elevate your look, be sure to choose fabrics that are visually interesting, like Hanan’s 

shimmer and texture tend to take outfits to the next level. Find a similar hijab to Hanan’s at HH, such as 

I always take inspiration from the colors around me in nature, and this is your sign to do the same! If you get your color inspiration for your next wedding look from the natural colors of the waning of the daylight, let us know! 

Comment below and remember to include HH in your wedding looks this season.

Styled by the Sunset: How Sundown & Twilight Can Inspire Your Next Wedding Look

Malika Bilal is a broadcast journalist and the voice behind Al Jazeera’s podcast The Take. She is also a Chicagoan, new mother of twins, and an Haute Hijab superfan! With December being Customer Appreciation Month, we are showering our customers with gratitude and spotlighting women of all walks of life who proudly don their HH favorites and are part of a larger community of proud, strong Muslim women.

I spoke with Malika about her hijab journey, what sisterhood means to her (think the opposite of "Mean Girls" behavior), and what about HH makes her keep coming back.

Tell us about your journey to wearing hijab – how did you come to wear it, and what keeps you wearing it?

I have pictures of myself as a little girl in my makeshift hijabs fashioned from bandanas or way-too-big-for-me pieces of fabric. I cringe now at how awkward I looked, but I follow the cringe with an Alhamdulillah. I thought the hijab was beautiful and wanted to be just like my hijab-wearing mom and older sister.

I'm pleased and feel fortunate that I still think it's beautiful, only now I also feel like it's the ever-present reminder I need of my connection with my Creator, my faith and a greater community of women who've been doing the same for thousands of years.

How did you come to find Haute HIjab? What keeps you coming back?

I have to give credit to my younger sister Alia for this – she has always had her pulse on the newest modest fashion brands, and she's usually one of the first people I know to snag a new print or fabric. So, she introduced me to HH years ago. I've been a fan ever since – I love the colors, the feel and width of the jerseys and the prints that make me break out of my solid-color-scarves-only mode.

Do you have a favorite type of Haute hijab (chiffon, woven, jersey, etc) and if so, why?

Haute Hijab Jerseys are my current fav – they wrap beautifully, stay put, and feel super soft and breathable.

Do you have a go-to hijab? Why is it your go-to?

I have several go-to hijabs that depend on the occasion. Right now, I wear a lot of black – I just had twins and have no time to play in my closet any more, so black is the easiest to throw on without a second thought. And because of that, I've been leaning towards my brightest hijabs to balance it all. So my Premium Jersey hijabs in 

 have been in heavy rotation as has my Fearless Leopard 

Have you ever had a bad hijab day? If so, do tell us about it and how you managed it!

Occasionally a hijab just won't lay or twist or fold the way I want it to, or I'll start the day with my hijab one way and glance at my reflection midday to find my scarf has decided to do its own thing sans my permission. As long as I feel all the requisite parts are still being covered, I try not to get too frustrated. But there are times I'll change hijab styles, or switch out the scarf for another right before leaving out the door.

What’s your pet hijab peeve? What’s one of your pet peeves in general?

My biggest one is any article about hijab containing the words "behind" "beyond" or "under" the "veil." Insert eye roll here at this tired cliche.

What’s your favorite look for yourself? Do you like to dress up? Keep it casual?

Malika wears her favorite Fearless Leopard from our 

I'm at a bit of a crossroads style-wise right now as a very new mom trying to figure out how to incorporate nursing and easy motherhood looks with my pre-babies fashion sense. But for my day job I often have to be in front of a camera, so I tend to fall on the dressier side of things.

What do you like to do in your free time? Tell us something fun or unusual about yourself!

Free time? I don't know her. Right now every minute is filled with all things baby, but I love international travel, so I'm looking forward to getting back out there, 

Who do you look up to? Who’s your shero?

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, being a new mom has given me a newfound appreciation for my own mother and my two sisters, who've juggled their careers and raising children, who have a strong sense of identity and faith. Beautifully. I'm blessed to have their example to look up to.

At HH, supporting our sisters, uplifting them, is at the core of what we do. What does sisterhood mean to you? How can we better support each other?

Sisterhood to me means remembering that there is always room at the table. Part of that is eschewing the Mean Girls “you can't sit with us” ethos. But another part is recognizing that another person's success doesn't detract from yours, and when one of us wins – if we remember to leave space for our sisters – all of us can win.

(Bonus question) – What’s your spirit fruit/vegetable, and why? This is something we always ask anyone who joins the HH team

Me and lemons will always be bff. My mouth is simultaneously watering and puckering just writing this sentence.

Customer Appreciation Spotlight – Meet Al Jazeera's Malika Bilal, an HH Superfan!

 This article is part of our annual Women in Charity series. Check back throughout the month for more stories of dynamic Muslim women working in various charitable endeavors and why they do what they do.

For Black and African immigrants and refugees, domestic abuse and trauma is all-to-often a part of their stories upon matriculating to the United States. And while numerous DV organizations exist to help survivors, understanding the unique difficulties and challenges that come from one’s race or cultural background can complicate care. That’s why the work of Lul Mohamud is so important.

Lul, powerhouse leader in servicing survivors of domestic violence, is the fearless leader of 

, a community-based and grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to providing direct services using culturally specific and trauma-informed person-centered care for those in the Washington, D.C. area. TPC’s unique approach, under the guidance of Lul, has helped numerous Black and African immigrants and refugees manage their trauma and recover from domestic abuse.

Our annual #WomeninCharity series would not be complete without sharing Lul’s story and her life-changing work for Black and African immigrants and refugees who are surviving domestic abuse and trauma. I asked Lul about how the trauma- and culture-informed approach works, why focusing on Black and African immigrants and refugees is important to her and how she wants women to understand that their power and capacity to help others is limitless.

Tell me more about The Person Center – who founded it? How did you get involved?

 The Person Center is a community-based and grassroots nonprofit dedicated to providing direct services using culturally-specific and trauma-informed person-centered care. The Person Center is a one-of-a-kind organization in Washington, D.C. because we are proudly Black immigrant- and women-founded, and currently every staff member, board member and volunteer identifies as a Black or Black immigrant woman.

Lul Mohamud, director of The Person Center

TPC was founded in 2013 by a dedicated and tireless social worker, Amelia Missieledies, who was an Ethiopian immigrant. She was serving survivors of violence in Washington, D.C. and in her day-to-day experiences, she saw repeated systemic failures by agencies, nonprofits and domestic violence responders to address the needs of the African immigrant survivors. And because of that, survivors were often left with no place to go and with no assistance – endangering their lives and the lives of those they love.

Quite frankly, the mainstream domestic violence response sector is now making sweeping commitments to inclusivity and the cause of justice in violence response and prevention. TPC is not new to this; we’re true to this.

Tell us about work you specialize in at The Person Center. What approach do you have in serving your clientele?

The work that we do at TPC is extremely important because it begins with our direct services. Due to our history and the immense legacy and leadership of Amelia, The Person Center will always first and foremost remain a survivor service provider. We currently offer case management, informational referrals, direct financial assistance and crisis management services for Black and African immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence. It is important to highlight that TPC’s client advocacy, which includes the services described above, is both in-depth and curated to the specific needs of our survivors, thus TPC support is journey-long.

[This means that] TPC will be there for a survivor throughout their journey to restoration and healing as they define it. Our survivors are often told, directly or through the systems and structures in place, that their survivorship is not valid nor important enough to deem them as victims of abuse.

Our TPC approach was shaped and fortified by the stories we have heard from our survivors, who are a part of the very communities we come from. We are dedicated to our six guiding principles that are integral to our person-centered trauma informed approach to holistic survivor care: Acceptance, Trust, Transparency, Accountability, Justice and Restoration.

The TPC approach begins and ends with ensuring and protecting the dignity of our survivors. African immigrant survivors are often removed from the conversation on violence response or prevention, but more shockingly they're excluded from the understanding of victimhood. This is a historical, systemic and cultural failure to recognize and respect the humanity of African immigrant communities is a direct result of racism and xenophobia that deems this community as inherently invisible and undeserving of the care they need.

Our survivors are exposed to a variety of vulnerabilities, obstacles and trauma that [are] beyond their control and too difficult to explain – historical, generational and systemic violence [that is] yet to be recognized let alone reconciled. And so, to serve an unrepresented and misunderstood community, we center and respect their voices.

Our trauma-informed and person-centered care approach is uniquely rooted in anti-racist principles, as we understand and believe that Black survivors of domestic violence are also survivors of our American systems and structures of violence. Black survivors have been purposefully placed in environments and systems of violence that perpetuates cycles of socioeconomic, political and cultural oppression.

Why specialize in serving the demographic of African immigrant and refugee DV survivors?

The Person Center was founded to serve African immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence who are not only victims of familial and relationship abuse but are often abused by the systems they are forced to navigate. Black immigrant survivors of violence are neglected and harmed by the public health and safety threat of structural, cultural and sociopolitical oppression in the U.S.

The Black immigrant community is statistically vulnerable to various forms of direct violence, including physical and sexual violence, but are also at increased risk of structural violence in the immigration system, socioeconomic disadvantages, healthcare inequities, gender-based inequality and ethnic/religious/racial discrimination. [Source: Nasraddin (2017); 

Am I not a Woman and a Sister and an Immigrant?: Approaching Intimate Partner Violence in Black Immigrant Communities Within an Intersectional Framework

This is why we are dedicated to focusing on these communities.

Tell us about the impact of the work you do on the communities you serve.

Lul Mohamud making a presentation about The Person Center.

In the last year TPC supported 29 survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence and stalking. [We] distributed over $10,000 of direct cash assistance to survivors and their families and offered food security, emergency housing, heat and electricity support, and childcare. TPC, in our new education-based prevention initiative, facilitated discussions and community workshops with over 100-plus participants.

What are some misconceptions you want to clarify about the work you do?

The most common misconception regarding domestic violence is that survivors can leave if they want to and that the abuse must not be that bad if they remain in an abusive home. This misconception could not be further from the truth – domestic abuse could include years of harm that you cannot see.

The emotional manipulation, psychological abuse, financial control, spiritual abuse and much more that survivors must endure is designed to strip power, control and self-value and instill fear of life without the abuser. Survivors are coerced into a belief that they cannot survive outside of that abusive relationship, that harm they may experience from an abuser is manageable compared to the unknown as their abuser may have described it.

The [other] common misconception is that responders only want to see abusers in prison and survivors separated from their communities and loved ones. The Person Center believes any and all can be restored, including victims who become survivors after finding healing, independence, power and self-love – [this includes] perpetrators who can become trusted and safe after accountability and survivor-centered reconciliation. Strengthening families after addressing harm through accountability and justice is our priority.

What's your advice for women to empower or inspire them to give back in ways that work for them and help the communities they live in?

The most important piece of advice I can share, in all honesty, is very simple: You must remember that there is no limit to the amount of power you have to make a change in someone’s life.

I am honored to have the opportunity to work with survivors – the strongest and resilient individuals you’ll ever see – and I’ve learned that even though some of the women who domestic violence survivors came across or reached out to in their time of need failed to act or help them – there was always the one: the one woman, the one community member, the one mother, the one friend, the one stranger, the one doctor, the one nurse, the one grocery clerk, the one teacher, the one neighbor who decided to choose action and changed their lives for the better. Who, in the smallest way at times – reaffirming that the survivor was right to want to leave or get out of an abusive relationship – changed everything for the better.

No matter who you are, you can save a life through what may appear to be the smallest act of kindness or conviction. So, never underestimate, undersell, doubt or disrespect the power you hold to make a difference in the lives of those you know and those you don’t.

If you would like to get involved with The Person Center, it is looking for sustainers and advocates willing to bring the mission of TPC to the forefront as a fundraiser and as an dvocate for TPC response and prevention initiatives to your community. Any donation can make a difference in a survivor’s life and support our team. Please reach out to TPC (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) 

. Or, visit the TPC website to learn more and/or make a donation 

'There is No Limit to the Amount of Power You Have to Make a Change in Someone’s Life'

Creating a capsule wardrobe can be challenging, especially for women who dress modestly. We have to ensure that certain parts of our bodies are covered no matter what we wear and in a way that isn’t attention-drawing, and that can be hard to boil down to just a few pieces that can work for many women with different body types.

I like to think of capsule wardrobes as undeniable, core pieces of clothing that you repeatedly wear. Key features are accessibility (these pieces should be relatively easy to find online or in-store) and versatility. Based on your body type, height, culture, lifestyle and what level of modesty you ascribe to, narrowing down to a few pieces that can relate to all women is tough.

(Check out this story about how to create a 

To be more inclusive, I asked five diverse women in my network what they would consider to be their capsule wardrobe pieces. Some had similar non-negotiable pieces, even though size and lifestyle were varied. I asked them, “If you had to choose three pieces for a capsule modest wardrobe, what would you choose and why?” Here are their responses. Hopefully their advice can help you, depending on the variables of your body and life, choose long-lasting pieces for a core capsule wardrobe!

(Oh, the best part about this? For those of us wearing hijab, what we choose to pair with our outfits isn't dependent on height or body type. So be sure to peruse Haute Hijab's 

 and stock up on all the hijabs you need for your capsule wardrobe!)

 (5'7, size 20) – Blazer, Long Button-Up Blouse, the “Everything Dress”

Summar styling a long button up blouse, trench and wide leg trousers.

Having a great blazer is simply a closet staple for all women. It's good for layering and dressing up or down. A button-up blouse is another layering closet staple. I love a good long or printed button up to tie a look together or give it the pop it needs while staying modest. Lastly, the “everything dress” is a good quality, solid-colored dress that you can wear with everything and anywhere depending how it's styled. A good dress that can be worn with sneakers and a denim jacket or even an open abaya and heels.

 (5’2, size 6-8) – Open Abaya, Wide Leg Pants and a Blazer

Nada styling sequined wide leg pants, perfect for this wintery-holiday season.

 I fell in love with abayas after visiting Dubai, and my collection started growing. I think an open, plain abaya is such a versatile piece. You could close it up with a belt or a brooch or choose to leave it open like a cardigan or a duster. It has the power to elevate any outfit, casual or dressy, while keeping the outfit modest.

The second piece would be wide-leg pants. A pair of wide leg pants are a must in every wardrobe but especially important for us shorter girls. You can keep the pants on the longer side so that you can wear them with heels; it immediately makes your legs seem miles longer (always a plus for the fun-sized crew like myself). Wide leg pants can also be worn with sneakers and can be worn with a longer top or a shorter top tucked in. The possibilities are endless.

Third, I would include a statement blazer. I have a slight obsession with blazers! Whenever I am wearing a plain outfit I just throw on a blazer, and it immediately transforms it. You can either just drape it on your shoulders or actually wear it. You can pair it with jeans, over a dress, with slacks, with a skirt, etc. You can really add a blazer to ANY outfit and make it 100 times better. I buy longer blazers, which are a lot easier to find now than they were a few years ago. Oversized blazers are very modest and chic.

 (5’2, size 8) – Blazer, Loose Blouse and Black Pants

Alex in her professional studio in a smart black blazer.

 I love how blazers are versatile and could be casual business wear and even used for evening events. I even use blazers when I wear a dress and just pop on a belt and tada – you are set! I own blazers in neutral black and tan, but I also have bright pink or green and use them for a pop of color in my outfit.

You also can't go wrong with a loose blouse and black pants. The three articles [of clothing] I chose are also my go-to look, especially being an entrepreneur mom of two and not having the time to plan outfits. I think it gives me a professional look, and I feel really fun and put-together with these three pieces.

(5’2, size 8) – Oversized Trench, Loose Abaya/Dress and Nude Leggings

 If I can pick three items for a feminine, modest wardrobe , they would be an oversized trench, a loose abaya or dress and nude leggings. I wear the nude leggings to prevent my thighs from rubbing under most dresses, and also adds an extra layer of modesty if my dress comes up. Gloria styling a flowy all-neutral look with an open abaya

 (5’11, size 12) - Wide Leg Pants or Jeans, a Neutral-Colored Maxi Cardigan/Sweater, High-Waisted Mom Jeans

Faiza is comfy and cozy in a maxi-length cardigan and high-waisted jeans.

 With the weather changing, I’m currently living in a maxi sweater and it pretty much goes with everything! I can pull it over a short-sleeve top or even wear it with fitted pants or leggings. It is long and loose enough to provide modest coverage. The fact it’s a neutral color means it goes with pretty much everything and it’s quick and easy for my busy mom-on-the-go lifestyle with four sons.

Capsule wardrobes can be tricky, and when my editor Dilshad and I were discussing this article, I explained to her that depending on a woman’s body type, what she will choose for her modest, go-to pieces will differ. Here’s what I’ve learned by speaking with a variety of women of different heights and sizes: 

Blazers definitely are a favorite amongst these women! Blazers can really elevate a look by adding coverage, color, and sophistication. Also, any long layering piece, such as Gloria’s open abaya or Faiza’s cardigan, are effective in creating long, flowing lines to your look, which is both elegant and flattering.

If you had to choose three essential items from your wardrobe, what would they be? Do you see some of your faves represented by the women here? Let us know in the comments!

How to Create the Perfect Modest Capsule Wardrobe for Your Body Type & Lifestyle

Before modest fashion became more accessible in the past about 10 years, the thrift store used to be the one of the only places I could find modest clothing. I would scour the racks for loose silhouettes of the past and remix it with contemporary pieces to make a style all my own. What started as a quest to find clothing that covered me properly became an endorphin-inducing shopping thrill when I realized just how affordable it was for a hijabi to shop secondhand.

If you haven’t tried thrifting, truly you are missing out.

I would find long skirts with no slits at the thrift store at a fraction of the cost at the new Islamic fashion websites that were just starting to become popular. I could buy five second-hand, unique skirts for the price of one skirt online that everyone and their momma was already wearing!

detrimental effects of fast fashion on environmental catastrophes

, such as global warming, I started to understand that shopping second hand was more just a personal hobby – it was a lifestyle change that could make a more global impact. All my needs were met at the thrift store –– unique, conscious, modest and affordable clothing.

There are many Muslim-owned modest clothing businesses out there that we should support; and, 

that mainstream department stores and major brands are also now catering to modest wear fashion. That has been such a gain in the past decade. However, the affordability of modest clothing is a huge barrier for some women who need to shop on a budget, but want to be covered.

Oftentimes, modest clothing is more pricey, and converts to Islam frequently complain that it is tough to transform a whole wardrobe to modest clothing after becoming a Muslim without spending an arm and a leg. Adding in the factor if you’re a curvy, tall or plus-sized woman, and that means that you have to spend more to layer your outfits or pay that extra $10+ per item for more fabric.

At the thrift store, these problems are less of a burden, because in the hodgepodge of the racks, you may find the perfect loose jeans in a size 16 for $5 – the same price as the size six jeggings on the next rack. Quality at the thrift store is also a mixed bag – a high-quality Ann Taylor blazer might be $2.99 right next to a lower quality Forever 21 blazer marked at $6.99. The thrift store levels the playing field.

If you haven’t tried thrifting, give it a go. Build your 

seasonal capsule wardrobe of long-term pieces

. And then I would encourage trips to the thrift store every seasonal change to add some new-to-you, low-price items to mix with items you already own. Or, if you love high-end fashion but not the high-end prices, try your luck at your local thrift stores!

Here are three fall outfits of mine that mix some thrifted finds with one essential, staple dress I bought at a modest fashion online boutique – a black, long-sleeved dress. The dress was about $40, but the thrifted finds range from $4 to $8 only! I’ve included some tips when considering what to buy to add to your wardrobe, because even though a thrift store find may be a bargain, you don’t want to add unnecessary clothing to your wardrobe.

Look/Tip #1: Think about what compliments your current wardrobe.

Hakeemah sports a thrifted cardigan with her favorite sneakers and her 

When shopping at the thrift store, look for colors that already compliment pieces in your current wardrobe. Think about this one important question – “What will I wear this with?” I spotted this camel and white cardigan in the blazer aisle of my local thrift store. I knew that it would be perfect with my current favorite pair of sneakers. I paired it with a pop of red with my sunglasses and bag, and of course,

Look/Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to look at shoes!

Hakeemah's wearing her thrifted all-leather woven loafers with a great outfit and her 

It may be an unpopular opinion, but I would suggest taking a look at the shoes at the thrift store as well. Just because it’s second-hand, doesn’t mean it’s worn out and falling apart. In fact, the thrift store associates often throw out unsanitary items, so the shoes I’ve seen at thrift stores are in wearable condition. My tip is – keep an eye out for shoes in even better condition than that! These vintage, all-leather, woven loafers were only $6, were barely worn and look great with my outfit. The reversible wool scarf is also thrifted – two bucks only! This ensemble was not complete without an HH hijab – I’m wearing 

Look/Tip 3: Look for unique fabrics to add interest to your wardrobe!

It's a beautiful day in thrifting with these olive heels and swing top.

That day was an excellent shoe day at the thrift store! In this look, I thrifted these beautiful olive heels, and the gold swing top. Tip number three is to look for fabrics that are unique and would make your outfit more interesting. It’s hard to find this soft fabric with metallic finish in your local mall, especially in a long length and loose silhouette. But it was at the thrift store for $3 only! I matched the olive shoes with an olive hijab (try our 

 for a similar color), and layered a maxi-length cardigan over the look for warmth.

All of the times in these ‘fits were items I already had mixed with low-cost, recycled items from the thrift store, and paired with one essential dress from an online boutique. Shopping on a budget and looking great and modest is totally doable! So have I convinced you? :)

Do you thrift? What are some of your tips on finding second-hand gems? Let us know in the comments what you found on your best thrift haul!

3 Great Thrifting Tips to Be Fashionably Modest on a Budget!

We often stylistically approach autumn by storing away the bright colors in our wardrobe and replacing them with a darker color palette, often of burgundy, chocolate brown and burnt orange. These colors are inspired by the changing colors of the leaves in fall. But have you ever seen trees turn from emerald green in summer to that bright shade of yellowish-green during the fall?

Let’s not limit ourselves to dark colors just because the air has a bit of chill. Your brightest colors can be worn year-round and will still keep you warm! This brilliant shade of chartreuse demonstrated in nature below was a color I was particularly drawn to, especially as worn by TikToker and modest fashion influencer, 

The brilliance of yellow-green trees in autumn.

Zainab first caught my eye with her consistently flawless series of Tiktok videos entitled “30 Days of Modest Spring Outfits,” and this 

 was a favorite of mine because of the color of her hijab! I pressed the follow button and have enjoyed her citron obsession since. 

An important aside: I also love that even in summer and spring, her outfits often include suit separates, which is one of my tried-and-true modest wear tips: that women who want to dress modestly invest in some really great blazers. Why? They are stylish, can be carried in various fun colors and prints, and help to cover areas such as a cinched waistline, tight-fitting sleeves and curves around the hips and bottom.

Here are three of the times that Zainab wore a bright green color palette beautifully and modestly! Pay particular attention to her color-blocking, use of suit separates and how she pulls her outfits together with smart accessories. For cooler weather, imagine her looks with boots, loafers, or sneakers instead of sandals, and a fall-time fave – a longline coat such as a trench for warmth and interesting layering.

And in honor of October being a celebration of prints, check out what HH has to offer by way of gorgeous chiffon prints in this family of green, citron and chartreuse: 

Zainab shows how pairing different shades of green make for a stunning fall look.

Adding dimension to a monochromatic look is as simple as wearing the different shades of the same color head to toe, just as Zainab did in this look. Her adorable purse almost camouflages with her blazer because it is such a great match, and her green hijab pairs with her skirt with perfection! This already looks like a fall-ready ensemble. But if it’s nippy out, try adding a knit under the blazer or a trench over the blazer for another jaw-dropping dimension to your look.

Color blocking never looked so good with Zainab's jewel-toned blue pants and her green hijab and blazer.

You can pretty much color block any two colors together and make it look great, but I’m loving this sapphire blue with Zainab’s signature green hijab and blazer. I love that she wore wide leg pants for a super modest fit, and I’m imagining this same look with some 

Green with lilac in the delicious autumn golden hour? Yes please! 

Pastels exude a sense of calm, and maybe it's also the sunset and the posing, but for me this look is giving serene queen vibes! Pairing this lilac with a soft green hijab, matching body suit and bag was the perfect choice, proving once again that Zainab is ‘that girl’ when it comes to wearing green. 

I would love to see this look translate to fall with 

, a beret styled on top of the hijab and maybe a cute 

. Try wearing your pastel lilac- (or bolder purple) inspired fall outfit with a gorgeous HH in Matte Green in 

Are you convinced to wear your favorite shades of green this fall? Let us know how you styled your look and comment below as to which of Zainab’s is your favorite!

Style Maven Zainab Ashraf's Signature Fits Show that Green is a Fall Color Too!

Islam is the fast-growing religion in the world, and has been 

. As a Muslim, I can certainly understand why so many are attracted to this beautiful religion. But we have to admit – while it may be the fastest-growing, Islam also continues to be the most misunderstood religion. Maybe that’s why Muslims love a good convert story. It’s that heart-warming transition from the perception of our faith, which may be tainted with misinformation, to reality – that Islam is a beautiful faith full of clarity and unity.

 here on The Haute Take, I discussed the hyperfixation we have on hijab and how excessive criticism of hijab is damaging to the women who wear it or want to wear it. I centered this experience with regards to convert sisters and the unnecessary pressure they sometimes receive in regards to wearing hijab, how we need to change our conversation around it.

To bring the conversation full-circle, I reached out to 

 (@mi.lk), a content creator who converted to Islam in March 2021, about her experiences with coming to Islam and wearing hijab. Her story is one that many may be able to relate to, but what’s interesting is that the pressure she felt to wear hijab didn’t come from the community – it came from herself.

In our conversation, we discussed how releasing that pressure helped her come to terms with hijab and embrace the process as an internal, spiritual journey, one that is a marathon, not a sprint or a race.

What was it about Islam that attracted you to the religion?

I always believed there was something out there, a higher power, but never connected with any belief system I knew. What I loved about Islam is that it [is] logical and the Quran [has] never changed. I started connecting with the religion by saying 

. I felt comfort and reassurance each time I said these words.

Content creator and influencer Mara (@mi.lk)

What was your first perception of hijab? And how did your perception change about hijab after converting?

I saw my first hijabi at a day camp when I was 15. I talked to my first hijabi [friend] in college when I was 18. Even though I wasn’t aware of what the hijab meant, I always thought, 

. When I became Muslim (at the age of 19), I viewed hijab as an eventual goal (two-plus years out). Once I started experimenting with hijab, I first tried it for security. I taught classes online and didn’t like that strangers could see fully what I looked like.

After that, I tried wearing it in public. Then I saw that others started to recognize me as Muslim, and I felt a sense of community. I went from not being aware of hijab, to seeing it as just a piece of cloth, to wearing it for security, to being visibly Muslim.

Did you ever feel pressured or bombarded to wear hijab?

Yes. The pressure [came from] me wanting to live up to this idea of “Muslim.” I had a friend who helped me immensely in my early journey of Islam, 

, and she was a convert who put on a hijab. I found myself comparing my knowledge and 

to hers without acknowledging that she became a Muslim two years before me. She’s such a large inspiration to me, Masha’Allah, but due to my own flawed competition, I began to get overwhelmed with this idea of “being Muslim,” especially on the outside first instead of the inside.

Now, I’m learning to set that aside because we truly are each on our individual journey, and may Allah (S) bless us all.

I put on the hijab officially in my senior year of college. I didn’t show my hair online anymore and since my classmates didn’t see me in person, it felt strange to be uncovered when I started the semester [in person]. I was also scared of misrepresenting the hijab and went down this rabbit hole of 

What if they think hijab is temporary? Will they think I’m no longer Muslim and that it was a phase? Will they ask me about it?

 It could have been a teachable moment, but I wanted to avoid that conversation.

Mara pairs a sun hat over her hijab with a beautifully deep orange maxi dress.

Describe how you committed to dressing the way that you do now. Was there an evolving period? What helped you along the way?

After initially trying the hijab and being intensely overwhelmed, I learned that modesty [felt like] an expensive and time-consuming journey. I started noticing that my sweatshirts weren’t long enough to cover my behind. My T-shirt sleeves ended one-fourth [of the way] down my arm. The jeans hugged my legs. All these things that I (as a non-religious westerner) had perceived as modest weren’t quite there in an Islamic sense.

I spent about six months building a wardrobe that made me feel comfortable enough to start. I told myself that if an item wasn’t hijabi-friendly, I wasn’t buying it. I went thrifting often to find affordable pieces. I started posting on social media in exchange for modest clothing. I scrolled through Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.

, which lays out part one and part two about how to add key items of clothing and how to layer them with clothes from your existing wardrobe to bring more modesty to your outfits.)

I don’t ever think modesty is a one-stop journey. From when I first converted to trying the hijab to making the intention to wear hijab for the rest of my life, Insha’Allah, to even now – my modesty has fluctuated. There’s always something to improve on. My neck showing? I got neck covers to wear the loose hijab styles I wanted. My forearms showing? I started wearing undershirts and sleeves. My body shape showing? I started sizing up and layering fabrics. I’m sure that even a year into my hijab journey, I still have plenty of room to grow, Alhamdullilah.

What are some things that the Muslim community can do better to help support Muslim women converts in general and then specifically with regards to hijab?

There are three barriers that I often hear when talking to Muslim converts: One, they’re stressed about how their family would react; two, they can’t afford this wardrobe change; and three, they feel like they’re not a good enough Muslim.

(We also asked converts what are their biggest challenges upon becoming Muslim. Here is what they

First, bringing [converts] into a community and lending an ear would be great. Sometimes religion can unfortunately divide a family. Without the support of those you love, it’s difficult to grow in your deen. Just inviting them to a social event or dinner at your house is helpful. Do not overwhelm them. Encourage conversation about things other than dawah (as this can often make a new Muslim wonder if Muslims talk about other things in life) but leave the floor open for them to ask questions.

(For more helpful tips about how born Muslims can help those who are new(er) to Islam that go beyond initial hugs and Mubaraks, 

Second, if you’re able, donate clothes. Twice a year, look through your closet. Have you picked up that hijab color in months? No? Someone could probably use it, and you wouldn’t miss it. Did you get a modest dress that doesn’t fit you anymore or is no longer your style? Surely, someone will feel gorgeous in it.

Mara wears a neutral color hijab that picks up the neutral-colored motifs on her abaya.

If you have hijabi friends (or any Muslim woman who dresses modestly), consider having a hijab potluck! Invite your community over for a potluck and have everyone bring whatever clothes/hijabs they no longer wear (clothes and hijabs that are in great condition, of course) to swap or give away. Now you’ve solved two problems: Lack of modest clothes and lack of community.

Third, let people know that they don’t have to be 

. Yes, educate them on what proper hijab is and be honest about what the experience will be like. But oftentimes, new Muslims may be struggling with prayers but feel drawn to wear hijab. Hijab/modesty might be considered easier to them and a relief to be able to practice it instead of waiting until they have all five prayers down.

It may also offer them support in their prayers, making it easy to pray anywhere as they will have their hijab with them. And this is just one example. There could be a myriad of things telling them they’re not “good enough” for hijab. But remember, if you did not sin, Allah (S) would replace you with people who do so that they would seek forgiveness and He would forgive them (Sahih Muslim 2749).

If you were building a hijabi starter kit (which Haute Hijab has but is currently out of stock and being revamped), what would it contain?

If I were to design a hijabi starter kit, I would include:

 Different sizes for different hair styles. (

 I prefer these to the tube as they still allow your neck to breathe but in case your hijab blows away in the wind, your hair is covered — trust me, I know. 

These are great for not showing your neck but still wearing a myriad of styles!

4. A nude neutral and a complementary color hijab:

 For me, this is a medium brown and a dark pink color. (

 Yes, I believe in straight pins too, but that took me a while to master. (

 I feel like hijabi starter kits usually focus on just the head, but sleeves are relatively cheap and massively improve the modest options in your wardrobe.