It’s that time of year again when your calendar is booked with winter graduations, parties, and even engagements or weddings – and you know what that means.... it's time to get dressed up! Regardless of the occasion, it's never a bad time for some seriously beautiful formal outfit inspiration to keep those creative juices flowing. 

We’re featuring some of our favorite hijabi influencers rocking elegant formal wear to give you some ideas on what to pick out for your next party. No look is complete without the perfect hijab to top it off, so with each outfit we will also be showing you which Haute Hijabs would work best to complete the ensemble and help you up your hijab fashion game!

1. Meme @mademoisellememe the Mix Master

As hijabis, maxi dresses are one of our staple pieces, especially when it comes to formal wear. The ever-so-fashionable Mademoiselle Meme looks both modest and stunning in this long-sleeved velvet and lace gown by Costarellos.

To recreate this look (without dropping designer dough on a gown), look for a navy long-sleeved maxi with as much texture as you can find – there are plenty of lace, tulle and velvet options out there that create the same rich feel for a fraction of the cost (like this one from ASOS, which would work great over a navy base layer)! Then use your accessories to add hints of blush and maroon, like with a ruby-colored statement necklace and a dusty pink clutch to match your hijab. Finish the look with the Everyday Georgette in Rose, or the Everyday Chiffon in Dark Blush or Pale Rose! Or, invest in something light-as-air with the perfect sheen by adding our Essential Silk Hijab in Rose Blush. 

2. Heba @heba_jay is Radiant in Red

What's not to love about this outfit? Pairing a maxi skirt with knee-high boots and a chunky sweater has been a personal go-to of mine when it comes to getting dressed up during this time of year – it's so cozy and comfortable but also looks so polished!

Heba let her bold sweater shine by keeping the rest of the look classic with the polka dotted skirt and black layering pieces. The pleats in the skirt also add a nice textural contrast and keep the skirt from looking too plain and simple. There’s nothing more festive than a bright red chunky sweater (try this one to get a similar look!) paired with a statement accessory like the fanny pack belt bag Heba is rocking, or even a shiny statement necklace if that is more your style. With such a high collar turtleneck, I would suggest a tucked-in style to avoid extra bulk. Take your own spin on this perfect winter ensemble with our Essential Silk in Black or our Everyday Chiffon in Onyx. 

3. Leah @lvernon2000 Slays in Silver

Winter is the perfect time to break out all your favorite sparkly and shiny things – so why not wear them all together? We are obsessed with this sequin wrap dress Leah paired with emerald velvet leggings and patent silver boots (shop similar styles here, here and here). Of course, such a luxe look wouldn't be complete without a crown, fit for a true queen!

To get the look, top off your sparkliest number with a sleek hijab in a matching hue. Our Essential Silk in Silver or Everyday Chiffon in Dove Grey would be perfect.

4. Leena @withloveleena Glows in Georgette

Leena is looking so effortlessly elegant in this champagne, embellished long-sleeved gown (shop similar here) that would be well suited for an engagement party or wedding. The simplicity and subtle beading of this dress is perfect because it allows for a variety of hijab styles and hijab fabrics, each giving the entire look a different feel.

You really can’t go wrong here thanks to the clean lines and neutral hue – you could pair it with our Essential Silk Hijab in Vintage Gold to complement the embellishments on the bodice. You could also choose to wear a georgette like Leena is in her photo – our everyday georgettes in Caramel or Latte would be my picks for a dress with this color palette.

Aysha @ayshaharun

C'est l'amour – this romantic look by Aysha features a stunning gown embroidered all over with red and pink roses. There's something so timeless and whimsical about the scattered blossoms on luxurious black tulle. Get a similar look by layering a black long-sleeved top under one of theseoptions and add satin pumps in a neutral blush or sand hue to let this statement dress really shine.

Top off your look with a soft, sleek hijab in a complementary color, like our Essential Silk in Bordeaux or our Everyday Chiffon in Cranberry (just restocked!). Perfect for enhancing your glow. 

6. Fatima @fatima.b.ibrahim is Primrose and Proper

This would be the perfect look for an office party, fancy brunch – or just because! The maxi pencil skirt keeps it polished and sophisticated, while the ruffle on on the bodice adds flair with a feminine touch. Hints of pink with the shoes and hijab add such a fun pop of color to the otherwise classic ivory-and-navy combo. This is such an easy look to pull off because you can play around with the color palette as well as the accessories to achieve your vision. Each piece is a timeless investment you'll reach for again and again! Shop similar pieces here and here.

Fatima is wearing one of our sold-out prints, the Sunday Fun Day Hijab, but we are constantly stocking new and beautiful floral prints that would work just as well – check out these options!

7. Eileen @eslimah Sparkles in Silver

The beautiful Eileen is looking absolutely stunning in this show stopper dress! (She paired hers with a sleek black layering top, but you can find a similar long-sleeved gown here!) Whether it’s your sister’s wedding, or maybe your own engagement party, we have just the right hijab options for you to pair with a statement piece like this. Wearing a dress this heavily embellished with crystals or appliqué calls for a simple hijab choice to complete the look. Eileen kept the rest of her look simple and sleek with one of her go-to hijabs, our Everyday Georgette Hijab in Mink (just restocked!). You could also finish this look beautifully with the Essential Silk in Pearl Dust or Silver.

If you are the belle of the ball and want something extra extra special, take another look at our Luxury Collection – the Celestial Silver would go perfectly with all the silver sparkle of this dress! We had YOU in mind when we designed these decadent, handmade hijabs to help you find the perfect piece for your most special days.

8. Saudah @saudahsaleeminteriors is Fresh in Prints

Mixing prints and textures is all the rage this year in the fashion world, and I love how playful and colorful this outfit is by the lovely Saudah. She did an amazing job pairing prints with similar colorways, then adding a pop of glorious color with her top and throwing in a statement stiletto for good measure.

A simple black hijab in chiffon, georgette, or even jersey would be perfect to complete a look like this and let all the other interesting elements shine. Now can we talk about those fabulous SHOES? (Shop similar styles here and here!)

9. Hassanah @hassanah_pfh Glows in Green

Nothing screams winter glam like velvet, and this emerald green matching set is everything! (For similar, check out this stunning blazer and pant!) I love that Hassanah paired it with matching velvet heels (these are sold-out from Zara but you can find them on Poshmark) – you could also pair an outfit like this with some animal print loafers for a fun, playful touch.

This color is just stunning, so whether you choose to wear a printed shoe or match it up, I would keep the hijab the same color or within the same color palette so that it can really shine. Our Everyday Chiffon in Celadon or Perfect Satin in Emerald are perfect to top off the luxurious feel of this ensemble!

10. Manal @chinutay is a Maximalist Dream

You may have heard of fashion minimalism – but are you ready for fashion maximalism? This style is all about bold self-expression and playful pairings of graphic prints, bright colors and, well, whatever looks speak to you! When it comes to having fun with this style, the only rule is that there are no rules. I'm obsessed with how Manal updated the timeless blazer look with this bright pink jacket, which beautifully offsets her statement pant with a unique photography print. Just because you're going formal doesn't mean you can't wear sneakers – a great pair of clean white tennies can give formal dresses and trousers alike a fresh, downtown vibe. 

Finish off your look with a sleek solid hijab – you could choose classic black in silk or georgette, or add a pop of color with one of our solid chiffon hijabs!

11. Omaya @omayazein Pops in Red and Pearls

Styling a kimono or abaya over dress pants is another way you can get dolled up and add some flair to your formal outfits this season. I love the way Omaya paid attention to detail and paired these stunning pumps with a dress pant that has beautiful detailing around the cuff. The abaya-esque way she tied this red maxi dress adds a brilliant pop of color but still gives off an elegant and formal feel. I also love that she’s wearing a neutral hijab, instead of matching the black or red of her kimono – by adding a third color the look feels fresh. (Shop similar pieces here and here!)

Neutrals are great for outfits like this where you want to break up your outfit's main color scheme while still keeping it sleek and sophisticated. Adding a neutral option like our Everyday Chiffon in Sand or our Everyday Georgette in Mink or Camel would pair perfectly with an outfit like this.

 

Need even more formal hijab inspiration? Check out Gizelle and Melanie's new silk hijab tutorial! I hope you were able to get some fresh outfit inspirations through this post – as always, be sure to tag us @HHSpottedClub @HauteHijab so we can see you rocking your HH this season!

Danah is wife to Kareem and mama to their daughter Kinzah (aka Kiki). She was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and loves all things food, fashion, photography and home decor. After having Kinzah, she created her blog, Mother of Pearl, where she shares a glimpse into her life as she navigates motherhood and hopes to build a safe space for other mamas to connect. You can follow her on Instagram.