One of my favorite pieces is the long-sleeve maxi dress— especially as a woman who wears hijab and observes modest dress. Maxi dresses are a great wardrobe staple that can take you from warmer months into the cooler ones because they’re so versatile and easy to wear. With the right accessories, hijab or pieces from your wardrobe, the maxi dress becomes an affordable base piece you can wear again and again.

Let’s face it, we’re all trying to be more earth conscious and make our wardrobes more sustainable. Investing in a budget-friendly versatile piece like a maxi dress that can be styled in different ways, is one small way you can make a big difference. Here are a few of my go-to ways to style a modest maxi dress:

1) Knit Sweater

I love pieces that I’m able to create different outfits around. Layering a chunky knit sweater over your sleek maxi dress is one way to create an entirely different outfit.

2) Combat Boots

I live in my combat boots this time of year. They’re so versatile and are a great way to add a little edge to your look. Swap in combat boots to take your maxi dress game to new levels.

3) Oversized Coat

An oversized coat or jacket is a versatile way to navigate the seasons in style. Pair a solid with a print or have a full monochrome moment. Grab your favorite sunnies and you’ve got a look!

Sarah Abouelkhair in the Blue Storm Diana Dress

4) Sneakers

We all have a favorite pair of basic trainers that we can’t live without (mine are Air Force 1s). Dress down your maxi with a pair and feel comfortable as you take on your day!

5) Leather

The best thing about a leather jacket (or blazer) is that they never go out of style. Paring this wardrobe must-have with your feminine maxi dress will instantly elevate your look for day or night.

6) Monochrome Hijab

The maxi dress is one of the most coveted items in a hijabi’s wardrobe. It’s modest and ready-to-wear. I like to pair my solid color maxi dresses with a hijab in a similar shade of color to achieve a monochromatic look.

7) Blazer

One thing about a good blazer is that it can be worn in so many different ways! Peri purple was named the ‘it color’ this season and I love the way the Peri Mock Neck Dress was styled here. Pair a contrasting blazer + solid color dress to achieve a sophisticated style with only a few pieces.

8) Silk Scarf

The square silk scarf made its way back into our closets over the last few years. More than just a hijab for your head, the nostalgic trend is your chicest accessory this season. Grab a solid maxi dress and tie your favorite silk scarf around your waist for an easy chic way to update your look.

8 Ways to Style a Modest Maxi Dress