Khaleeji Abaya Trends 2013



Cut-outs are the new "it-girl" abaya additive. They are the "new" front open abaya, "allowing people to see the style beyond the black." They can be through the sleeve of the abaya or the bottom hem, or both... even the shoulder seam. They can either be laser-cut, inter-weave, or a see-through trim (lace, net, ect.) attaching two pieces of abaya pattern together. The it-factor: can show the dress off that one is wearing underneath. The draw-back: what one is wearing underneath might not meet Islamic requirements, and then abaya is void of all modesty. How-to-wear-it: With modest but beautiful clothing underneath;D, pretty simple.

Raised velvet on silk chiffon fabric used. Typically in gold, silver, or plain black. Very common casual day-wear style. The it-factor: doesn't need much accessorizing. The draw-back: some fabrics used are too sheer and weren't lined. How-to-wear-it: just pull on and go, with something underneath if sheer or see-through.

Laser-cutting is also majorly in, paired with the shock of coloured lining, usually for the more daring of fashionistas. The it-factor: awesome colour and pattern. The draw-back: might set the haraam police down on you. How-to-wear-it: just pull on and go.

The "Peasant" abaya is pretty much a wardrobe staple in Oman. Abaya consists of tiers or pleating, with a draw-string waist and often with netting, rope braiding details, or lace on the top. The it-factor: great structure. The draw-back:
many sisters tie the belt at the waist to show the curves of their hips and butt. Then it isn't hijab anymore. How-to-wear-it: tie the belt super loose OR sew it on either side so it can't move to close on the waist.

The "not-abaya-fabric" abaya. Typically all-black but occasionally more daring, often sporty stretch netting, sheer silk velvet embossed chiffon, or lace over another fabric. Most often in a typical casual cut. The it-factor: can be so totally wow and unique. The draw-back: for some reason the haraam police object. How-to-wear-it: pull on and go.

The basic day-wear abaya cut is wide unfitted a-line body, open or closed, with wide or kimono sleeves. Bisht sleeves are out. It can be completely plain, or trimmed and embellished. The it-factor: easy to wear anything you want underneath. The draw-back: some girls let the sleeves fall open on purpose instead of adding snaps and open styles with not-hijab clothing undernetah visible flapping about. How-to-wear-it: pull on and go. But remember, modesty is actions, not just our clothes!

Shoulder and arm emphasis for embellishment. The new abaya trend moved away from embellished shaylas to the design being on the shoulders of one's abayas or flowing down the arms from the starting of the shoulders. Shoulder pads have often featured. The it-factor: when it first appeared it was so totally different. The draw-back: studs are not always motherhood friendly. How-to-wear-it: pull on and go. If punked out make sure to avoid hugging people;)

Fabric-front, often belted with an inner tying belt. I think the choice in colours and textures is what makes this trend popular, in addition to it being a bit more practical to walk in than the Grecian drapes and DAS-style waterfall cuts out there. The it-factor: originality in styling is easy. The draw-back: if girls pull the inner belt too tight and don't make sure their hijab covers their chest it isn't really hijab anymore. How-to-wear-it: pull on and go.

I think that's pretty much a run down of the Khaleeji trends from 2013 so far.