Expressing your personal style while wearing the Jilbab, is it possible?
Les Sultanas ©, Grande Mosquée de Paris
When I first started wearing the jilbab, I’ll admit, I panicked a bit. How was I supposed to express my personal style when everyone around me was wearing the same flowing fabric, often in shades of black, navy, or grey? For someone who grew up thinking style was all about being different and expressing one’s true self, I felt like I was losing a piece of me.
But then it hit me : matching with my sisters wasn’t erasing my identity. It was freeing me to find other ways to express it. And honestly? It made me really reflect on what personal style means outside of just clothes. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about standing out; it’s about owning who you are.
1. Small Details, Big Personality
Just because you feel like you can’t express your favourite style through the Jilbab doesn’t mean you can’t at all. It’s in the little things : your bag, keychains, or even your choice of shoes. They can add a personal touch without clashing with your modest style. A structured tote might say "organized girlie," while a sporty crossbody gives off a chill, on-the-go vibe. Keychains and charms can hint at your interests, whether it’s a tiny book for the reader in you or a cute animal charm that reflects your love for pets. And don’t underestimate the power of shoes : sleek sneakers, comfy loafers, or classic flats can subtly shift your whole aesthetic. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about feeling like you.
2. Separating Identity from Consumption
One of the best things about dressing like the other girls in your community is the freedom it gives you. When you’re not chasing trends or constantly updating your wardrobe to “stand out,” you get to step back and see personal style for what it truly is : something deeper than just buying things. Modesty isn’t about restricting yourself; it’s about shifting the focus away from appearance and onto what really matters.
Wearing a jilbab allows you to enjoy the beauty of simplicity. You don’t have to stress over what to wear every morning, and there’s no pressure to keep up with fast fashion. Instead, you can invest in other aspects of yourself : your character, your interests, your relationships. Dressing like the girls around you doesn’t erase who you are; it removes the noise so your true self can shine. And that’s a kind of confidence no outfit can buy.
3. Character Over Clothing
Style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about who you are. Your kindness, confidence, and the way you carry yourself speak louder than any outfit ever could. A jilbab isn’t just fabric; it’s part of a lifestyle that reminds us that modesty is more than appearance, it’s a mindset. Are you the friend who always lifts others up? The one who brings good vibes wherever you go? That’s what people remember. Modesty is meant to be enjoyed, not just worn. So, while your outfit may look like all your besties’, your character is what truly makes you stand out.
4. Style Comes Back, But Faith Comes First
If you feel like you’ve “lost” your personal style after putting on the jilbab or hijab, that’s okay. You don’t have to figure it all out right away. In time, your personal style will naturally come back, maybe in the way you carry yourself, in the small details you love, or even in how you build confidence in simplicity. But for now, it’s okay to pause and focus on something deeper.
The real goal isn’t just finding your aesthetic : it’s finding yourself in your faith. Modesty gives you the freedom to step away from society’s pressure to constantly reinvent yourself, to buy more, to chase trends just to feel “different.” Instead, you get to enjoy the peace of knowing that who you are isn’t tied to what you wear. And when your personal style does return, it will feel even more you, not because it was shaped by what’s trendy, but because it was shaped by the person you’ve become.
