7 modest fashion creatives on pushing boundaries with personal style

Vogue Singapore

27-05-2025

We have the internet—and maybe a few too many saved Pinterest boards—to thank for the constantly-changing smorgasbord of personal style inspiration we see today. A melting pot of aesthetics, silhouettes and cultural cues, fashion today isn't about fitting into neat, curated categories anymore. But for those who dress modestly, this seemingly endless landscape still brings its own set of questions: how do you honour your values without feeling boxed in? And can modest fashion move beyond restriction and instead become a medium for spirited self-expression?
Some use layering, experimenting with silhouettes and draping to quietly subvert the conventional, while others weave in culture—letting their roots shine through traditional elements reimagined for today. It's compelling to witness how style becomes a symbiotic reflection of heritage, surroundings, and personal identity. And that, too, is the beauty of modest fashion: it looks different on everyone, and it should.
Across conversations with seven modest fashion creatives, one thing becomes clear: modesty is not a restriction. If anything, it's a challenging yet freeing push—a prompt to unlock not just your personal style, but yourself. And where it was once at risk of being reduced to sameness, it now unfolds as a space of multitudes—yet at the same time a linking thread: binding wearers across different stories and perspectives into a shared narrative of personal expression and individuality.
Below, Vogue Singapore speaks to seven modest fashion creatives around the world about their personal styling tips and pushing sartorial boundaries. Courtesy of Marième Mboup
1 / 7 Marième Mboup, Senegal
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
I was first introduced to the fashion industry in 2021, when I participated in a photoshoot that my sister, Aminata, encouraged me to partake in. Modelling sparked my interest in clothing—which in turn inspired me to start my journey as a stylist. I started exploring textiles in 2023 when I started to wear more modest clothing and experimented with different ways of pinning and wearing my clothes. From there, I further developed my draping techniques—which is the main technique that I use today—for both myself, and for my projects. Today, I am still honing my craft and learning how to express more of my artistry through my garments.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
Surprisingly, in every project and fashion space that I've been in, my modesty has been respected. Most people are very accepting and even curious, but there are always a few exceptions where some people were not as understanding.
How has your personal style developed over the years?
My personal style has gone through many phases over the years. When I arrived in Canada, I felt like I could be more myself, so I was mostly expressing myself through my makeup (tribal marks), and my hairstyles were often extravagant. My current style can be defined in many ways—I often think outside the box and love experimenting with my looks. My cultural heritage also plays a big role, and I like to focus on silhouettes and layers—flowy fabrics that have volume and allow movement. I also like to upcycle and customise my pieces, using them in different ways to avoid over-consumption—for example—using a shirt as a skirt, a pair of pants as sleeves, a skirt as a top, and even playing with draping create a more layered and elegant look. I experiment a lot with my clothes, creating looks that are essentially a vessel for self expression.
A big inspiration of mine is my sister, Aminata, she has been the first person to introduce me to fashion and experimenting with clothing, as well as expressing individuality through garments. Her journey into her personal style has allowed me to discover how to manipulate clothes, make fun art out of it, and create interesting and representative looks. On the more traditional side, I believe I found inspiration in my mother, I've always loved her clothes and how elegant she wears her custom-made dresses that I now steal every year when I go back home.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
Good accessories always helps to elevates a look. Pins are also game changer—they allow you to do so many things and experiment with the clothes you already own. Also, having a colour palette that does not exceed three colours makes it easier to play with different combinations without it feeling overwhelming. Lastly, just be yourself! Nothing is more uncomfortable than wearing something that does not align with who you are. Whatever you want to wear—go for it, feel good, and be you.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
A must for me is a good jewellery drawer. As a Senegalese woman, wearing jewellery—especially gold—is inherently part of me, and they complement every look. I like to prioritise artisanal jewels—the love, care and ancestry put into crafting those jewels creates a certain energy and beauty within them and to anyone that owns them.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
Do not fear trying new things. As human beings, we will continue to grow, and our interests will change with time. Anything that sparks your curiosity—try it. Even if you fail, you can always start again and try something new. Also, take the time to learn how to dress for your body—the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and beautiful no matter what you wear. @rksdidln
2 / 7 Haswanee, Thailand
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
If I had to pinpoint when my interest in fashion began, I'd say it started during a period where I was trying to figure out what I wanted to study in university. I came from an academic-focused background in high school, but it never truly excited me. So I began to try out different things to discover what I was passionate about. In the end, I found myself reminiscing about a childhood memory—my mum used to sketch beautiful women in stylish clothes, and I would always ask her to draw more of them so I could colour them in. That memory stuck with me, and over time, it grew into a deep curiosity and love for fashion. If you ask me who or what inspired me, I'd honestly say it was my younger self. That childhood dream, buried deep inside my heart, is something I feel incredibly grateful to have rediscovered.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
In my opinion, anything new or unfamiliar often meets resistance. I chose not to place myself within overly conservative circles and instead stayed focused on my own goals. I believe there's no need to explain yourself to people who aren't willing to understand, and with that being said, I've always tried to strike a balance by bringing creativity into the way I dress—incorporating elements that might be seen as unconventional to some. But above all, it takes courage, and that's the most important factor.
How has your personal style developed over the years?
If I were to describe my personal style, I'd say it's feminine with an edge—playful and rebellious. My style has definitely evolved over time, shaped by different phases of my life. When I was 17 or 18, my looks were much more colourful and bold. As I've grown older, my fashion sense has also evolved. Gaining more knowledge about fashion has also made me more attentive to details and function—currently I draw a lot of inspiration from runway looks and love styling with intention.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
One of my go-to styling tips is to start with one key item that you really want to wear that day, then build the outfit around it—mixing and matching other pieces to complement that one piece. Also, colour coordination and texture are crucial. I often draw inspiration from my surroundings—like seeing a pink chair on a grey pavement—and turning that shade contrast into an ensemble.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
Definitely a good inner top and a pair of well-fitted trousers in white or black. They're incredibly versatile and can be styled in countless ways. I mostly shop secondhand, but when I do buy new pieces, I prefer supporting local brands in my country like—Pomelo, Landmee, TandT, Matters Maker, Ci.clo, Frank Garçon, Poonspeeds, and Cuppaknit—just to name a few. They're stylish and accessible, both in design and price.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
Don't rush your personal style journey—take your time to explore. Style is all about passion and confidence. You don't need to follow every trend or look like anyone else. Most importantly, have the courage to be different, and to express who you truly are. @hodanyousuf
3 / 7 Hodan Yousuf, Canada
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
My fashion journey started when I was pretty young. I didn't grow up with a lot of money, so thrift stores and vintage shops were the only places I could shop. At first, it was out of necessity, but it quickly turned into something I genuinely loved. In middle and high school, I would spend hours looking through secondhand pieces, trying to put together outfits that felt like me. '70s and '80s fashion have always inspired me, and that influence has stuck with me ever since. Even now, thrifting is still a big part of how I dress. Modest fashion has always been natural to me, and over the years, I've found ways to blend it with my love for vintage pieces. It's less about following trends and more about expressing who I am through what I wear.
My interest in fashion started with the magazines and Shojo manga I read growing up. Many female characters in Shojo manga were dressed in amazing, edgy outfits that I later realised were inspired by Vivienne Westwood—that's what first led me to her designs. Even as a child, there was something about her work that felt different—bold, expressive, and unapologetic. It made me curious about fashion as more than just clothes but more as a way to tell a story, or to start a movement.
Music was also a massive influence on me. I was into British bands and the underground rock scene in the early 2000s. That whole world fuelled my rebellion phase. As a teenager, I couldn't afford to buy clothes that aligned with the aesthetic I was drawn to, so I got creative. I would thrift anything I could find and spend hours DIY-ing pieces to make them feel more me . Be it cutting, sewing, or layering things unexpectedly, it became my way of expressing myself and making something out of what I had. Of course, my mom had a significant impact, too. She held onto many of her clothes from the '70s and '80s, and I remember being obsessed with them because she looked so great. The shapes, silhouettes, and the way everything felt so carefully chosen—it taught me that style could be both personal and timeless.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
As a Muslim woman, modesty is always at the forefront of my mind with everything I wear. It's a part of me, so I don't really find it challenging in my personal life. The real challenges tend to come up when I'm working with brands. Sometimes, the pieces they send don't align with my personal preferences or are just not easy to style modestly. And honestly, modest options can sometimes feel like an afterthought—they can be boring or not reflect my personality. That's where my styling comes in. I love the challenge of taking something and making it feel more like me. A good example of that was for the Sportmax show last September. They gave me this little black dress, and I had to get creative to make it work in a way that felt authentic to my style and values. I was really happy with how it turned out—and so were they. Sportmax featured me on their Instagram alongside the other amazing guests at the show, which felt like a proud moment for me.
How has your personal style developed over the years?
My style used to be a lot more experimental. I constantly tried new things, layered in unexpected ways, and just played around to see what felt right. Over the years, I've refined it a bit more. The foundation of my style is still the same, but now I've learned how to clean up the lines and silhouettes. I'm more intentional with putting pieces together, and I've found a better balance between structure and creativity.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
One of my biggest styling tips is to tailor your clothes. Even the simplest outfit can look elevated if it fits you well. I also think everyone should have a good basic white T-shirt. It's such a versatile piece and works with almost everything. Loafers are also a favourite of mine. They make any outfit feel a bit more dressed up without requiring too much effort. I always go for big bags over small ones. They're more practical, and I feel like they really complete a look.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
My absolute wardrobe staple has to be my baggy jeans. I have a few pairs from Levi's and COS that I wear all the time. They're comfortable, easy to style, and work with everything. When it comes to accessories, I'm all about big bags. My current favourite is one from Maje. I love it because I want my whole life to fit in my bag, and this one makes that possible. As for brands, I find myself going back to COS a lot. I love their clean lines and classy pieces. Burberry and Gucci have also been favourites.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
My biggest advice is to not listen to anyone. Whether you're under pressure to follow a trend or fit into a particular aesthetic, it's so important to tune that out and focus on what makes you happy. Wear what feels right to you. The more you listen to yourself and trust your instincts, the easier it becomes to find your style. It's really all about expressing who you are, not who others expect you to be. @a.ktefan
4 / 7 Amina Ktefan, Ukraine
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
I've been a fashion girl at heart for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, looking put together and stylish was a must for me, even if my choices raised some eyebrows in my family. I've never let opinions define my taste. From early on, I trusted my eye and dressed in a way that made me feel like me.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
In 2020, I began sharing content online with one mission in mind—destroying the stereotypes surrounding Muslim women. No matter how much I worked to change the image, my journey was full of obstacles. Being a hijabi fashion creator means walking into rooms where you're often the only one who looks like you, or sometimes not even being invited at all. From online hate to brand trips with a 'token' one or two hijabi creators, the struggle is real. But instead of backing down, I've learned to work harder. I know I might need to be four times better, louder, more consistent—but I'm okay with that.
How has your personal style developed over the years?
My style has evolved as I have grown, and what started as a love for fashion in front of the mirror has turned into something much deeper. Today, my style fully reflects who I am: bold but thoughtful, edgy yet graceful, expressive but intentional. It's a mirror of my evolution, both inside and out.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
I'm all about structure—shoulder pads are my not-so-secret weapon—they instantly elevate any ensemble and also adds an air of confidence. I also love creating a defined waistline. One of my favourite hacks is using an elastic clip to cinch loose shirts or blouses. It's a tiny detail that makes a huge difference, especially when creating an hourglass shape.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
Since I aim to always experiment with my looks, I love to discover and shop from local brands and designers. Their creativity feels fresh and untouched by consumerism, and they're not putting money on a pedestal. Some of my favourites include some that I've worked: Lirika Matoshi, Bhive, Solène Lescouët, Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili, Hodakova and Vaquera amongst others. But I mostly thrift and buy vintage pieces.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
Let go of the fear. Most people will glance at you for a second and then forget you right away, so why let their gaze shape your identity? Detach from the noise and let yourself be, personal style should be freeing. nvdhxo
5 / 7 Siti Nadhrah, Singapore
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
From a young age, my mother and sisters loved dressing me in fancy dresses and colourful outfits. This sparked my interest in fashion, but I only got serious about it when I started wearing the hijab in 2020. During the pandemic, I began posting on TikTok, sharing my outfits as I explored incorporating fashion into my new style. It started as a fun hobby, but one of my videos went viral, and people began looking to me for inspiration. Since there weren't many hijabi fashion influencers in Singapore at the time, this motivated me to keep creating content.
My TikTok focuses on showing that fashion can be stylish and modest. I offer styling tips, fashion recommendations, get-ready-with-me videos, and vlogs. I aim to inspire and empower people to dress comfortably and confidently, showing that modest fashion can still be trendy and diverse.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
I wouldn't say it's a big challenge, but it definitely takes more effort and time, especially in the beginning. It took me a while to figure out my personal style among all the fashion trends—like Y2K, minimalism, and others—and to imagine how to make those styles work in a hijab-friendly way. Sometimes I'd want to recreate a look, but I'd have to layer long sleeves underneath, which can completely change the vibe of the outfit. That can get frustrating when you're trying to recreate specific looks. And with pieces like off-shoulder tops, even layering doesn't always make it work modestly. But over time, I realised you don't have to follow trends exactly. You can pick the elements you love from a style and put your own modest twist on it. It takes a bit of experimenting, but once you figure out your wardrobe essentials as a hijabi, it's a lot easier to try new styles in future.
How has your personal style developed over the years?
As I began exploring various styles and aesthetics, I realised my preference leaned towards a monotone, minimalistic look with a love for asymmetrical cuts. I draw inspiration from Western influences and the Indonesian fashion scene. I'm especially fond of Indonesian fashion labels such as Prelude.choir , BLANC STUDIO®, Nylony.poplin, and Morningsol. Their unique styles, incorporating distinct cuts, layers, and textures while maintaining a minimalistic and sophisticated look, greatly resonate with my personal aesthetic.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
One tip is to start with one piece of clothing or an accessory and build the outfit around it. I always ensure the outfit is colour-coordinated. Then, I make it visually interesting by layering, playing with textures and silhouettes, and adding accessories.
Another tip is exploring how the hijab can enhance my outfits. I enjoy matching my hijab with my clothes and adding accessories like ribbons, hair clips, and caps. I also like trying different hijab styles to see which looks best. Social media is great for inspiration, with many hijabis sharing tutorials and ideas. My favourite is the turban-style hijab using a square scarf—it's quick, simple, and versatile.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
For me, a versatile outfit includes a pair of wide-leg black pants, a black midi pleated skirt, and a white button-down blouse. With just these three pieces, you can create a range of looks, effortlessly transitioning from casual to formal. You can mix and match the items, layer the skirt over the pants, or experiment with different buttoning styles on the blouse.
Accessorise with either bold statement jewellery or dainty gold or silver pieces based on the aesthetic you're aiming for—opt for statement pieces for a more striking look or simpler jewellery for a minimalist, sophisticated touch.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
My advice is to seek creative inspiration for your outfits and add your own modest touches. For example, I enjoy creating moodboards on Pinterest to refine my style and stay focused while shopping. I also draw inspiration from other fashion content creators and unique pieces I come across while out and about.
@nrsnai
6 / 7 Nursena, Turkey
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
Fashion has always felt like home to me. Growing up, my mom had a natural sense of style. She loved dressing me and my sisters up, and I think that's where my connection to fashion really began. Over the years, that early influence evolved into a personal passion—I would collect fashion magazines and sketch outfits I imagined myself wearing. It became more than just an interest; it was a creative way of expressing who I was.
I don't have one specific inspiration—my inspiration comes from the world around me. Travelling, in particular, opens my eyes to new styles, cultures, and silhouettes. When I'm in a different country, I absorb the local fashion and find myself wanting to translate that energy into my own wardrobe. It's this constant state of visual discovery that fuels my creativity.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
One of the biggest challenges at the beginning of my journey was learning how to style non-modest pieces into modest looks. I wasn't familiar with layering, so if a piece didn't already align, I simply dismissed it. Over time, I've developed techniques to reimagine certain items—playing with layers, adding structure, and finding harmony between modesty and style. Of course, not every piece can be styled modestly, and that's okay. But finding creative solutions has become one of my strengths.
Navigating the fashion world while maintaining modesty can be limiting at times. Not every trend is adaptable, and that can be frustrating—especially when you're surrounded by fast-paced cycles of what's 'in' and 'out.' But I've learned that limitations can actually fuel creativity. They push you to think differently, and to be resourceful.
How has your personal style developed over the years?
My personal style has changed a lot over the years. I started by wearing mostly abayas, long dresses, and skirts—which are beautiful—but I didn't feel like I was fully expressing myself. As I explored more, I experimented with streetwear, minimalism, and chic aesthetics. Now, I'd describe my style as a blend of chic and sporty, with a love for statement accents that bring life to neutral palettes.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
One of my favourite styling tips? Layering, always. It adds depth, dimension, and personality. I also love reshaping garments—pinning pieces to create unexpected silhouettes and giving each outfit a custom feel. Style, for me, is about creativity, balance, and finding joy in the process.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
When it comes to my go-to accessories, I'm all about loud statements. I gravitate toward oversized sunglasses, colourful shoes that add a playful twist, and handbags with intricate details that elevate any outfit. Layered silver jewellery is also a staple—it brings edge, elegance, and individuality to even the simplest ensemble.
My wardrobe is a mix of high-end favourites and more accessible pieces. I love the forward-thinking design of Prada, the minimal cool of Acne Studios, and the innovative textures of Issey Miyake. For more affordable staples, I turn to Weekday, Arket, COS, and & Other Stories—they offer clean silhouettes and quality basics that I can build around.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
If there's one piece of advice I'd give anyone navigating their personal style journey, it's this: Take your time. Style isn't a race—it's a process. And it's completely okay to try things that you'll end up disliking later. That's part of discovering what truly feels authentic. You might experiment, change, evolve—and that's the beauty of it.
Don't pressure yourself to follow every trend. Trends can be inspiring, yes, but they shouldn't define you. True style comes from within—from the pieces you feel confident in, from the way you carry yourself. Confidence is key. It's the energy you bring to an outfit that makes it stand out. Clothes are just fabric — you are what gives them life. @nadiaelok
7 / 7 Nadia Elok, Malaysia
Can you share a little about your fashion journey and some of your inspirations?
I remember my mom always dressing me up in cute and fun outfits when I was little. My days were always full of frilly dresses, playful patterns, cute little overalls, colourful boots, matching bags, and hats. These memories might have shaped my thoughts on how dressing up makes me happy and confident to go through my day. And that's probably the start of my growing interest in fashion.
Back in 2021, when the pandemic happened, I started to look through my wardrobe again. Many clothes were collecting specks of dust, and that's when I started trying on my clothes in different ways—the way I enjoyed doing when I was a kid, and started posting on social media. However, that impulsiveness started to bring opportunity for a career in social media, in a field that I had dreamed of since I was a kid—the fashion industry.
Finding inspiration comes from anything I see around me. It could be from movies I watched, food I ate, music I heard, or even buildings I walked into. Working as a professional interior designer also helps shape my personal style, as it requires me to see things in more detail. Mixing and matching materials and colours is something I am most keen on while doing projects in interior design, and the same goes for my outfits. It's the same concept with different outputs.
Have you faced any challenges navigating the space between modesty and personal style?
Many challenges were unavoidable as I embarked on my social media journey, especially as a modest fashion content creator. For example, I know I have not worn my headscarf the conventional way, so people usually point that out to me, but I appreciate all the feedback I get. I use them to reflect on myself and to improve as well.
Finding a balance between modesty and fashion is quite challenging for me, especially when I am also still learning to be a better Muslim. But I always try to keep my outfits fully covered and avoid any garments that are too fitting.
What are some of your favourite styling tips?
When it comes to styling tips, I always recommend being comfortable in your outfit first. No matter how good your outfit is, it will only look its best if you feel comfortable in it. Find the best garment, and adjust the layers to the current weather as well as occasion. After finding comfort with your personal style, be confident because confidence is the best thing you wear. Don't try to be different; we are unique, so wear what you love and show your authentic personality. Also, I keep reminding myself to dress to express myself, not to impress; that way, I can feel more at ease without having the urge to always look perfect to others.
Do you have any wardrobe staples, and what are some of your favourite brands to shop?
My wardrobe staples include sheer dresses, vests, and a lot of statement skirts. Because you can style them in so many ways, you can have various looks with just one piece. For example, sheer dresses can be worn for casual outfits or even more semi-formal events, depending on how you pair them. And this applies to vests and statement skirts, too. If you are in a hurry and don't have much time to plan your outfit, you can always dress a basic top up with a statement vest or skirt. I always have an option to buy from amazing local brands where I live. Some of my favourite statement pieces are from Sapto Djojokartiko, Toton the Label, Dibba, and TANGAN.
Can you share some advice for those who are developing their personal style?
Focus on finding the style that speaks to you the most; don't be confused by what's trending right now. If you are happy with what you are wearing, people who say otherwise shouldn't bother you. Keep experimenting and document your outfits so you can always come back to them to see which look feels the best for you in the long run. Last but not least, enjoy the process!