Staying stylish during holy month

To observe Ramadhan, many women tend to dress more appropriately by covering most parts of their bodies. The beauty of this is that you can still be stylish. One thing is for sure, the clothing should not be too tight or transparent.
Throughout this month, many stores and shopping venues, including Ramadhan-themed bazaars, are offering great bargains.
This is a good time to shop for clothes or accessories as they are likely to be priced much lower than normal.
Not only women, but men and kids alike also want to dress differently while observing the holy month, and especially at Idul Fitri.
To observe Ramadhan, there are some fashion choices that can be applied and that help protect your skin and prevent dehydration at the same time. What are they?
Women’s Ramadhan fashion
The number one choice is gamis (long, shirt-like dress) or a kaftan-like dress. Both dresses are mainly worn by Muslims in the Middle East, but they are also worn in many other countries. The kaftan can be likened to a robe or a tunic.
In the world of entertainment, many local celebrities and ustadzah (woman teachers) wear gamis and kaftans. Their fashion style often becomes a source of inspiration.
To better convince you that this kind of dress never goes out of style, even international celebrities like Rihanna, Jenifer Lopez and the Kardashians are occasionally spotted wearing kaftans.
When looking for gamis, ask for one that is suitable for this occasion that is gamis syar’i. This type of dress is designed according to sharia dress code. Compared to a kaftan, a gamis can usually be worn daily as the long sleeves are not as loose as those of a kaftan and the lower half, which is loose, is comfortable to walk in.
Although only a couple of weeks of the fasting month remain, these types of dresses also protect your skin against the sun. Inspired from the Middle East, you will understand the benefit of the longer dress when the weather is hot.
If you wear a hijab, you can accessorize it with a brooch or some other ornament. If not, you can mix and match the dress with kerudung (cape) or chiffon-based pashmina-styled scarf or shawl.
Loafers or sandals best suit a long dress. Don’t ever think of wearing wedges or heels, since they just make it difficult to walk.
JP/ P.J.Leo
Men’s Ramadhan fashion
For men, wearing a baju koko (long-sleeve collarless shirt) seems to be fashionable. But for daily routine, the choice of baju koko is often out of context.
Nowadays, there are many styles of baju koko, such as those tailored in ethnic inspired patterns.
For a more stylish model, get one with an asymmetrical design with various colors. And while most baju koko are long-sleeved, more casual types are also available. But for couples or family members, sarimbit (matching batik wear for couples) is also trendy. Wearing sarimbit is often synonymous with showcasing a family’s or couple’s harmony. Sarimbit are suitable for gatherings or parties.
For shoes, avoid wearing boots or sneakers as they would be troublesome for praying. Formal shoes or the slip-on kind are appropriate, and comfortable.
Children’s Ramadhan fashion
Without a doubt, kids are eager to wear new and nice clothes, especially at Idul Fitri. And this month is the best time for them to wear different clothes.
Just like men and women, the choice in clothing for this month should be similar for kids. But remember, don’t get them anything too complicated to wear. The most important thing to remember is that the fabric should be comfortable.
Do not be fooled by low prices or bright colors, since sometimes the materials used are not suitable for children.
Their daily activities will be conducted mostly at home, at a relative’s place or at a mosque for tarawih (extra prayer service during Ramadhan). So, a pair of new sandals and sarong are great gifts for the fasting month.