Standing Out With Modest Fashion - @itsbasra

The first few months after I permanently began wearing my hijab were difficult. It wasn’t because people gave me a tough time, nor was it because I did not love my headscarf. Simply put, I freaked myself out. No matter where I went or who I was with, I was convinced that people were staring at me, wondering what was on my head.

As time went on, I gradually stopped worrying about the reactions of those around me. Instead, I focused on the lack thereof. I began feeling comfortable in situations where I felt invisible. I convinced myself that no attention was better than bad attention; I’d much rather just blend in instead of give people a reason to notice what I’m wearing. I felt myself drift away from the bright, colorful outfits that I was so accustomed to, and I began reaching for the more neutral pieces in my closet. Although I felt like I wasn’t wearing the pieces that best represented myself and my personality, I at least had one less reason to worry that people would notice what I was wearing.

As color blocking resurfaced over the years, I noticed an influx of hijabi bloggers who make use of bright, bold colors and creating unique color combinations. One blogger who has stood out to me is @itsbasra, a Melbourne based influencer whose page is filled with creative color patterns in her outfits and home decor.

Aside from her vibrant feed, one feature that sets Basra apart from many other color-blocking fashion bloggers is her taste in bright, patterned hijabs. Even if an outfit already consists of a colorful blazer and bright pants, Basra does not shy away from pairing it with a statement scarf.

Here, @itsbasra wears bright and patterned hijabs with outfits that already consist of colorful tops and accessories. Rather than try to take away attention from her outfits by toning down certain bold pieces, she uses her hijab and accessories to add even more vibrancy to her outfits.

Similar color combinations are also demonstrated in her home decor, which is filled with shades that mirror her outfits.

Every time I go through @itsbasra’s page, I am reminded that there is no such thing as too many colors. It is inspiring and encouraging to see other hijabi women who express themselves through such a bold and lively take on personal style.

The Muslim women I’ve learned from have taught me important values and lessons when it comes to my hijab. I now feel most comfortable wearing pieces that make me feel like who I am. Whether that be bright and vibrant, dark tones, or nudes, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that I am never filtering my appearance to cater to the comfort and reactions of the people around me. And that’s the beautiful thing about fashion: I get to control my own narrative and wear what makes me feel most like myself! ✿

Words by Tamara Zafer

Designs by Bel Nario