Conservative doesn’t have to be an ugly term in the world of fashion. Spiritual fashion bloggers and designers with strong religious orientations have been filling the Internet with modest style inspiration for quite a while. But, with the summer sun heating things up, one may question whether it’s a challenge for these spiritual style mavens to keep the faith. For those in doubt, doubt no more. There is definitely a way to dress to impress and still hold on to your virtue. Here are the top five tips on how to look glamorously decent.

Looser is cooler

While summer tends to be a time when women reach for tighter, fitted pieces, experts say to trade mini-skirts and tube-tops for loose, flowing pieces like maxi dresses or tunic tops that allow for air circulation. Pair a stretchy pencil skirt with a flowy blouse or top and then add some gladiator sandals and a hat for style. 

Avoid the urge to layer 

Because so many clothes nowadays come with short sleeves or no sleeves, women who want to dress modestly often feel they have to layer to cover up, causing them to overheat on warm days. Pick pieces that don’t require you to layer up – like a maxi dress, worn with a lightweight cardigan on top, or a thin t-shirt underneath. Instead of buying two shirts to wear at the same time, look for pieces that already cover the parts of your body you want to cover.

Choose the right fabrics for the season

Your skin will love you if you stick to wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics in the summertime like cotton, silk, chambray, linen and jersey for hot weather. Opt for fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, and says to avoid thick materials like rayon, wool or polyester.

Make friends with maxis

Because of their length, choosing a variety of maxi skirts and dresses in breathable, lightweight fabrics is a sure way to remain covered but cool.
That said, it’s easy to get stuck in a maxi style rut. A new favourite trick is wearing a crop top with a flowy, high-waisted maxi skirt. Try draping your denim jacket (over a maxi dress) instead of wearing it traditionally; it’s less constricting and also a very hot look.

Have fun with accessories 

Find simple, modest outfits that you feel comfortable in, and change up their day-to-day look through the use of accessories. Straw totes, wide-brimmed hats, dainty ring stacks, strappy sandals and accessories with tassels add summer flair. Try to find pieces that work for you as-is, and then have fun with accessories. Above all, have fun with your clothes! Layer textures and prints, use belts and shoes, and mix prints! Just because you’re trying to dress modestly doesn’t mean it has to be boring!