In March’s The Aesthetes, eight women of style and influence tell us how they are dressing for Ramadan.
Faiza Bouguessa
FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR – BOUGUESSA
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
My style is a balance of structure, elegance and ease, a reflection of Bouguessa’s design philosophy. I’m drawn to timeless silhouettes, refined tailoring, and neutral tones, with a focus on well-crafted pieces that feel both effortless and polished. I love pieces that feel powerful yet understated. Most workdays, I blend power and ease, often reaching for one of my oversized blazers with our Type 02 jeans and a Moez T-shirt or loose trousers with minimal sandals or The Row loafers. For important meetings or formal occasions, I opt for the full suit, and heels, a look that makes me feel confident.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, my style remains true to its essence but becomes more relaxed and even more minimal. I lean towards black, flowing silhouettes, airy fabrics, and effortless layering, prioritising comfort without compromising elegance. I also like softer, serene tones, whites, creams, and earthy hues that reflect the spirit of the month. It’s a time of simplicity and mindfulness, and my wardrobe mirrors that sentiment.
Mthayel Al Ali
ENTREPRENEUR AND CONTENT CREATOR
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as a balance between tradition and modernity, always with a touch of effortless elegance. I gravitate towards modest silhouettes that feel powerful yet so feminine, often incorporating structured tailoring, rich textures, and a neutral color palette with subtle statement details. My approach to fashion is deeply personal – it’s not just about trends but about storytelling, cultural appreciation, and authenticity. I love mixing contemporary cuts with classic Emirati influences, ensuring that every look reflects my identity and values.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
Whether I’m attending iftar gatherings or spending quiet moments in reflection, I choose pieces that feel authentic, effortless, and aligned with the spirit of the month. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time, and my style naturally adapts to reflect the essence of the month – graceful, modest, and intentional. I lean towards flowing abayas, Mkhawar, and airy fabrics that exude comfort while maintaining a refined aesthetic. Recently i’ve been obsessed with Black but usually who knows me earthy tones, soft pastels, and intricate embroidery are my vibe. I also find myself drawn to accessories that carry sentimental value – whether it’s a cherished piece of jewellery or a handcrafted piece that tells a story.
Raheel Al Roudhan
FOUNDER – FABRIC OF SOCIETY
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
My style is closely aligned with the FoS style – so of course that’s where I shop! I like to mix smarter pieces with cooler, street wear items. So this could be tailoring with sneakers or flat jewelled pumps, or denim with a really bold and dressy sculptural top. But I am not immune to gorgeous evening wear. Is there anything better than getting seriously dressed up for an occasion? I think not! As long as I can wear sneakers the day after!
How does your style change during Ramadan?
Ramadan is a chance for me to spend more time with my family so I choose comfortable items that are also respectful of the moment. This could be beautiful matching separates and longer dresses that move easily. I also look forward to dressing up during Eid celebrations. We have just launched Taller Marmo on Fabric of Society and all their styles are perfectly suited to the occasion. The fabrics, cuts and colours are perfection.
Alia Al Khafajy
FOUNDER & CEO – OKTA
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
My style is very dependent on my mood – but for the most part I’d say effortless smart/casual. For special occasions or when dressing up I tend to go more classic/chic. I would say ¾ of my wardrobes are timeless staples and basics which I can style and wear differently each time, with a few unique one-of-a-kind in between for that edge. I’m not really one to follow “trends” and instead prefer timeless and effortless style. I like to spend on items that have been well-made in terms of design, tailoring and most importantly fabric composition. I’m also quite nostalgic so you’ll find me styling items from my mother’s old wardrobes or my father’s suit blazers.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
In Ramadan there’s a 180-degree turn in my wardrobe – you’ll only ever find me in Jalabiyas and Abayas. And I don’t mean Kaftan and Tunics, it’s the traditional Mkhawar for each day of the month (daytime and evening)! It’s the only time of the year you’ll find me in that all month round. However, the colours and designs I choose to be in are still true to my style in the sense that they’re still less busy with regards to patterns, and colours and tones I’d usually gravitate towards.
Nora Al Shaikh
FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR – NORA AL SHAIKH
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
My style is all about bold sophistication with a modern edge. I love clean, structured silhouettes but always with an unexpected detail – something that makes a statement without trying too hard. I’m drawn to pieces that feel effortless yet polished, striking that perfect balance between confidence and ease.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, my style becomes more refined with a touch of cultural and traditional influences. I gravitate toward flowy silhouettes, rich textures, and statement details that feel effortlessly chic yet comfortable. I love incorporating vintage accessories, especially bold earrings, to add character and depth to my looks. It’s a time when I embrace elegance with a modern edge, blending tradition with contemporary.
Jennifer Kolomoni
STYLIST AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
Much like me, my style has evolved and matured a lot over the years. My style used to be edgy, eclectic when I was in uni. I worked part time at Diesel and would listen to artists like Santigold and Gossip, MIA and Destiny’s Child… I was a real sponge and the result of my environment was alternative punk meets R&B chick. I also got a mohawk at one point, heavily inspired by Rihanna but Grace Jones was my reference for everything. Today, I’m more refined and my lifestyle requires me to be more comfortable, casual and laid back during the day, so I go for classic timeless pieces that allow me freedom of movement. I’ve outgrown micro trends but I’m still very much with the times and current. In the evening is when I have all the fun. I’m much more glamorous, timeless and feminine with an edge. I like to challenge myself from time to time to be more bold in fashion as well as in life. I love a good catsuit or a bright red dress that makes a statement. On some days, I feel like leaning into the 90s classic minimalism of Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in Friends and then some days the glamour costume of Catherine Zeta-Jones in Chicago inspires me a lot but I find costumes in period films generally very exciting to watch. Lately, I’m inspired by the bold glamour of Diana Ross, the eclectic 70s references of Solange Knowles and the effortlessness of Taylor Russel. The style of character Joan Clayton in Girlfriends and also Tracee Ellis Ross in real life, I find that me and her could very much be friends.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
I’ve lived in Dubai for 12 years now and I’ve become quite accustomed to the culture and customs so I try to be as modest as possible all while still staying true to my style and aesthetic. For iftar, I enjoy wearing maxi dresses, kaftans and I experiment with easy abayas. I usually also avoid very bold colours and anything that feels “extreme” or “edgy”. I tend to wear a more muted colour palette like beige, white, brown. I feel it makes more sense to make everything easier on the eye during this time of the year.
Moni Hasbini
CEO – JEWELLERY LABEL HIBA HASBINI
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
I think my biggest style signifier is my jewellery, as I have a jewellery brand with my mother, I’m constantly changing my stack, mixing up different collections from our brand, HIBA HASBINI. I would describe my style as classic, with a chic twist. I always try to focus on building a long-term wardrobe, with things that can be worn multiple times for different looks. What completes my looks is usually my jewellery, bags, shoes, and accessories. I love having a pop of colour in all my looks, and some of my favorite colours that I usually integrate into my looks are pink, orange, yellow, and red/burgundy.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, I get to explore a side of fashion which is different to my style all-year long. I usually mostly wear outfits with abayas, kaftans, and things that I wouldn’t usually wear outside the holy month. I really enjoy exploring that side of fashion as I get to style different pieces, and I also focus a lot on supporting local homegrown brands, which usually make the chicest, most stylish abayas and kaftans. I’ve already started preparing my Ramadan outfits which are more conservative, and I’m very excited to start wearing them during the holy month and showcasing the looks on TikTok.
Saba Sabbagh
FREELANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
What is your style signifier – how would you describe your style?
My style is a refined balance of minimalism and quiet luxury, focusing on structure, texture, and timeless silhouettes. I gravitate towards a neutral or monochrome palette, allowing the details, whether it’s a sharp shoulder, an elongated sleeve, or a perfectly tailored fit to take center stage. My approach to fashion isn’t about trends; it’s about creating a mood, an effortless elegance that feels both modern and enduring.
Jewellery plays a key role in my style. I believe fine jewellery should feel like an extension of the wearer, subtle yet powerful, effortlessly elevating any look. I gravitate towards bold, sculptural pieces and timeless classics that add depth and a sense of individuality. A structured blazer or fluid dress can be transformed entirely with the right earrings, a striking ring, or a delicate yet statement-making necklace.
There’s also an element of storytelling in how I dress. Fashion, for me, is more than just putting together an outfit; it’s about evoking a feeling and carrying that energy with you. Whether it’s a sharply tailored ensemble or a flowing evening dress, my style is about confidence, strong, effortless, and timeless, always accented with the perfect jewellery to complete the story.
How does your style change during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, my style shifts towards more fluid and comfortable silhouettes while maintaining the minimalism and sophistication I always gravitate towards. I opt for relaxed tailoring, flowing fabrics like silk and crepe, and pieces that drape effortlessly, allowing for both movement and ease. Comfort is key, but never at the expense of refinement. I lean into simplicity with a focus on interesting cuts and silhouettes clean lines, asymmetric details, and structured yet airy pieces that feel effortless yet intentional. Rather than heavy embellishments, I let the shape and movement of a piece speak for itself. Soft, neutral tones and monochrome looks remain a constant in my wardrobe, creating a sense of understated elegance. Jewellery plays an even more important role during this time, adding a quiet statement to my looks. Whether it’s sculptural gold earrings or a delicate yet striking ring, I choose pieces that feel timeless and personal. Ramadan is a time of reflection and gatherings, and my wardrobe mirrors that – elegant, effortless, and thoughtfully curated.
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Images: Supplied
