The sun is out, the temperatures are soaring, and summer dresses are at the forefront of our minds. But if you prefer dresses with a bit more coverage, dressing modestly in the heat can be pretty damn difficult – which is why we found the best modest summer dresses that will keep you cool when you want – or need – to keep under-wraps.
Our criteria for modest dresses is that they have to reach your ankles (check the models’ height so you can gauge the length on your body); the neckline should cover your collarbone (although some of our edit has a tie or small V neck) and the fabric should be opaque or be lined so there’s no need to layer – no one needs layers in a heatwave. The sleeves should reach your wrists and there shouldn’t be any sneaky splits in the skirt to turn your apparently modest-looking dress totally inappropriate.
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We found plenty of inspiration from the most stylish hijab-wearing women on Instagram, obvs, but some of our favourite dresses comes from ASOS – who have a dedicated Modest section. We love to see it. (And we need to see more of it.)
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The cottagecore trend gets ticked with ASOS’ tiered maxi dress in mixed prints – ideal for picnicking in – while their chic polka dot dress would look fab at a smart city wedding. H&M have a beautiful pale sage dress with pleated skirt and self-tie collar while ARKET have a similarly wafty raglan-sleeve version, with a tie-neck, and sweet ditsy floral print.
If you have a little more budget, then Diane Von Furstenberg has a dreamy silk dress in on-trend colour clashing emerald and pink or Saloni’s maxi dress is in sky blue silk that would look stunning with orange accessories.
The best modest swimwear to feel comfortable in time for lido season, as Nike launches a modest swimsuit line designed to empower women in the water
After more modest fashion content? Head this way for modest swimwear and over here for long sleeve swimsuits.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
