‘I’m a modest dresser and these are the staples that get me through summer.’

To many, modest dressing when it's sweltering hot outside may seem massively counterproductive. When temperatures reach 40 degrees and the humidity makes it hard to breathe, the last thing you want to do is cover up. But for someone like me, who dresses modestly, I’ve found staple items that not only help me stay cool and look good, but also keep me fully clothed.

That’s why I wanted to make a list, because I know there are a lot of you out there who also prefer to dress modestly, and I’m fully aware of the struggle to find cute clothes that aren’t revealing. I like to define my style as minimal and classic. I rarely buy into trends, so everything you’re about to see are basic items, but ones that you’ll get a lot of wear out of.

Watch: Comfy Lux Hacks For Really Long Days. Post continues below.

I’ve written about outfit formulas before, and these pieces will help you build multiple outfits, while keeping you sweat-free. I also wanted to make a disclaimer: I understand that modesty looks different on everyone, so feel free to use this list as a guide, and adapt it to suit your needs.

Image: Instagram @basmahqazi.

It’s taken a long time for me to reach a point where I’m fully satisfied with my wardrobe, and now that I’m finally there, I wanted to impart what I learnt onto you. As I’ve gotten older, and the fact that my entire life revolves around fashion because of … well … my job, I’ve learnt a thing or two about what clothing items you actually need, and which ones you can afford to ditch.

Summer dressing for us modest girlies is hard, so hopefully this will help — even if you aren’t a modest dresser.

Linen trousers.

Linen trousers are an absolute necessity in Australian summer. Not only is it easy to throw on, but it’s also so freaking comfortable. Linen is lightweight and breathable, and can be worn on many different occasions, so definitely invest in a pair (or two).

My picks:

AERE Wide Leg Linen Pants, $120.

Image: AERE, The Iconic.

Country Road Organically Grown Linen Pull-on Pant, $139.

Image: Country Road, The Iconic.

Something 4 Olivia Issa Striped Linen Pants, $99.99.

Image: Something 4 Olivia, The Iconic.

Co-ords.

We all have those days where we have nothing to wear (and by nothing to wear, I mean our brain just can’t come up with an outfit). This is where co-ords come in — they’re easy, versatile and you can mix and match with the other items in your closet.

My picks:

SHEIKE Oasis Shirt, $129.99; Oasis Pant, $139.99.

Image: SHEIKE.

DISSH Brooks Geo Drawstring Pant, $149.99; DISSH Brooks Geo Vacation Shirt, $149.99.

Image: DISSH.

Button-up shirt.

Take one look at my closet and you’ll find an array of button-up shirts in multiple different colours. These throw on shirts are great for layering, and also for wearing on its own. Pair it with those new linen pants you got your hands on, or wear it over a plain t-shirt if you’re feeling extra fancy. 

My picks:

The Fated Shell Linen Shirt, $169.95.

Image: The Fated, The Iconic.

UNISON Cotton Stripe Shirt, $99.95.

Image: UNISON, The Iconic.

Pull&Bear Rustic Long Sleeve Shirt, $69.99.

Image: Pull&Bear, The Iconic.

Maxi skirt.

I wrote a story about how to style a maxi skirt and you guys ate it up and I totally get why. I LOVE a maxi skirt, especially ones that have more of a casual feel to it. It exudes luxury and can be worn in various ways, plus; I wear mine all year round.

My picks:

DISSH Gemima White Linen Midi Skirt, $119.99.

Image: DISSH.

Calli Kristy Maxi Skirt, $99.95.

Image: Calli, The Iconic.

Witchery Yarn Dye Linen Tailored Maxi Skirt, $179.95.

Image: Witchery, The Iconic.

Linen dresses.

Whenever I want to feel pretty and feminine, I opt for a plain linen maxi dress. Again, linen is my favourite summer fabric so I try to build my entire wardrobe with it. Pair the dress with a basket bag, a pair of sandals and your favourite sunglasses and you’re ready to go. 

My picks:

Portmans Ellie Short Sleeve Midi Dress, $169.95.

Image: Portmans.

AERE Linen Midi Dress, $170.

Image: AERE, The Iconic.

Amelius Renata Stripe Linen Dress, $299.

Image: Amelius, The Iconic.

Plain t-shirts.

This one is self-explanatory, but plain t-shirts are a necessity in every wardrobe. I’ve lost count how many times I wear mine throughout the week. If you prefer to cover your arms, then opt for something with longer sleeves.

My picks:

Atmos&Here Curvy Organic Cotton Boyfriend Tee, $49.99.

Image: Atmos&Here Curvy, The Iconic.

Assembly Label Organic Established Tee, $50.

Image: Assembly Label, The Iconic.

Dazie Nostalgia Stripe Oversized Boyfriend Tee, $49.99.

Image: Dazie, The Iconic.

Double-sided tape.

This is a bit rogue, but hear me out. I swear by my double-sided tape, especially when I’m wearing a button-up shirt that has quite a deep neck. Instead of using pins (and ruining my clothes in the process), I just slap on some double-sided fashion tape, close the neckline and I’m good to go. No one can ever tell, and you can’t see any unsightly pins sticking out. 

My pick:

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Fashion Tape, $20.95.

Image: Big W.

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Featured Image: Instagram @basmahqazi.