How to Style Your Abaya Year-Round in British Columbia

Let’s be honest. It could be really difficult to maintain your abaya in British Columbia.

You leave home with the sun out, only to be caught in a surprise rain by noon. Or your friend in Nanaimo is out in sneakers while it's snowing in Surrey. You're never sure what the weather will bring.

But your abaya doesn’t need to sit in the back of your wardrobe for half the year. You can wear it all year long with a few styling adjustments.

Let’s check out how to style your abaya for every season in BC. 

Winter Styling Tips (December-February)

Winters in BC (especially on the coast) are damp and windy. You want your abaya to trap warmth but still allow movement.

• Opt for heavier fabrics such as wool-blend abayas or lined jerseys. They offer warmth and, at the same time, look stylish. 
• Consider placing a light thermal base layer under your abaya. 
• Buy a tailored coat that you can layer over your abaya. You can pick neutral colors such as camel, black, or grey for easy mix-and-match.
• Waterproof boots are essential to keep your feet warm and dry. Match them with long socks or leggings for added comfort.
• Scarves and gloves are also must-haves. Similarly, go for a wool-blend hijab or a pashmina-style scarf that covers your neck.

If your abaya gets soaked even after all these measures, buy some water-resistant sprays for added protection.

Spring Styling Tips

BC spring is lovely, but unpredictable. You need to prepare for sunshine one moment and surprise drizzles the next. Here’s how to keep your abaya adaptable:

• Switch to lighter fabrics like crepe, cotton-blends, or soft denim-style abayas. Even though these are breathable, they offer ample coverage.
• Pastels and florals, such as lavender, baby blue, sage green, or soft blush color, look great during spring.
• Printed hijabs are also a good choice. They can add life to your outfit. Yet, it remains modest.
• Always carry a lightweight water-resistant jacket that you can tie around your waist when the sun comes out.
• Pick low heels with good grip as spring sidewalks can be slippery with wet cherry blossoms.

Summer Styling Tips

Summer is perhaps the most comfortable season in BC. But it could be hotter in towns like Kelowna or Kamloops. You want your abaya to keep you cool without compromising on your convenience.

• Ultra-light materials such as cotton voile, linen, chiffon (lined), or rayon are the best choice. They allow sufficient air flow and dry fast. 
• Go for light colors that reflect the sun and keep you cooler. Whites, creams, beige, soft peach, or sky blue are good choices. At Habibi & Her, we’ve an amazing collection of such light color abayas.
• It’s better to wear open abaya styles draped over a lightweight maxi dress. These offer more breathability.
• When it comes to footwear, sandals are indeed the perfect choice. Avoid anything that makes your feet sweat.

Fall Styling Tips

Fall is a combination of summer remnants and early winter feels. You need to feel cozy but avoid overheating. Check out how to do it:

• Medium-weight materials such as heavier crepe, ponte knit, or even light wool are ideal.
• Layer with long cardigans. You can also belt your abaya for structure and added warmth.
• Accessories such as big scarves can introduce texture and bring a simple, eye-catching look.

Conclusion

No matter what the season is, your abaya can be styled to match the mood. All you need to do is make the right choices.

At Habibi & Her, we’re here to help you with that. That’s why we design modest abayas that can adapt to any season. If you're looking for pieces that are as practical and beautiful, we’d love for you to explore our collection.