Balancing Hijab, Work, and Studies: Practical Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school season often means a fresh start: returning to classes, launching new projects, facing professional challenges, or rethinking your organization. For many Muslim women in the West, one question often arises: How can I reconcile wearing my hijab with the demands of work or studies?

Behind this question sometimes lie real concerns: feeling pressured to compromise on a properly observed (sharia-compliant) hijab to appear more ‘professional,’ struggling to find suitable outfits, or simply dealing with discomfort.

This article aims to show that a sharia-compliant hijab and a professional look are far from incompatible. It also offers practical tips to start the new season with peace of mind, highlighting an often-overlooked solution: opting for coordinated sets instead of limiting yourself to abayas, to achieve a polished, elegant appearance while fully adhering to the guidelines of the sharia-compliant hijab.

1. Reminder: The Modest Clothing for Muslim Women

Allah says :
“O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al Ahzab, v.59)

Before discussing fashion and comfort, let’s first recall the conditions of the sharia-compliant hijab for Muslim women:

• It must cover the entire body, except the face and hands (some scholars, such as Shaykh Al-Albani رحمه الله, hold the view that uncovering the face is permissible, though covering it is better or preferable).

• It must be loose, not form-fitting, and not transparent.

• It must not resemble the clothing of men or of non-Muslims.

• It must not itself be a form of adornment or a means of attracting attention (such as through perfume or elaborate decoration).

• It must not be worn as a garment of vanity meaning clothing intended to gain recognition among people, whether by luxury or by ostentatiously shabby appearance.

2. Why Choose Coordinated Sets for a Professional Look?

Many sisters who wear the modest hijab limit their wardrobe to the abaya. While it remains a practical and appropriate outfit, in academic or professional settings, coordinated sets often offer greater flexibility and practicality.

A professional look without compromising modesty

A long tunic paired with a skirt creates a structured and polished silhouette while fully respecting the requirements of the sharia-compliant hijab. This type of outfit immediately conveys seriousness and confidence, making it particularly suitable for academic or professional environments.

For example, a flowy tunic or shirt worn with a simple skirt—whether wrap-style or pleated—topped with a plain hijab provides an elegant and professional appearance.

Tunic Assouan Premium

Shirt Anisley Premium

Shirt Mya Denim

In a school setting, you can absolutely go for this same look, or opt for a denim tunic paired with a long skirt and a simple tote bag, perfectly suited for university life.

Shirt Elaya Denim

Anisley Denim Collection

Tunique Assouan Premium

More Variety with Fewer Pieces

Coordinated sets also offer great variety with just a few items. Whereas the abaya tends to create a more uniform look, a wardrobe made up of a handful of neutral tunics or shirts combined with two or three wide skirts is enough to create numerous outfits suited to different situations. This minimalist approach not only saves time in the morning but also helps you save money and avoid overconsumption while still maintaining a polished appearance.

Fabrics and Cuts for an Active Lifestyle

The choice of fabrics and cuts plays an essential role as well. Flowing, breathable materials such as cotton, linen, or Whool Peach Premium ensure optimal comfort, even on long and busy days. Straight, loose cuts add elegance without restricting movement. Mid-thigh or slightly longer tunics provide ideal coverage while giving a flattering, elongated silhouette.

Styling Tips for a Polished Look

Finally, to appear neat while keeping things simple, opt for coordinated sets such as a tunic and skirt in the same shade evoking the elegance of a tailored suit while remaining fully compliant with the modest hijab. Neutral colors like black, gray, beige/nude, navy blue, or chocolate brown convey both professionalism and discretion.

Anisley Whool Peach Premium Collection

Thus, coordinated sets are a true alternative to abayas if you wish to combine a sharia-compliant hijab with a professional image. They blend modesty, practicality, and elegance, allowing Muslim women to affirm their identity while meeting the demands of their daily lives.

3. Summary of Practical Tips for an Efficient Wardrobe

So, to avoid morning stress and wasting time in front of your wardrobe, a few simple principles can transform your daily routine:

• Focus on Quality and Comfort

• Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton, lightweight denim, or Whool Peach Premium.

• Favor straight, loose cuts that drape well.

• Opt for simple, comfortable shoes like ballerinas, loafers, or sleek sneakers.

Choose Neutral, Versatile Colors and Keep Accessories Minimal:

• Black, beige, navy, and gray are timeless shades that are easy to mix and match.

• Add a soft touch with pastel hues or earthy tones such as khaki or camel.

• A simple, structured bag is enough to accessorize and complete your outfit.

• There’s no need for extravagant jewelry—favor simplicity and natural elegance.

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their hidden adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those bondwomen in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O  believers, so that you may be successful.” (Surah An-nour V.31)

Bonus: A Collection Designed Just for You

The Oummi Abi Moi back-to-school collection has been specially designed to meet these needs:

• A tunic or shirt and denim skirt set, perfect for combining ease and modesty.

👉 Discover the Denim Set 👈
Two denim tunics (straight or flared) that can be adapted to any occasion.

👉 Discover the Denim Shirts 👈
Pieces designed to fit seamlessly into both school life and professional settings while fully respecting your modesty.

These new arrivals enrich an already well-rounded collection of coordinated sets, featuring two tunic styles, one shirt, and two types of skirts, each available in three different fabrics. This gives you the flexibility to create outfits that match your daily needs, the season, and the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Conclusion

Balancing a sharia-compliant hijab with studies and professional life is not an obstacle but an opportunity: to show that modesty can be embodied with elegance and confidence without compromise. By choosing coordinated sets, investing in a few key pieces, and keeping your wardrobe simple and organized, you can approach the new season with peace of mind and shine both through your attire and your character.

👉 Discover Oummi Abi Moi’s back-to-school collection now and equip yourself with pieces that will accompany you through every stage of this new season.