Allah, exalted is He, says in His Book (approximate translation):

“Indeed, in the heavens and the earth are signs for the believers.
And in your own creation and in what He disperses of living creatures, there are signs for people who are certain in faith.
And in the alternation of the night and the day, and in what Allah sends down from the sky of provision — giving life thereby to the earth after its death — and in the directing of the winds, are signs for a people who reason.”
(Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:3–5)

Each season is a reminder of Allah’s greatness and His perfect order. Autumn, with its short days, falling leaves, and changing weather, is a clear example of this. The wind, the rain, and the temperatures shifting between warmth and coolness make this season a real challenge for women who wish to dress in accordance with Islamic guidelines: How can one dress in a legislated way during such an unpredictable time of year?

Between the temptation to keep wearing light summer abayas and the need to cover up more to avoid catching a cold, finding the right balance isn’t always easy. In this article, we’ll share some practical tips to help you put together autumn outfits that are modest, comfortable, and perfectly suited to the season’s climate.

As always, layering is key

Autumn, much like spring, is a season of contrasts, when mornings are chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again. One single outfit is rarely enough for the entire day. That’s why the principle of layering is your best ally.

Wear a light turtleneck or long-sleeved top under your abaya or tunic, add a flowy mid-layer, and finish with a suitable coat or jacket. This method allows you to easily add or remove layers depending on temperature changes throughout the day.

Did you know that this very principle can be found in the Sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ regarding women’s clothing? Usama ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ clothed me with a thick Qutbiyah garment that had been given to him by Dihya al-Kalbi (may Allah be pleased with him). I gave it to my wife to wear. The Prophet ﷺ then said: ‘Why don’t you wear the Qutbiyah?’ I said: ‘I gave it to my wife to wear.’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Tell her to wear a Ghilalah underneath it, for I fear that the Qutbiyah may describe the shape of her body.’”
(Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad, no. 21786, and authenticated by Shaykh Al-Albani in Jilbab Al-Mar’a Al-Muslima, p. 131 — Hadith Isnad Hasan)

The term Ghilalah refers to a garment that is worn underneath another garment. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ thus instructed women to wear something beneath their Qutbiyah so that it would not reveal their body shape. The Qutbiyah itself was a fine white fabric traditionally produced in Egypt.

Indeed, the legislated nature of the hijab requires that it be thick, non-transparent, and loose-fitting, so as not to reveal the form of the body, in accordance with the saying of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:

“There will appear, at the end of times, women from my Ummah who will be dressed yet naked. They will have on their heads something like the humps of camels leaning to one side. Curse them, for they are cursed.”
(Reported by Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu‘jam As-Saghir with an authentic chain)

Therefore, layering is an excellent way to apply these guidelines — by multiplying layers, one ensures that the fabric remains opaque and that no body shape is outlined, while also adapting perfectly to the deceptive and changeable weather that defines autumn.

The ideal fabrics and cuts for autumn

Not yet as cold as winter, but already too cool and damp for summer clothes, this in-between season makes the choice of both fabric and cut essential for staying comfortable. Loose cuts, even for the garments worn underneath,  should not be overlooked when layering: they allow you to combine multiple pieces easily without discomfort, ensuring optimal adaptability to temperature changes throughout the day.

Semi-thick fabrics like Caviary Premium are also ideal: neither too heavy nor too light, they provide effective insulation against the wind while preventing overheating. These materials are fluid yet opaque, ensuring perfect coverage even in light rain, and are also breathable, avoiding any feeling of suffocation when temperatures rise slightly.

It’s also the perfect season to introduce more structured mid-season fabrics like denim, while keeping flowy bases for your abaya or coordinated sets. Denim is durable, timeless, and harmonizes beautifully with autumn shades such as indigo, raw blue, camel, or beige. A loose tunic or wrap skirt in denim not only adds aesthetic variety to your outfits but also allows you to remain in full compliance with the guidelines of the legislated hijab. These pieces bring a modern touch without compromising modesty or comfort.

The key role of coats and jackets

In autumn, a well-chosen outer garment makes all the difference.
Opt for a long, loose, and covering piece that protects you from wind and rain. The trench coat, for instance, is a mid-season essential: light yet protective, elegant and understated, it layers perfectly over an abaya or a long skirt. The waterproof versions are also ideal for facing autumn rains in the best possible way.

For a legislated version, the Classic Trench Coat by Oummi Abi Moi is made of lined gabardine, making it perfect for windy or cool days. Its six buttons, wide hood covering the shoulders, and adjustable cuffs ensure a cut perfectly suited to the Muslim woman’s attire. Worn over an abaya, it provides protection without adding bulk, preserving both modesty and elegance.

Also available in a 100% water-repellent waterproof version with the same cut and practicality, it allows you to step out with confidence even on rainy days. These trench coats are specifically designed to complement legislated outfits, combining modesty, comfort, and refined aesthetics.

In summary:

• Plan smart layering with adaptable pieces. For example, start with a long-sleeved T-shirt or a light turtleneck under your abaya or tunic, then add a jacket or coat on top. This way, you can adjust your outfit according to temperature changes throughout the day — without compromising on comfort.
• Prepare for the rain: A clear morning sky doesn’t guarantee a dry afternoon. To avoid surprises, always plan for a protective outer layer. A waterproof trench coat or a loose cape are perfect allies — elegant, practical, and fully compatible with a modest, flowy outfit.
• Mix fabrics: The art of layering isn’t just about stacking pieces — it’s also about choosing the right materials. Combine fluid fabrics like abayas and tunics with more structured pieces such as denim. This contrast adds depth and balance to your silhouette while maintaining an elegant and modest look.
• Choose seasonal colors: Shades play an essential role in the harmony of an autumn outfit. Raw denim, camel, beige, gray, and neutral tones blend beautifully with the season’s ambiance. They create a soft, warm palette that reflects the spirit of autumn while remaining easy to mix and match.
• Dressing in a legislated way during autumn means knowing how to adapt to the season’s contrasts. With well-thought layering, suitable fabrics, and a protective outer piece, you’ll be ready to face cool, rainy, or windy days with serenity and grace.

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