H&M’s new ‘modest’ collection is what you need for your next party

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You know what’s refreshing about fashion right now? Hems are a little longer, sleeves are exaggerated and necklines are elongated. This is partially thanks to the rise of the ‘modest wear’ trend where designers are going back to basics to create simple silhouettes with a key focus on design, texture and patterns. As the name suggests, modest-wear conceals rather than draws attention to cutaway waistlines, plunging fronts and gaping backs. And the fact that these collections are becoming more widely available is a sign of the changing times and needs of consumers. Is modest the new naked?

H&M is the latest high-street label to launch their own ‘modest’ collection titled H&M LTD Collection. Comprising of womenswear and kidswear, it will be available online and in select stores on May 24th.  The collection focuses on modern and elegant spring/summer pieces like long, floaty dresses and layered sets in cool, breezy fabrics for style-conscious women, along with adorable ‘mini-me’ dresses and accessories for children.

Key items in the womenswear include effortlessly chic kaftan-style dresses, kimono dresses, long statement skirts, and ruffled blouses or tunic tops with coordinating trousers, softly draped fabrics and stunning jacquards. The colour palette features a vivid range of bright accents and harmonious hues – fresh pomegranate red and charming lilac pink are set against summery whites and deep blues.  The collection carefully balances modesty with wearable, trend-focused fashion.

Flowing materials and bright summer shades at the H&M Modest Collection 

Although the collection is aimed at Eastern markets (its release coincide with the beginning of Ramadan), the pieces are completely suitable for our changing weather. Longer sleeves will offer a pleasant respite from the brisk evening summer breeze and the colour palette will sit beautifully with lighter Irish skin tones. The term ‘modest’ shouldn’t deter away and has greatly progressed since the time of bonnets and corsets and designers are quite-literally re-writing what it means to be modest.

Meanwhile, H&M isn’t the only label to change for growing consumer demand: Victoria Beckham’s eponymous label pretty much re-wrote the book on WAG culture. Christopher Kane, during his SS18 catwalk, opted for lavish overcoats, floral full-length dresses and so too did Mother Of Pearl and Ports1961. It could be said that loose-fitting, flowy clothing is the antithesis of sexuality and boundary-pushing revealing outfits but if this is true then call me the Virgin Mary (keeping very on-brand with last night’s Met Gala). It’s refreshing to see fashion houses adopting a style that gives precedence to the garment instead of the body wearing it. Have a look at the gallery above to help you get excited about the collection.

Victoria Beckham SS18 catwal