The 2021 Eid Edit

As we mark the end of the month of Ramadan, here are four style philosophies to embrace and key pieces you'll want to turn to in the process.

By Lindsay Samson

Apr 30, 2021

A time for feasting with family, getting together with loved ones, and—as any style-savvy observer will tell you—putting your best fashion foot forward, Eid al-Fitr is fast approaching. The three-day-long celebration signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan as well as the ceasing of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast, and since it’s one of the most significant and anticipated dates on the Muslim calendar, you’re bound to want to put together a spirited new look to mark the occasion. So whether it’s a religious gathering you’re dressing for or an extravagant dinner party that’s on the cards, we’ve put together a handy outfit guide to inspire your Eid attire. Read on and discover four simple style philosophies to turn to this year, as well a little advice on how to embody them.

MODEST GLAMOUR

The most powerful statements are not shouted but spoken softly, so if you’re the type who prefers to stun quietly, you’ll want to embrace an air of modest glamour this Eid al-Fitr. It’s also just the style philosophy you should turn to if you’re paying a visit to your local mosque for morning prayers, since you’ll want to make sure your attire is appropriately reserved. But modesty and style are certainly not mutually exclusive—in fact, there are plenty of full coverage, pared-back pieces to support the argument that modesty itself is, in fact, stylish. With its billowy silhouette, Awa Meite’s Boubou Carre kaftan is a perfect example of this. A marriage of elegance and ease, the oversized garment is crafted from the highest quality cotton grown and produced in Mali, and features a tie-dye print in shades of grey. Style it with a powerful piece of embellishment such as IAMISIGO’s I AM MOUNTAIN Earrings No.1 made from recycled silver, 24-K gold plating, and carved camel bone, the unconventional hoop style is a piece of wearable art that’s both subtle and striking. Allow your footwear choice to deliver the requisite pop of color and turn to Shekudo’s fuss-free Ilamoye Slide, then store all your bits and bobs inside the Black Salma clutch by New Tangier.

DAYTIME EXUBERANCE

Family gatherings on Eid al-Fitr are joyful occasions characterized by the coming together in fellowship with loved ones, consumption of copious amounts of delicious foods, and the exchanging of thoughtful gifts. Allow this celebratory exuberance to extend to your ensemble by selecting a vibrantly printed summer frock as its foundation. Perfect for the free spirited dresser attending an outdoor brunch in the sun, the playful, modern, and distinctly feminine style is endlessly versatile and available in a variety of lengths, fits, and styles—and Zanzibari designer Doreen Mashika’s Amani shirtdress is an optimistic, eid celebration-appropriate winner featuring vibrant kanga prints, voluminous sleeves, and a cinched-in waist. Play up the dress’s tropical spirit by adding a wide-brimmed sun hat like Crystal Birch’s Kara style (its interchangeable sash allows you to switch between a patterned sash and black Petersham ribbon as you like) and slip your feet into the bronze embellished Brown Fah sandal by Loza Maléombho for a subtle touch of opulence. Select some minimalist jewelry in the form of Patrick Mavros’ Sea Urchin Blue Topaz Pendant (its shell shape is cast from real sea urchin shells found on the shores of Mauritius), then turn to AAKS’ woven Hana Mini Striped Bag to keep all your essentials in one safe, stylish place.

CLASSIC COORDINATION

Formal dinner parties generally call for a dose of casual sophistication and polish, so if your Eid al-Fitr this year includes lavish supper plans with friends, be sure to dial it up on those aforementioned sartorial traits by turning to items that are classic and stand the test of time. Finely tailored and perfectly polished is what to aim for if this speaks to your sartorial spirit, and a matching set like this black and blue hand-batiked shirt and A-Line skirt by Ghanaian label Studio 189 possess these qualities in spades. A refined choice of Eid-attire, the former’s blouson sleeves and the latter’s ladylike shape impart an air of feminine grace, while its classic collar and cuffs convey a kind of soft formality. Add a little artisanal flair to the ensemble with Shekudo’s black and white Agbo Mule: its low, wooden block heel offers an always welcome element of comfort and its touches of Aso Oke provide an authentic taste of Nigerian artisanship. Finish things off with Khokho Collection’s contemporary take on the classic basket-style silhouette and allow Pichulik’s Bacchus Earrings to provide just the subtle touch of adornment called for here with their unique black lava stone beading.

SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY

Though COVID-19 restrictions have begun easing up recently in some parts of the world, it is understandable that some may still prefer to keep things low key with just a smaller than usual Eid al-Fitr gathering with friends. In that case, may we suggest putting together an outfit to match, one that’s laid back, crisp, and confident? A comfy and contemporary palazzo style trouser ideal for those who favor a more relaxed take on Eid elegance, Diarrablu’s striped Leer Pants are an exercise in effortless cool and are best paired with an understated top that allows the pants to take center stage: South African brand Viviers’ Waffle Knit Top is an unconventional and avant-garde option, its off-kilter form imparting an air of “chic-without-really-trying”. Cut from an expertly treated and pleated fabric and finished with the designer’s signature sashiko stitching, the top also features bead-adorned fabric ties that enable you to adjust the silhouette as you prefer. Wear with a chunky flatform (Loza Maléombho’s King K sandals are handcrafted by artisans in Côte d’Ivoire) and the long, pale pink, glass-beaded tassels of Sidai Designs Kifungo earrings, then pull it all together with Okapi’s stonewash leather clutch.