The year 2019 seems to be zooming by as we gear up for the second half of the year. We could have sworn it was just yesterday we said farewell to 2018 and ushered in a New Year! With Ramadhan looming around the corner, you know the festive season is upon us. Another indication is of course the endless fashion shows and Raya collection ads that’s dominating our (and no doubt yours as well) social media feed. Exciting as it may be to see so many beautiful collections and pieces, it can also be overwhelming. Unless you have plenty of cash to blow to buy everything that tickles your fancy, there will be some sifting to do and quite a bit of it!
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for your Raya outfits this year and some of our favourite picks.
1. Colour
The first step to tackling this would be to take it step-by-step and day-by-day. Are you colour coordinating with family members? If so, what are they wearing on the first day of Raya? Eid and the festive season is all about family and making memories, which we like to have immortalised in the family album (and Instagram!). If you’re the same, then think about how your outfits will look collectively. We usually agree on a colour and everyone shops with it in mind. That way we don’t end up looking like a wedding band with everyone wearing the same exact thing.
2. Cut
Is there a particular cut or style you look best or are most comfortable in? As much as we all want to to look Insta-worthy during the festive season, consider something that’s flattering but not unforgiving. That structured modern kurung may look amazing on your laptop screen, but might not look as great on a non-model (i.e. us mere mortals), especially after our third bowl of lontong.
3. Cloth
Lastly, think of things the you’ll be doing and the environment you will be in. If you’re going back to your home town and you’ll be outdoors or in open spaces, it’s going to be hot. In this case, something made with light breathable cotton will help you keep cool. If you’re likely to be indoors and in an air conditioned environment, a heavier fabric won’t break you out in sweat. If you think you’ll be chasing after little family members (who will no doubt be on sugar high from all the biskut raya!), you might want to choose something you’ll be comfortable to move in.
Ready to shop? Here are some of our favourite picks this festive season:
Mimpikita
Known for their unique prints and breezy cuts, Mimpikita brings home yet another collection that’s feminine and versatile. We’re also a big fan of their diffusion line MKita which offers some light and cheerful cotton kurungs that’s perfect for raya food binges!
Available at their Flagship store located at 63E, Jalan Ara Bangsar, on the Mimpikita website, on FashionValet and Isetan Suria KLCC.
Yadotsa
True to their aesthetic, the Yadotsa for Zalora collection features pieces that are soft and feminine. With a colour palette consisting of light gray, pastel pink and olive green, it’s the perfect choice for elegant raya open houses.
Available exclusively on Zalora.
HANYA
Flattering, feminine and comfort-focused, HANYA’s latest collection was designed to appeal to those who do not want to compromise comfort for style. Featuring earthy tones that looks good on just about anyone, their flowy fabrics flatter and elongate the figure ensure the wearer looks her best and stays comfortable.
Available on their website.
Alia B
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated ready-to-wear raya collections this year, Alia B doesn’t disappoint their fans. With a collection that’s sophisticated, flattering and just darn beautiful, we’re especially lusting over this ISSA kurung in nude.
Available on FashionValet, Robinsons.my and ShoesShoesShoes stores.
Whimsigirl
Designed with women of all sizes, Whimsigirl’s Eid collection features clean lines, comfortable fabrics and earthy hues. So your outfit will go with pretty much any accessory you want to pair with it and you can eat as much lontong, laksa and biskut raya as you like!
Tell us about your raya outfit of choice and what raya food you’re most looking forward to eating!