I couldn’t help but wonder… in a world that insists more is more, have we forgotten the power of less is more?
As I sat in the back of a classic black cab, watching the London streets blur into a palette of greys, I looked down at my hijab. There it was. A singular, sculptural gold moment.
The brooch is back.
For a long time, the brooch lived in our grandmother’s “vintage” box, or was something worn only by the maximalist crowd. Those who believe you haven’t truly dressed until you have pinned five different things to your chest. And while I admire the more-the-merrier spirit of pop culture, the Deenista philosophy has always been rooted in a different kind of strength: simplicity, and that one great moment.
The Angelina effect vs. the noise
There is a specific kind of beauty. Think Angelina Jolie on a red carpet. It does not scream to be heard. It is elegant in a subtle way. It is the difference between a loud party and a deep conversation.
In modestwear, we can feel pressure to add more layers, more colours, and more “stuff” to make a statement. But what if the strongest statement you can make is a perfectly tailored chocolate monochrome look, held together by a single, exquisite detail? The asymmetrical hijab brooch.
And this is where the idea becomes practical.
How to style the hijab brooch?
I am not saying we should abandon the bold. To the “too much” crowd: I see you, and I love the drama. But there is a rare confidence in letting one piece do the heavy lifting.
A hijab brooch, or as some call it, hijab pin, is an anchor in this outfit. It becomes the focal point that catches the light while the rest of the outfit provides the shadow. By choosing one statement piece over ten, you are not doing “less”. You are dressing with intention.
Maybe the best way to stand out in a crowded city is not to add more to the picture, but to make sure the picture has a clear point of view.
The chocolate caramel modest look
Brown on brown on caramel works like a charm. For years, deep chocolate felt like an autumn-only colour. Not anymore. I am fully on board with chocolate all year long.
The foundation of this look is a deep, velvety chocolate brown that feels more like a mood than a colour. Rich, grounded, and sophisticated. To create depth without adding noise, I paired it with a caramel-toned hijab, a shade that sits just a few notes higher and brings warmth around the face.
Beside me, the Louis Vuitton Damier tote is the ultimate city companion. The iconic pattern does not compete with the outfit because it stays in the same brown family. It also makes the look feel less precious. A tote does that. It brings the whole thing back to real life.
But the real magic is where caramel silk meets gold. The asymmetrical brooch is not just an accessory. It is the light that breaks the shadow. It adds a sharp, sculptural contrast against the fluid drape of the hijab, proving you do not need a rainbow of colours to stand out in London. You just need the right light, in the right place.
If you enjoy Deenista & the City, you can explore more editions below.
Neda A.
Neda A.
