MODEST MOVES: A LOOK INSIDE THE STYLE OF ST. CROIX’S ARABIC WOMEN

Alaa Adel Muhsin, a teacher at St. Croix’s Good Hope Country Day School, says her take on modest fashion has to do with “covering with pride, not hiding.” Photo courtesy of Alaa Adel Muhsin. Photographer: Zack Bozo.

A chance meeting at a coffee shop in downtown Christiansted sparked an insightful conversation between me and Alaa Adel Muhsin, a young Crucian woman of Palestinian descent, about the dressing style of the women that are a part of St. Croix’s large Arabic community.

I see these striking women—adorned in head coverings and some in long, flowy garb—going about their daily lives, and have always been curious about their beautiful, modest style. As a style watcher, I also notice details like the designer sunglasses on a woman’s face or the quality leather bag on her shoulder, as well as the nice watch on her wrist or stylish shoes on her feet. Many of the local Arabic women don’t miss!

So when Alaa, who goes by Adel, walked into the coffee shop that day along with a group of other local Arabic women, I seized the opportunity to introduce myself and request an interview to talk about the style and fashion choices of the women in her community.

I soon discovered that their distinctive head coverings and dressing that prioritizes long sleeves and longer hemlines go much deeper than making a fashion statement.

“Modest fashion, for me, is a reflection of my values—it’s about covering with pride, not hiding,” the 25-year-old Good Hope Country Day educator and up-and-coming jewelry designer writes in an email to me. “I like to play with texture and layers in a way that feels elegant but effortless. I don’t dress to impress others; I dress to feel grounded, feminine, and connected to who I am—both spiritually and culturally.”

That spiritual and cultural connection, Adel says, is directly tied to her Muslim faith.

“I’m Muslim, and my faith is at the center of everything I do. It’s not just about what I wear—it’s about how I carry myself, how I speak, how I show up in the world. My clothing choices come from a place of inner alignment.

I cover because I want to, not because I have to. Faith gives my style purpose—it reminds me to lead with dignity, not just appearance,” she says.

Adel explains that while she and other Arabic women dress modestly, it does not mean their personality can’t shine through.

“Modest fashion is incredibly expressive—it’s all about how you style it,” she says. “I bring in personality through color choices, unique silhouettes, statement earrings, or a bold bag.

“I also love wearing pieces from Croixelle, my jewelry brand that’s still growing. I design with purpose, and each piece I wear makes me feel like I’m carrying a message with me—beauty with meaning,” she says.

One of the things I wanted to learn more about was the hijab many of the Arabic women wear to cover their heads. Adel describes it as “a deeply spiritual decision” for her to wear the hijab but points out that the head covering also serves the purpose of amplifying her personal style.

“It’s an act of worship, yes—but it’s also an act of identity and strength,” she says. “Spiritually, it’s a constant reminder of my devotion and discipline. Stylistically, it allows me to be creative while still being true to my beliefs. I can style it differently based on how I feel—sometimes neat and structured, other times soft and flowing. It’s both armor and art.”

When sourcing fabrics for her clothing, Adel, who sometimes wear jeans and other modern styles that provide coverage,  prefers “soft, breathable fabrics like chiffon and linen—especially in warmer weather,” she says.

And when it comes to color, her go-to are “earthy tones and deep jewel hues like olive green, rust, cream, and rose tones,” she says.

“These colors make me feel connected to both the soil of my homeland and the sea and sun of St. Croix,” she explains. “I also adore handmade embroidery and anything that feels like it has a story stitched into it.”

Adel was born and raised on St. Croix and considers herself a proud Crucian. Although her cultural and ancestral roots trace back to Palestine, she admires the madras fabric tied to USVI history and culture and intends to incorporate it into some of her looks.

“I carry Palestine in my heart and St. Croix in my soul,” she says. “I haven’t yet incorporated madras into my regular wardrobe, but I admire it so much. It’s vibrant, it tells a story, and I could see myself blending it into my accessories or headwraps in the future as a nod to both parts of my identity.”

For Adel, it’s not about what you wear (or where you bought it), but how you wear it.

“I mix everything—from local finds to global pieces. I love supporting small businesses when I can, and I often find hidden gems at local markets or while traveling,” she says. “I’m also someone who can make a $10 scarf look like a million bucks—it’s more about how you wear it than the label.”

When dressing for special occasions, Adel says she loves a soft-glam look that can take her style up a notch, but doesn’t sacrifice the things that keep her grounded.

“For special events, I love soft glam—flowing maxi dresses, embellished abayas, or two-piece sets with dramatic sleeves,” she explains. “I always add delicate jewelry, sometimes something I’ve created. Elevating my style doesn’t mean compromising my values—it means finding beauty in the balance. I want to walk into a room and feel regal without having to reveal anything sacred.”

When asked what she wishes more people understood about the way she dresses and what it represents, Adel was clear.

“I wish people knew that this isn’t about restriction—it’s about liberation,” she says. “I choose this path. I dress the way I do because it makes me feel powerful and at peace. It’s not anti-fashion; it’s intentional fashion. It’s my way of showing the world that I know who I am—and I’m not afraid to be different.”

Being different has never been a bad thing, and Adel wants girls and other young women to know that.

“Don’t dress for the world—dress for the woman you’re becoming," she says. “Modesty doesn’t mean losing your sparkle. You don’t have to trade your identity for acceptance. Trust your faith, express your beauty in your own way, and don’t be afraid to mix tradition with creativity. You were made to stand out—let your light be soft but steady.”