Ramadan as a second generation Muslim in America is interesting. My family and I still adhere to the religious practices of Ramadan as our parents – we fast, pray, and try to engage in more acts of service in the month. But Iftar is a whole different story. Growing up, our family was either at the masjid or at a friends place on the weekends in Ramadan. And I ALWAYS wore shalwar kameez. Now with our multitude of cultures and levels of formality, it can get confusing trying to figure out what to wear to an Iftar party. Here are a couple ideas.
An Outfit of the Western Persuasion
A jumpsuit layered with a long sleeve t-shirt is a good option. I would wear this for a GNO Iftar (yes, that’s a thing), or a more casual Iftar with friends at home. Layer with bold accessories like I have here. Affiliate links for the items below: jumpsuit (exact item), t-shirt (exact item), sandals (similar), headband (similar), clutch (similar). Necklace is one of a kind I picked up in a market in Cape Town.
Or Traditional Pakistani if you Prefer
Old habits die hard and I find myself reaching for shalwar kameez more often than not during Ramadan. I think it’s part nostalgia, and part keeping cool. Ramadan has been in the summer these past few years and a breezy cotton outfit is a lot more comfortable in the hot afternoon and evenings. Lucky for me, my mom just took a trip to Pakistan and stocked up my closet for the month. This is one of my favorites by Sana Safinaz. Pants are Khaadi, shoes are old. I would wear this to the masjid or to an iftar party hosted by my mom or one of her friends (gotta make her proud!).
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