The Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Ramadan Gala Dinners and Formal Events

This year’s Ramadan, starting on February 28, is right around the corner. It’s one of the most sacred moments in the Muslim calendar, during which a set of rules and etiquette must be observed. It’s a month of fasting, meditation, and prayers when everybody is expected to dress and behave conservatively. 

Still, that doesn’t mean women can’t look classy and stylish during this period. Here are some ideas for Ramadan gala outfits for this year, such as Ermanno Scervino's exclusive collection.

How to Dress for Ramadan Gala Dinners

The holy month’s dress code requires women to cover from knees to shoulders. Saudi evening dresses never fail to strike an impression on such occasions, blending style and modesty. However, as the dress code requires covered shoulders, it might be a good idea to combine them with other accessories. 

Elevated kaftans remain among the most traditional options of the month. After all, light fabrics and loose silhouettes are perfect for beating the season’s hit while looking extremely classy. Voluminous sleeves and well-designed shoulders covered by sophisticated capes may also deliver the luxurious yet modest style the occasion demands. 

In fact, modesty is the word of the month during Ramadan, which means that revealing clothing isn’t allowed. Yet, there’s plenty of space for elegance and style. While lighter fabrics are advised due to the season, it’s possible to get very creative with colours and accessories. Belts, scarves, and jewellery are more than welcome; even hijabs can be colourful and elaborate.  

Choosing the Perfect Look for Formal Iftar Gatherings

The Iftar is the only meal of the day for those fasting during the month, and it’s one of the most important Ramadan gatherings. Iftar parties are typically sumptuous and are also the perfect occasions for equally sumptuous clothing, such as a long dress with crystals. Indeed, there are plenty of luxury Ramadan dresses designed specifically for these gatherings.

Luxury Looks for Iftar Evenings

Iftar evenings are always very posh, and it’s possible to be very creative regarding Ramadan evening wear. Jumpsuits, kimonos, and maxi dresses never go out of fashion and are splendid options for such events. 

Jumpsuits are very comfortable and versatile options. They’re also available in light and breathable fabrics, which means you can follow the dress code without suffering on hot nights. Indeed, it’s a chic yet simple approach that doesn’t require combining different pieces or accessories. 

Likewise, kimonos are chic and airy options for Iftar parties. Typically, kimonos made of cotton or silk provide more breathability than other fabrics. Kimonos are so flexible and comfortable that they can be worn even during the day. The embroidered details and intricate patterns also ensure they’ll look awesome at any social gathering. 

Maxi dresses can be adapted to pretty much any situation, and they’re a wardrobe staple during Ramadan. They can be combined with other pieces and accessories like scarves, for instance, which means they can be styled for Iftar evenings, too. 

Elegant Gift Ideas for Eid al-Fitr

Gift-giving isn’t the point of Ramadan, but people usually spoil friends and family members with dates, halal gift boxes, and other treats on Eid Al-Fitr, the last day of the holy month. It has become a tradition to gift money to children, the so-called “Eidya”, which literally means “Eid gift”. The Eidya tradition dates back to the 10th century, but nowadays, it also includes other kinds of gifts.

Precious gifts, including watches, gold bracelets, and all types of jewellery, are also common on Eid Al-Fitr. In this context, Tag Heuer and pink Carrera watches, Gucci earrings, diamond necklaces, and rings will do the job handsomely. 

Other sophisticated gift ideas include Agarwood fragrance, travel packages, refined drinks and food. Wardrobe makeovers are always warmly welcome, and items like a woollen trench coat can prepare it for the colder season ahead. A lace bustier dress is also a lightweight and chic option for when the holy month is over, and shoulders can be out again. 

The Role of Elegance in Ramadan Festivities

Elegance is a symbol of Ramadan nearly as much as fasting. Indeed, it’s a cultural tradition rooted in the respect for the religion. Given the restrictive dress code that must be observed during the holy month, dressing elegantly (albeit lightly) is the smartest way forward. In this context, cultural respect and sophistication go hand in hand.

Typically, women use a wide array of garments to cover more skin, which looks even classier when combined with long dresses, kimonos, jumpsuits, and layered looks. Indeed, the result is nothing but natural elegance. It’s interesting to notice that ornaments go much beyond clothing, as people also decorate their homes and businesses. During this period, it’s common to see moonlight LED projections, Eid showboxes, and honeycomb ornaments.