The Modest Holiday Packing List: 7 Outfits for a Summer Trip

Packing for a summer trip can feel exciting, but it can also be stressful when you want outfits that are modest, comfortable and still stylish. Whether you are travelling abroad, visiting family, going on a city break, planning a beach holiday or attending a summer event, the key is to pack pieces that are easy to wear in different ways.

For modest women, holiday packing is all about balance. You want outfits that keep you covered without feeling too heavy, pieces that look elegant but do not take up your whole suitcase, and styles that work from daytime exploring to evening dinners.

The best modest holiday wardrobe includes lightweight abayas, breathable layers, versatile inner dresses, comfortable shoes and hijabs that match more than one outfit. With the right pieces, you can create several looks without overpacking.

Here is the ROYA modest holiday packing list, featuring 7 outfit ideas for a summer trip.

1. The Brunch and Shopping Outfit

Every summer trip needs an outfit that feels relaxed but still put together. Whether you are heading out for brunch, visiting local markets, shopping in the city, walking around a resort or spending the afternoon with family, this is the outfit you will probably reach for more than once.

For this type of holiday plan, choose an abaya that feels easy to wear but still looks elegant in photos. A lightweight open abaya, simple closed abaya or flowy kaftan-style piece works perfectly. The aim is to look polished without feeling overdressed.

This outfit should be comfortable enough for walking, sitting outdoors and moving between different places, but stylish enough for lunch, cafés and holiday pictures. Soft colours and neutral tones work especially well because they feel fresh, summery and easy to style.

Outfit idea:
Lightweight abaya, simple inner dress, neutral hijab, comfortable sandals, sunglasses and a crossbody bag.

Best colours to pack:
Cream, beige, sage, dusty rose, soft blue, taupe or mocha.

ROYA styling tip: Choose one abaya that can work for both daytime plans and casual evening outings. You can keep it simple during the day with sandals, then dress it up later with jewellery and a small handbag.

Shop the look:
Shop Holiday Abayas, Summer Abayas, Kaftans and Everyday Abayas

2. The Sightseeing Outfit

A sightseeing outfit needs to be breathable, modest and comfortable enough for walking. Whether you are exploring Dubai, Istanbul, Marrakech, Paris or a coastal town, your outfit should allow you to move easily while still feeling put together.

For daytime exploring, a lightweight closed abaya or a simple kaftan-style piece works beautifully. Choose soft, flowy fabrics that do not cling to the body and allow air to flow. Avoid heavy embellishments or anything too formal during the day.

Pair your abaya with comfortable sandals or trainers, a crossbody bag and a light hijab. Keep accessories minimal so your outfit feels easy and practical.

Outfit idea:
Lightweight closed abaya, breathable hijab, flat sandals, sunglasses and a crossbody bag.

Best colours to pack:
Sage, cream, taupe, soft blue, dusty rose or beige.

ROYA styling tip: Light colours are perfect for holiday sightseeing because they feel fresh, elegant and summery.

Shop the look:
Shop Summer Abayas and Holiday Abayas

3. The Beach or Resort Outfit

A modest beach or resort outfit should feel relaxed, airy and easy to layer. You may not be swimming, but you still want something suitable for walking by the beach, relaxing at the resort, having lunch outdoors or enjoying a coastal evening.

A flowy open abaya or kaftan is ideal for this type of setting. It gives coverage while still feeling light and holiday-appropriate. Choose soft colours, relaxed shapes and breathable fabrics.

Style your beach or resort outfit with a simple inner dress, flat sandals, a woven bag and a lightweight hijab. This creates an effortless look that feels modest without being too formal.

Outfit idea:
Flowy kaftan or open abaya, plain inner dress, sandals, woven bag and a soft neutral hijab.

Best colours to pack:
White, cream, sand, pastel pink, sky blue, sage or light mocha.

ROYA styling tip: A soft-coloured abaya looks beautiful against beach and resort settings, making it perfect for holiday photos too.

Shop the look:
Shop Holiday Abayas and Kaftans

4. The Dinner Outfit

Evening dinners on holiday are the perfect time to wear something a little more elegant. You do not need a heavily embellished outfit to look dressed up. A beautifully cut abaya, a soft satin-style finish or a rich colour can instantly make your look feel more special.

For dinner, choose an abaya that feels elevated but still comfortable. This could be a darker shade, a flowy open abaya, a belted style or a piece with subtle detailing. Pair it with a matching hijab, a small handbag and simple jewellery.

If you are trying to pack light, choose one evening abaya that can be worn more than once with different hijabs or accessories.

Outfit idea:
Elegant abaya, matching hijab, small handbag, sandals or low heels and delicate jewellery.

Best colours to pack:
Black, chocolate brown, navy, emerald, mocha, champagne or deep rose.

ROYA styling tip: Pack one darker evening abaya because it can work for dinners, family gatherings and formal holiday plans.

Shop the look:
Shop Occasion Abayas and Luxe Collection

5. The Family Visit Outfit

Many summer trips include visiting family, attending gatherings or spending time with relatives. For these occasions, you want an outfit that feels respectful, comfortable and polished.

A classic abaya in a soft colour or simple design is perfect for family visits. It should feel elegant without being too dressy. This is where timeless pieces work best because they can be styled for both casual and semi-formal settings.

Choose an abaya that you can wear with different hijabs and shoes depending on the occasion. A neutral or pastel shade is usually easy to style and feels appropriate for daytime family plans.

Outfit idea:
Classic abaya, soft hijab, comfortable flats, tote bag and minimal jewellery.

Best colours to pack:
Dusty rose, sage, taupe, cream, mocha or soft grey.

ROYA styling tip: A simple abaya can look more dressed up with a beautiful hijab, jewellery and a structured bag.

Shop the look:
Shop Everyday Abayas and Summer Abayas

6. The Event or Occasion Outfit

If your summer trip includes a wedding, engagement, graduation, dinner party or special event, pack one outfit that feels more elevated. This will save you from trying to make casual pieces work for a formal occasion.

For events, choose an abaya with a more luxurious feel. This could be a premium fabric, elegant sleeves, subtle embellishment, a beautiful cut or a statement colour. The goal is to look special while still feeling comfortable and modest.

To avoid overpacking, plan the full outfit before you travel. Pack the abaya, hijab, shoes, bag and jewellery together so you are not missing anything when the event arrives.

Outfit idea:
Occasion abaya, matching or contrasting hijab, small handbag, elegant sandals and jewellery.

Best colours to pack:
Pearl, champagne, black, emerald, navy, blush, mocha or deep berry.

ROYA styling tip: If you are travelling for a wedding abroad, keep your occasion abaya separate in your suitcase so it stays clean and fresh.

Shop the look:
Shop Occasion Abayas, Luxe Abayas and Premium Eventwear

7. The Easy Everyday Outfit

Every holiday needs at least one simple everyday outfit. This is the look you can wear for breakfast, quick errands, casual walks, hotel lounging, shopping or relaxed family time.

An easy everyday outfit should be comfortable, modest and quick to put on. A simple closed abaya or casual open abaya is perfect because it does not need much styling.

Choose something soft and versatile that you can repeat during the trip. This is especially useful if you are trying to pack light or travelling with limited luggage space.

Outfit idea:
Simple everyday abaya, slip-on sandals, neutral hijab and a casual bag.

Best colours to pack:
Black, taupe, beige, grey, brown or navy.

ROYA styling tip: Your everyday abaya should be the easiest piece in your suitcase. Choose one that works with most of your hijabs and shoes.

Shop the look:
Shop Everyday Abayas and Casual Abayas

Final Thoughts

Packing for a summer trip as a modest woman does not have to be difficult. With a few versatile abayas, breathable layers and carefully chosen accessories, you can create stylish outfits for every part of your holiday.

From airport travel and sightseeing to beach days, dinners, family visits and special events, the right modest wardrobe will help you feel confident, comfortable and beautifully put together.

Explore the ROYA Libaas Holiday Edit to find elegant, travel-friendly abayas for your next summer trip.