COVERED Edition 3 Issue 4 | Page 7

Making Fashion Sense By: Waseema Abdool Khader Dressing modestly was not easy pre-millennial (particularly before the 90's). There were fewer clothing stores offering modest alternatives. Chain stores dominated the clothing sector, imports were minimal and brands were only just beginning to explore their online presence. Fashion knowledge was reserved for fashion magazines, with limited coverage in the local newspaper. Fast forward to today, and fashion catalogues, runway shows and inspiration are at our finger tips (Go Covered Mag!). Not only has fashion evolved tremendously, "modest fashion" has made enormous leaps, and reserved its position and its right to be acknowledged, and celebrated. As technology and sharing became easier and far more accessible, we now have a plethora of modest fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, designers, brands, bloggers, online and physical stores, imports and more. While the modest fashion industry continues to march forward, younger fashion entrepreneurs have their work cut out for them. Those already established, have pegged their niche and grow consistently with a loyal audience. So how does a new fashion entrepreneur even begin to make strides, or even stand out in an already saturated market, dominated by established entrepreneurs? Here are 6 ultra-effective tips to stand out as a young fashion entrepreneur, online: 1. Find your Sub-niche: Niche refers to the unmet demand for "specialised" services or products. A sub niche further defines that specialty. Modest fashion is a niche in the fashion Industry, as there is still a growing demand for modest fashion yet to be met. However, modest Fashion entrepreneurs are rapidly growing. You can no longer just be a modest fashion entrepreneur, you have to specialise within that and define your Sub niche. Example: Not just a modest blogger but an "urban" modest blogger. This would appeal to an audience who prefers modern, minimal urban fashion. If that sub niche is saturated, you would have to go further and find another sub niche. Perhaps an urban modest blogger that wears monochrome outfits only. You have to ask yourself, "What makes me special? What will make me stand out compared to other urban modest bloggers? What do I want to be known for?"