Hari Raya is approaching fast as we enter the second half of Ramadhan. With a flurry of tailoring appointments and packed shopping carts waiting to be checked out, the countdown is officially on.
The celebrations call for touching reunion moments, cameras flashing, and of course, open houses filled with relatives, distant and near. Thus, looking your best during Raya ensures you’ll walk into any room (or house) with confidence – even in the face of potential sibuk comments from nosy relatives. As the invitations begin pouring in, take this as a cue to refine every detail of your preparation. We’ve put together a Raya outfit checklist, breaking down seven essential styling tips to help you stand out effortlessly this Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Baju raya
Of course, the checklist has to start with the main event: the baju raya. Be they old or new ones, putting on your best clothes during Hari Raya is not just for show; it is also preferred by tradition. For our Malaysian weather’s sake, we recommend finding kurungs and kebayas made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to keep you comfortable through all your kuih and rendang sessions.
READ MORE: 15 homegrown brands to shop for your Baju Raya 2026
Accessories
If you thought merely buying your baju raya would suffice, think again. The next item on the list is to consider what accessories would complement your outfit. The easiest way is to start from basic items such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets before working your way up to the classics like kerongsang, flowers, and cucuk sanggul. But remember: sometimes, less is more.
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Shoes
Shoes can hold the power to shift the mood of an outfit, so it is important that your choice of shoes pairs well with your Raya look. For example, if you’re wearing a Nyonya kebaya, we recommend styling it with closed-toe heels – just like the way the Nyonyas did in the past. On the other hand, a minimalist baju kurung would suit either open-toe heels for added sophistication or sandals for a laid-back mood.
LEARN MORE: 7 Malaysian footwear brands curating comfort and everyday style
Bags
Don’t leave the house without a trusty handbag – it’s going to hold all your essentials to help freshen up your look and duit raya too. Here are two easy ways to go about choosing a bag that can elevate your outfit. Matching the colour to your baju raya will result in a harmonious, monochromatic outfit, while going down the route of colour-blocking can turn your handbag into the central piece of your full outfit.
SEE MORE: 7 Malaysian handbag brands to shop and #SupportLocal
Nails
Even though Muslims often keep their nails bare to perform the Raya prayers, we found a cheat code to work your way around: press-ons! They come in handy for you to have pretty nails without the fuss – take them off during prayer time and stick them back on afterwards. You can also either do a simple manicure or wear henna for a classic look.
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Makeup
To ensure your makeup lasts in the hot and humid Malaysian weather, investing in a good setting powder and setting spray is crucial. Be sure to bring along the former in that trusty handbag we mentioned, along with a portable fan to keep you cool as you hop from one open house to another.
A go-to lazy girl makeup hack we would recommend, however, is to focus on the lashes. Even with minimal makeup on, long, fluttery lashes can really transform your look. Opt for a lash lift if you prefer a subtle, naturally lifted effect, or reach for falsies to ensure your eyes command attention in every frame.
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Header image: @aimanyazd