Raya used to be about matching fabrics. Now it feels closer to styling a mood board you can wear.
Gen Z dresses for memory, for the camera, and for comfort all at once. For some, it’s about ease and flawless stitching in equal measure. The baju kurung and baju melayu are no longer just traditional attire. They’ve become a form of expression. Some lean into softness, others into structure, and many strike a balance between the two.
This season’s collections feel less like costumes and more like character building. Think thoughtful tailoring, breathable fabrics, and silhouettes designed to move with real life rather than simply pose for it.
Here’s a curated edit for every Raya personality.
1. ALIA B – The Modern Heirloom
Soft Girl Raya meets quiet luxury.
MIRAGE plays with contrasts. Super cinched waists sit beside airy volume. Kebaya lines blend with kimono sleeves and obi belts, creating silhouettes that feel cultural but not nostalgic. Metallic thread and lace add depth without heaviness. The corset-inspired bengkung pieces stand out. They shape the body but never restrict it. Colours lean layered rather than festive and loud. Muted pastels and earthy darks work from morning visits to dinner plans.
Stand-out pieces: Corseted kebaya sets and kimono sleeve kurung.
2. Syomsz – “Dah Ready” 2026
Main Character, Cousin energy, but comfortable.
“Dah Ready?” embraces the chaos of getting ready together. Linen and cotton dominate, making the pieces breathable and realistic for Malaysian weather. The fitted Nona kebaya paired with Manis wrap skirts feels expressive without effort. Genderless silhouettes keep styling open-ended. The turquoise jubah and checkered sets add personality without forcing attention. This is the collection for people who want to look festive but still sit cross-legged on the floor.
Stand-out pieces: Nona kebaya and Iman jubah.
3. VARIANTE – Lebaran Luxe 2026
Clean Girl Raya done intentionally.
VARIANTE leans on proportion and surface finish rather than decoration. The tailoring feels architectural. Straight cut kurung sets and elongated tops create vertical flow. Fabrics appear structured yet fluid, giving a composed silhouette in photos and in movement. Colours sit within neutrals and refined tones. The effect is calm authority rather than festive spectacle. Ideal for those who prefer elegance over statement.
Stand-out pieces: Tailored kurung sets and longline tops.
Fashion Editor’s Note
ALIA B Evening Looks – The Reunion Dinner
The grown-up Hari Raya wardrobe.
Pieces transition easily into formal gatherings. Lace textures and sculpted waistlines feel elevated without bridal territory. Styled with simple heels, they become evening wear without losing modesty. Perfect for open house dinners where dressing up feels expected but not theatrical.
Syomsz Checks – The Nostalgic Kid
Vintage Kebaya Revival mood.
Checkered cotton and embroidered selendang feel like childhood memories updated. It captures kampung nostalgia while remaining modern. The softness of the fabric keeps it relaxed. The prints photograph beautifully without overpowering the wearer.
VARIANTE Structured Sets – The Office Raya
Modest Minimalist aesthetic.
These are pieces you can rewear after Raya. Structured shoulders and clean hems make them work appropriately later. They feel less seasonal and more like a wardrobe investment.
Micro Trend Breakdown
Sheer layering over kurung is quietly replacing heavy beadwork.
Earth tones and turquoise are overtaking emerald green.
Structured kebaya paired with simple footwear feels more current than embellished heels.
Raya style now reflects personality before tradition. The best outfits feel lived in rather than performed. Choose pieces you will still wear after the kuih runs out.
You Might Like
