Meet Sarah Kay: Finding Power in Modesty — A Conversation with Our Anava Muse

At Anava Paris, we believe modesty is not about hiding. It’s about revealing what truly matters. Recently, we had the joy of hosting a live conversation with Sarah Kay, an incredible woman whose journey into modest fashion touched our hearts—and we know it’ll inspire you too.

So come join us in this uplifting and honest chat about modesty, faith, identity, and fashion that fits your values and your style.

A Quick Hello from the Car

Yes, the interview took place in a car—because that’s real life. We were both on the move (who isn’t these days?) but still found time to connect. That’s the beauty of community: we show up as we are.

Sarah greeted us warmly:

“I stepped out from work, so I took a little break so I can join. Thank you so much for inviting me to be an Anava Muse and to do this live. It really feels like such an honor because I love the brand so much and what it represents.”

We felt the same. Because behind every modest outfit is a woman with a beautiful story.

Who Is Sarah Kay?

Sarah Kay is an Orthodox Jewish woman living in New York. Her journey into modest fashion began about a year ago when she made the decision to dress more modestly after going through an Orthodox conversion. Her reason? To let her values—and her relationship with God—shine through in how she presents herself.

“I wanted my values to show up in my daily life,” she shared. “And I love Anava Paris because when I found you on Instagram and then visited your website, I saw all these stylish, timeless pieces that didn’t force me to sacrifice my personal style to live my values.”

This is exactly what our modest fashion brand was built on: elegant pieces that honor your standards without compromising your confidence or creativity.

Why Modest Fashion?

When asked what motivated her shift into modesty, Sarah was incredibly candid. “I didn’t grow up dressing modestly. So, for me, this was countercultural. My friends weren’t doing it. But after talking to other women about why modesty mattered to them, I started to understand that modesty is not about being ‘less.’ It’s actually very liberating.”

She added, “It’s about showing more of what matters. I want to be seen for my ideas and my values, not just what I look like.”

Modesty, for Sarah, is deeply tied to her faith—but it’s also a form of self-expression, dignity, and empowerment. As a modest fashion brand, this is exactly the kind of transformation we love to support.

Facing Judgment and Standing Firm

Changing how you dress—especially when it goes against the cultural norm—can invite judgment. And Sarah felt that. But she didn’t let it shake her.

“Yes, some people weren’t super supportive because it was so different from what they were used to. But I knew this was what God wanted for me. That gave me the strength to be confident in my choice. It’s not about their judgment. I get to show up with dignity and grace—and that’s what matters.”

We couldn’t agree more. Dressing modestly isn’t about blending in or giving in. It’s about showing up as your full self—aligned with your beliefs, your values, and your worth.

Finding Modest Swimwear and Activewear That Works

Let’s be real: shopping for modest swimwear or modest activewear can be a struggle.

Sarah opened up about the challenges. “For me, it’s really important that my clothes cover my elbows, knees, and chest. Sometimes I’d find modest fashion that looked good, but didn’t meet those standards. Or the quality just wasn’t there.”

She went on to say, “I’ve found that what you pay for really shows. I love Anava Paris because the quality is just so good. The swimwear is breathable and durable, and it feels amazing on.”

She even took our modest activewear to Guatemala! “I was traveling, hiking, going through airports, sleeping in it—I wore the activewear skirt for days and it was still comfortable and stylish. It stretched well, it was breathable, and I loved the little zipper slit detail. It just worked.”

Honestly, we’re blushing. But this is what we aim for: modest swimwear and activewear that keeps up with you and your life—without compromising your comfort or your standards.

A Modest Fashion Brand with Values That Align

Sarah also mentioned how she appreciated the ethical side of Anava Paris. “I read the blog and saw that you care about sustainability and fair wages. That really spoke to me. It’s so refreshing to find a modest fashion brand that cares about more than just clothing.”

At Anava Paris, we’re always balancing form and function—but also ethics and aesthetics. We care deeply about making fashion more intentional—from the fabrics we use to the factories we partner with.

Tips for Dressing Modestly While Staying Stylish

We asked Sarah what advice she’d give to women who want to dress modestly and feel confident and comfortable. Her answer was spot-on:

“Start with a staple piece that feels right for you—something that fits your standards and makes you feel good. Then build from there with layers and accessories. But always start with what feels like you.”

This is such a helpful mindset. Modest fashion isn’t about rules—it’s about curating a wardrobe that reflects your personal journey and values. And that begins with discovering what makes you feel beautiful.

Timeless over Trendy

We also talked about the tension between fashion trends and personal style. Sarah shared that she’s always leaned toward timeless pieces over fleeting fads.

“Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s you. I like clean silhouettes, high necklines, and pieces that I know will still look great a year or two from now. That’s what I love about Anava Paris—it’s modest, stylish, and timeless.”

This is the heart of our design philosophy: modest fashion that endures. Because real style isn’t seasonal—it’s soulful.

So What Does It Mean to Be an Anava Muse?

We wrapped up our conversation with one final question: What does being an Anava Muse mean to you?

Sarah gave us the most beautiful answer: “The word 'Anava' in Hebrew means humility. So, to me, being an Anava Muse isn’t about hiding—it’s about revealing what matters. When I wear Anava Paris, I feel stylish, comfortable, and completely myself. I’m not distracted. I can just be me.”

And honestly? That’s the whole point.

Why It Matters

This conversation with Sarah reminded us of why Anava Paris exists—to support women in feeling powerful, beautiful, and aligned with their values. Whether you’re searching for modest swimwear for summer, modest activewear for your next adventure, or a tzniut outfit that lets you move freely while expressing your faith, we’re here for it.

Sarah’s story is just one of many. But it represents something bigger: the growing movement of women redefining beauty, strength, and style through modest fashion.

Explore more from Anava Paris.

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