by admin | Oct 25, 2010 | Dress Code, Girls Knee Length Skirts, Knee-Length Skirt, modest clothing, School Skirts
I recently attended an appointment at a local public school. I must admit, I have not stepped foot in one (for various and sundry reasons) in a very, very long time. From the second I walked on to the school grounds, I was SHOCKED!!! Never mind school uniforms; I think a music video allowed to play only after 10 pm featured more modest clothing than what the people at this particular school were wearing. In the first ten steps, I saw belly-bearing tank tops, super micro mini shorts, an A line skit that was more of a no line skirt and jeans hanging so low to the ground; I had to physically restrain myself from pulling them up! And these were just the teachers!
I, myself, attended public school in the somewhat distant past (after the dinosaurs but before cell phones). While there was no school dress code, there was a broadly accepted, unspoken line that was not crossed. We did not wear anything that was more appropriate for the beach than for the classroom: no shorts; no sleeveless tops, no bellybutton baring t-shirts. It wasn’t that we dressed more modestly because we had some higher consciousness that dictated our clothing choices. We did not call it modest clothing, we just called it appropriate school clothing. We simply did not have the blurred line between the appropriate and the x-rated.
I had the biggest urge to call an emergency assembly in the school auditorium and give the kids (AND teachers, AND the administration) some fashion tips. Girls! If you want to attract attention, put on a comfy cotton t-shirt, a classy knee-length skirt and leave a little to the imagination. Boys! A short sleeve polo shirt and a nice pair of khaki pants makes you look polished and smart. Teachers! Dress respectfully and age-appropriate and watch your students take you just a little more seriously. Maybe we don’t need a school dress code for the class, but school clothing with some class!
by admin | Apr 28, 2010 | Fashion Philosophy, Layering shirts, Layering Tops, modest clothing, Modest Clothing Accessories, Uncategorized
A while ago I wrote about how I love wearing my clothing layered to stay warm and stylish in the winter. But now, as I’m slowly changing over my closet from winter to summer clothing, I’m beginning to remember that much of my summer clothing has short sleeves or a low-cut top, styles that are designed to balance well with the summer heat, but that leave me feeling rather exposed. In summers past I used to pair a trusty black (or white) cardigan with nearly every shirt…but I’ve realized over time that I’m covering up my colorful wardrobe and that none of my summer clothing is getting the attention it deserves.
Before and After Sleevies
Fortunately, I’ve found multiple solutions that I think will enhance my summer wardrobe in ways that I never thought possible. The layering clothes that I’m most excited about are Sleevies®. At first glance, Sleevies remind me of legwarmers for my arms, but without the bulkiness or bunchy style of those ’80s staples. Instead, Sleevies are made from cotton and Lycra, so they cover your arm without sliding down or making you too hot. With Sleevies, I’ve been able to resurrect several short-sleeved shirts from my wardrobe, and I’ve even purchased a few more because I know that I can wear them without covering them up or overheating with a full long-sleeved shirt underneath.
Another great item I’ve found which enables me to wear my clothing layered in the summer is a cropped ¾ sleeve layering tee, which as its name suggests, makes it look like I’m wearing a full shirt underneath an outfit, when really, I’m only wearing the top of a shirt. There are 3 major benefits of this type of layering clothing. Firstly, I can cover my arms and my chest modestly and stylishly without having to add a full extra shirt on a hot summer day. Secondly, (and I hope you don’t mind me being a bit personal), is that wearing a cropped shirt often allows me to get two uses out of my top shirt before needing to wash it. Finally, wearing a cropped shirt prevents the bulk that often results when I wear 2 full shirts, so that I can look stylish without looking like I’ve gained 5 pounds.
I know that these fantastic finds will make it possible for me to enjoy the look of layered clothing all summer and to purchase clothing that I would otherwise never consider because of its lack of modesty. I truly love being able to shop in ‘regular’ stores while knowing that I can gently adjust my clothing to become more modest, without compromising on style. In fact, if you ask me, wearing my clothing layered just gives me even more of an opportunity to express myself!
by admin | Oct 21, 2009 | Fashion Philosophy
I consider myself a fashionable dresser. I care about what I look like when I leave the house and I want my clothing to fit nicely, feel comfortable and look fabulous. I put on makeup (not just lipstick!) before I leave the house. And yet, while I am working hard to look my best, I also want to make sure that my clothing reflects my personality- which is why I wear modest clothing.
For me, wearing modest clothes is about expressing who I am as an individual. I enjoy letting my fashion choices express my individuality rather than letting my physical body serve as the yardstick upon which I am measured.
People often ask me if my modest clothes (not to be confused with hideous clothing) make me sweat in the summer heat. My answer is both simple and honest- yes, modest clothes can make someone feel warm. To stay cool I wear a lot of breathable fabrics such as cotton and viscose, which keep me comfortable- and chic. More importantly, I suspect that under the blazing sun, someone wearing a tank top is probably uncomfortably warm as well. I know this because I used to wear tank tops and bathing suits. And shorts and short-sleeved T-shirts. And I was hot then as well. But it’s ok to be hot because it’s the summer.
There is plenty of women’s summer clothing available today that is both modest and trendy. The best designers appreciate the versatility that modest clothing can add to their summer collection. You may be surprised by how much is out there that can look fabulous without compromising your modesty. So take a peek around, enjoy browsing through the diverse women’s summer clothing that is available, and find something that will make you feel both modest and beautiful- because after all, you deserve to look beautiful all year long.
