by Kosher Casual Team | Feb 28, 2017 | Dress, Dress Code, Fashion Philosophy, Modest, Modest Fashion, Skirts
Many modest dressers can’t help but entertain the idea of wearing bathing suits or short sundresses as they pack their bags for vacations to tropical climates. They might also dream of wearing a little something that looks romantic and dramatic that falls off the shoulder for different destinations in Europe. So what do modest dressers do? Try to pick outfits that will still go with the overall theme of the setting. Maybe something turquoise to match with the blue waters, or neutral colors to match with stone walls. Or even floral prints to match with the scenery. But that’s not all that should be kept in mind for modest dressers as they pack.
When visiting areas that include holy sites, religious institutions/neighborhoods, or simply a lot of locals that observe certain customs and traditions, it’s important to respect those observances and keep them in mind to not offend anyone. You must look into what the people of that area consider to be revealing, and try to respect it to the best of your capability. Why? Because there are many areas where visitors that are deemed immodestly dressed could simply be refused entry. In most cases, they are generally more forgiving to people who are visibly tourists, but you never know.
There are some general, universal rules to dressing modestly, for men and women alike. Men are expected to wear clean, pressed long pants. Women are generally advised to wear clothing that goes below the knees and elbows, and refrain from wearing tight garments. It doesn’t matter if it technically covers the skin. Long see-through garments are also obviously a major no-no, unless it’s as a layering piece.
Also, keep a lightweight scarf or shawl handy, in case you go through or visit a religious site. You may need it to cover your neck, shoulders, or your hair. In some cases, ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods would go as far as posting signs along their outer perimeters. They request visitors to respect their observances and be suitably dressed before they enter. It’s the best way to ensure you don’t get “that look.”
Do you recommend any other tips to be respectfully modest while vacationing? Let us know in the comments!
by Kosher Casual Team | Feb 22, 2017 | Dress, Dress Code, Fashion Philosophy, Modest, modest clothing, Modest Fashion
The definition of modesty varies between different religions, cultures, and demographics. In some religions, it’s okay for a woman to expose her collarbone, and in others, it isn’t. In some religions, it’s okay for a woman to wear clothing that covers the knees and elbows- and it others, it isn’t. There are places where women are freely able to wear bright prints; places where they can only wear subtle prints; and places where they are better off focusing on solids.
The variations spark lots of debates. For example, if Woman #1 is wearing a knee-length skirt without stockings, and Woman #2 is wearing full-length relaxed-fit jeans- who’s dressed more modestly? There are many who would say Woman #2 is dressed more modestly, because she isn’t exposing any skin. However, there are also many who would argue that Woman #2 is being immodest simply by wearing pants, because she is giving out a visual of the parting between her thighs, which Woman #1 has concealed. There are also many who would say that both are being immodest, and Woman #1 should have thick stockings on, or wear a full-length skirt in order to be considered modest.
It gets mind-boggling at times, because it’s tricky to satisfy everyone. One can’t help but wonder- are there universal rules to dressing modestly? We think so! We apply these rules to our collection, to ensure overall satisfaction.
Here are some (generally) universal rules that come to mind:
Clothing that features see-through materials are generally not modest. This even applies to dresses that are otherwise designed in a modest fashion. If parts that are meant to be covered are actually exposed- that’s not favorable. Not even as a tease. Have a look at the picture below, for example. But if it’s a sheer layering piece that is going to be worn over a shell- that’s perfectly fine, and looks really cool too if anything.
Short shorts that expose too much of the thigh are generally not considered decent. In many cases, shorts of any length aren’t permitted at all. But in the case of short shorts, those are generally frowned upon whether worn by men or women, unless for a brief period with a sufficient reason (such as athletics.) Here’s an example below that would pass only because he is playing tennis.
Just as clothing should not reveal the chest of women, it also shouldn’t reveal the back. Here’s an interesting pic of three contrasting styles. The woman in the middle is clearly dressed most appropriately. That’s actually a really pretty dress!
Tall woman don’t have as much wiggle room with clothes as shorter women do. Something that’s medium-length would look very long when worn by a short person. Yet, that same article of clothing would look immodest on a taller woman, simply because of her longer limbs. Taller women should always purchase longer items accordingly.
Dressing modestly is not at all limited to just women. Men are expected to dress modestly as well, because immodest thoughts and actions can go both ways. Also, doesn’t it simply look better when everyone is well-dressed?
Let us know of any universal rules to dressing modestly that we might have missed, in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
by Kosher Casual Team | Feb 21, 2017 | Dress, Dress Code, Fashion Philosophy, Kosher Casual, Modest Fashion, Tops
That’s right, you read the title correctly. Women all over the world are indeed covering up to stay cool. Well, ‘cool’ in the sense of being trendy. There is a growing movement of modesty taking place worldwide, as revealing styles are taking a backseat to the more conservative and classy looks. Modest style is making waves as women seek fashionable ways to cover up while remaining chic. It was a very long wait for religious women, to easily be able to access the clothes that are needed, while still being able to express their individuality without breaking the bank.
The general outlook when it comes to the latest trend of modest looks is that you can definitely look impressive without revealing yourself. There are lots of modest fashions to fit any style and definition of modesty- from the fun, to bright, to flirty, to glamour and glitzy looks. Modest pieces are quickly becoming closet staples. From long skirts, to tunic tops, to longer dresses, and more. Many believe that this is due to the increase of interest in vintage looks, which are slowly coming back and making their mark.
Designers in high fashion have taken notice, and are designing their latest pieces accordingly. They aren’t necessarily catering to religious women. They are more so catering to women that are covering up, layering up, and dressing up for themselves and other women. Here’s a look at some of their latest designs, straight out of the runway:
Now that it is cool again- the modest look is here to stay. People are realizing the benefits of dressing modestly, because just as provocative clothing has a way on conveying a message- so does modest clothing. There is a much greater element of control for women who choose to dress modestly, both in the literal, and figurative sense. We are big believers in moderation, which is why we often say that dressing modestly doesn’t have to mean dressing frumpy. There are tons of great modest looks out there, ready to be rocked. The best part of all is that modest looks leave lots of room for accessorizing. You can pair most anything with awesome shoes, purses, hats, scarves, and more to take your entire ensemble to the next level.
What are some of your favorite modest fashion pairings? Let us know in the comments below!
by Kosher Casual Team | Feb 17, 2017 | Dress, Dress Code, Fashion Philosophy, Modest, Modest Clothing Accessories
People tend to have a lot of misconceptions when it comes to women who choose to dress in modest attire. Even though modest fashionistas don’t necessarily dress to attract attention to themselves, they still can’t escape the judgement that often comes their way.
We decided to run through some of the most common assumptions that are made, and debunk them. Because come on- they’re ridiculous!
Modest Women Are Only Able To Dress In One Way
Not true at all! Granted, the very definition of modesty does vary between individuals across all regions. Even so- there is generally a lot of wiggle room when it comes to different styles of individual pieces, and (obviously) when it comes to accessorizing. Modest clothing in general comes in a lot of varieties, and can easily be made to look fashionable, modern, trendy, and practical.
Women Who Dress Modestly Are Not Proud Of Their Bodies
To the contrary- they are very proud of their bodies, which is exactly why they don’t feel the need to expose it. Of course, modest women are just like everyone else, and may have their own insecurities about certain looks or features on them. However, they don’t generally find themselves suffering in order to stay covered. They discover ways to make it work for them, and rock it.
Modest Women Can’t Dress According To The Weather
Oh yes they absolutely can! It’s not all that difficult to find modest pieces that are airy and breathable for the summer, and pieces of mixed materials that retain body heat for the winter. In the fall and spring, they know how to layer up to stay warm and trendy, without looking frumpy.
Modest Women Don’t Want To Look Sexy
Well, yes and no. No, they don’t want to expose everything in order to be sexy. But that is because they know it comes from within. They wear what makes them feel cool, comfortable, and polished. In turn, that boosts their confidence, which is without a doubt, very intriguing.
Women Who Dress Modestly Are Feminists
Okay maybe, but what does that have to do with anything? There are feminists that bare all in the name of feminism, and there are feminists that cover all in the name of feminism. Women who dress modestly generally do so as a matter of choice and style, sometimes as recommended by their religions, and for their own personal empowerment.
Modest Women Are Prudes
That’s not a fair generalization. Anyone can be a reserved, shy, and naive person without sexual experience. And there are plenty of women who choose to stay covered, but are also very loud, proud, and sexually experienced. One has nothing to do with the other.
What else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | cropped tops, Layering shirts, Layering Tops, long sleeved, Modest, modest clothing, Modest Fashion, tank top
Cropped Tank Top
Leafing through the clothing racks at the average department store, women who choose to dress modestly sometimes don’t find much to choose from. Tops are a particular source of trouble, because so many of the available shirts are designed with necklines that reveal too much cleavage.
But there’s good news – a low-cut top can be brought up to standard, so you don’t have to pass it by after all. If you’ve found a shirt that works in terms of its color, fabric, sleeve and hem design, there are plenty of ways to doctor the neckline, so it can become a real asset to your modest wardrobe.
Here are 5 neckline fixes to try:
- Head out to the thrift store and purchase a colorful tank top that harmonizes with the color of the top you want to adjust. Look for something that’s much too small – a children’s tank will do. Then cut out a triangle that can be sewn inside that plunging neckline. You can also attach this add-on coverage with snaps, to allow for different color combinations.
Kosher Casual’s TeeNeck®
- For a more delicate look, a lace-edged triangle will do the trick. This will also dress up a casual top.
- If you don’t have the time or inclination to get out needle and thread, commercially-available neckline extenders known as “TeeNecks” are a great option. Pop these over your head, then wear the shirt you need to fix on top. TeeNecks give you the coverage you need, without adding bulk.
- Layering that low-cut top over another shirt is an obvious way to breach the gap between the fashion designer’s vision and your standards of modesty. If the weather’s cool, layering a full shirt can add cozy comfort. It not, choose a cropped top. Cropped tops are built to stay stably in place, while adding coverage only where it’s needed.
- Sometimes skimpy tank tops – the type you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing in public – can actually serve as a modesty solution. Try wearing a tank top backwards as an under-layer (after removing any tags that might show). This brings the neckline up to where you need it, and turns a low-cut shirt into the basis for an outfit you’ll be happy to wear.
