Ladies, Let’s Talk About Modesty!
There has been the connotation that dressing modest equals dressing boring or not stylish. Choosing to dress modestly for whatever reason whether it may be religious, spiritual or personal can be so empowering to women. That being said, I want girls to feel confident while expressing themselves modestly through clothing. As a woman who prefers to dress modestly, I understand how hard it is to find conservative pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. We are not living in the 1800s where dressing modest means to dress in layers of uncomfortable, heavy undergarments and skirts. I’m here to give you some ideas as to how you can style modern Western-style clothing while making it modest enough to wear to Shabbat service or even the grocery store.
Keeping it Casual
Two words. Hoodie Dress. It is exactly what it sounds like, a sweatshirt material dress. You can put leggings underneath for a little extra modesty. You can throw on a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers or slip-on flats to complete your look.
I’m So Fancy, You Already Know
*Alexa, play Fancy by Iggy Azalea*. Some ways you can dress modestly for more formal settings such as a wedding or dance. As a general rule of thumb, find long-length dresses that either have long sleeves already or enough room to add a peplum blouse shirt underneath. Try for some vibrant colors or fun patterns to spice up your formal wear from your everyday look. Sequins, lace, and other embellishments are a big thing to keep an eye out for. Finding pieces with some extra flare can turn up the volume of any outfit. Even throwing on a pair of pumps paired with a clutch can transform your look.
Keep calm and go to the beach
Okay I promise, it’s easier than you think! There are many websites that offer modest swimwear in different colors and patterns. Not only do some online boutiques offer swimwear, but also waterproof Tichels. Another option for non-swimwear is maxi dresses. These dresses are flowy and carefree which is great for warmer weather. To make the dress more modest, you can throw on a lightweight cardigan or shawl to cover your arms without overheating. Now you’re ready to hit the beach!
Minimal accessories
Lastly, the staple to any outfit modest or not… accessories! Accessories can make any basic outfit into a statement. However, sometimes less is more. Big and bold accessories have their time and place, but for everyday looks, minimal accessories can also make a statement! Not sure where to begin? I’ve put together a list of minimalist accessories that can help maximize your style. Earrings. Earrings are a fantastic way to pull together your look. A great option for minimal accessories is stud earrings. Whether you choose classic diamonds, pearls, or those cute polymer clay studs, they’ll look amazing with your hair up or covered & add a little spice to your day. Watches or Bracelets. It’s always fun to flash some bling. For formal wear, you can stack different bangles full of sparkle or tie bracelets made of polyester cord for a more casual look. The same thing goes for watches! I’ll throw on a watch with the completely wrong time just for the look it gives. They’re classic and come in so many different styles and colors. Clutches. It’s time to ditch your large bag in favor of a lightweight purse. Choose a bold tone, trendy design, or creative shape for your clutch purse to make a fashion statement. You can find a minimalistic bag to match any outfit in your wardrobe, or any event you attend with so many designs and sizes to choose from.