Sometimes dressing modestly isn’t associated with looking trendy. You might associate the term “modest” with looking frumpy or being overly strict. However, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Dressing modestly can be not only gorgeous but also on-trend. Some trends aren’t modest and might be pretty hard to adapt to. However, there are things you can do to be modest and trendy at the same time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Check the Current Trends

The first thing to consider is what the current trends are. What kinds of pants are people wearing? Shoes? Tops? Also, check the current trends when it comes to hairstyles and accessories. You can often wear modest basics and pair them with on-trend accessories and hairstyles to look fabulous without having to change your wardrobe much. 

Make Adaptations and Utilize Layering

Are the on-trend tops showing too much cleavage? Maybe everyone is sporting sleeveless shirts? What about skirts that are super cute but too short for your taste? There are adaptations you can make. If you like dressing modestly, it’s important to have a few key items in your wardrobe:

• Layering tees - in neutral colors and other colors you wear often.
• Tank tops - in neutral colors and colors you wear often.
• Skirt extenders - in black, white and/or navy.
• Cardigans - in neutral and colors/patterns you love.

Having these items on hand can help you make an on-trend outfit much more modest if needed. Here are a few examples of how these pieces can help. If you need a little extra coverage under a top that shows too much arm or shoulder, you can throw on a layering tee underneath. Layering tees come in many neutral as well as brighter colors. There’s always one that will match the colors in your outfit. So, it can be a great option for extra coverage.

If the outfit shows off too much cleavage, throwing on a tank top underneath can be super helpful. Like layering tees, tank tops come in every color, size and pattern you can imagine. So, it won’t be difficult to find ones that match. Tanks and layering tees can also be used under sheer shirts and dresses!

Speaking of sheer, another item that can help with sheer or short skirts and dresses is a skirt extender. These cute pieces are perfect for layering underneath to cover you up a bit more. They’re typically a slip that has some extra lace or fabric sewn to the bottom so it can peek out underneath your dress without issue. It should just look like part of the dress or skirt and not like anything extra. So, you can still wear the dress and feel 100% modest.

The last item to consider always having on hand is a cardigan. Long, short and even cropped cardigans can help you subtly add some coverage, as needed. Cardigans come in such a wide array of colors and patterns that there’s always something that will match your outfit. However, if you’re just starting out with them, we suggest grabbing cardigans in neutral colors and working your way up to others. They can be used to cover shoulders or even your back if your shirt has a low backline. Cardigans also look professional and polished. They can also be layered over everything from dresses to shirts and they’ll keep you warm!

So, next time you see a trend you’d like to hop on, but aren’t sure if you can pull it off modestly, try one of these tips! They don’t work with every trend out there, but they can be reasonably worked into many trendy outfits.

Pay Attention to Outfit Colors

Another subtle way to look trendy while being modest is by paying attention to the colors you wear. There are usually colors of the year in the fashion industry, and much of the clothing that’s trendy will be made in that particular pallet. So, if you watch this closely, you can wear modest clothing in these colors. You’ll look trendy and modest without having to adapt your outfits. 

Another thing to consider is using a color wheel. If you haven’t seen one before, it’s a wheel-shaped guide that shows you what colors can complement each other. 

• Monochromatic - This is achieved by utilizing one color but maybe in different shades.
• Complementary - This is achieved by utilizing colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
• Triad - This is achieved by using three colors that are evenly spaced out from each other on the color wheel.
• Tetradic - This is achieved by using two sets of complementary colors together. 
• Split Complementary - This involves using three colors. You’ll choose your main color and then use the colors on both sides of it on the color wheel. 
• Analogous - This utilizes colors that are adjacent to one another.

These combinations can be used to create dramatic ensembles as well as more calming ones. With the color wheel’s help, though, you’ll always look sharp. You can use your favorite color as a base or use the colors of the year as a guide. Typically, the most used combinations will be monochromatic and complementary, but you do what makes you feel your best!

Confidence is Key

The biggest thing to understand about fashion and clothing is that you need to feel amazing while wearing them. Confidence is much more important than the actual outfit you wear. So, don’t purchase clothes that make you uncomfortable or that you don’t love just because they are trendy. If you’re trying on new pieces, think about how much they might need to be adjusted, if they can be adjusted or if you even like the trends. Sometimes we buy things because we think they’re in style, but we don’t love them. So, if you don’t love it the first time you try it on, don’t buy it or return it if you’ve already bought it. Otherwise, you might never wear the clothes or you might not feel confident while you’re out and about. Confidence is always 100% in style. So, find the clothes you love and rock them confidently!