You probably have heard the term modesty when it comes to clothing, but it begs the question, what does it really mean?
The truth is, it’s a little different for everyone, and knowing why you want to dress modestly is really important. Maybe it’s a personal style choice, but for many, it’s a religious choice. Those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for example, make modest dress a high priority. While some people think modesty is frumpy or not fashionable, that isn’t true.
The important thing to know is that dressing modestly doesn’t mean sacrificing style or personality!
The Basics of Modest Dressing
So, when it comes to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are specific basics of modest dress. The modesty standards generally mean that female church members in particular cover their shoulders, cleavage, knees and back. They avoid super-fitted or sheer clothing as well. However, these standards vary by the person.
While some people think that these rules are overly restrictive, cause people to not be able to make their own choices or think it’s about controlling people, they don't understand the core reason for modesty. Modest dress is about respecting yourself and those around you. It’s about being true to yourself and finding your own modest style. Let's talk about a few ideas for different times you might want to dress modestly.
Everyday Modest Outfits
So, if you’re looking to dress modestly everyday, you need to start with a few go-to pieces. We’d recommend starting with the following:
- 2 Casual modest skirts like the Hailey Skirt
- 1-2 Casual, modest dresses like the Erin Dress
- 3-5 Layering tops in basic colors and different sleeve lengths
- 3-4 Modest tees or blouses
- 2 Cardigan sweaters
These pieces will give you a great jumping-off point when it comes to starting a modest wardrobe. Some people equate modesty with looking frumpy or unstylish, but nothing could be further from the truth. Pick clothing in colors that compliment you, fit well and most of all make you feel amazing is the key. If you’d like to read more about stylish modest fashion, be sure to read our blog here.
Modest Outfits for Special Occasions
Looking beautiful for special occasions is a must. Whether you’re headed to a formal event, a wedding or even church, having a pretty dress or skirt can make a big difference. However, have you ever noticed that a lot of formalwear and even Sunday attire that you can get at big stores is not up to par with your modesty standards? For some reason, designers think everyone wants to show a bunch of skin, but that’s not always the case. For those who dress modestly, we have options that help you feel comfortable and beautiful.
So, to find these types of dresses, you might want to consider a few of these tips:
- If you love a dress that isn’t modest, find ways to make it look modest. For example, if a dress is really sheer, you can add a slip.
- Another idea is if a dress doesn’t have sleeves, you could use a shrug or cardigan. While you don’t want to layer too much on top of your dress, a small single layer will make a big difference.
- If you find a modest dress that you love, but it doesn’t feel fancy enough, dress it up with fancy shoes, jewelry and a nice purse.
- Shop with retailers, like Sweet Salt, which specializes in modest fashion.
If you haven’t found a dress or skirt you love for your next special occasion, don’t give up! There are so many options out there and little ways to turn the immodest items into stunning modest attire.
Dressing Modestly in Different Seasons
Dressing modestly in different temperatures can be really hard if you live somewhere that has distinctive weather for each season. If we’re being honest, winter, spring and fall aren’t the problematic seasons—it’s always summer. Summer is hot and sometimes humid. So, dressing modestly can feel uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to consider your clothing carefully. You’ll want to avoid layering, as cardigans and sweaters will be uncomfortable. So, you’ll want to wear shirts and dresses that don’t require a lot of changes for modesty.
Also, think about the fabrics of the shirts and dresses you are buying. Try to stick to lightweight fabrics that are breathable, like cotton or linen. Looser fits on clothing can also help to keep you cooler as well. Don’t forget that modest shorts are an option too! The big thing is to not compromise on your standards just because it’s hot outside.
How to Make Modest Fashion Your Own
Modesty doesn’t mean looking the same as everyone else! To make modest fashion your own, stick with colors and patterns that you love. You can also add accessories to modest outfits to make them fit even more with your personal style! You want to feel comfortable and confident. So, making sure that you’re not only following the modesty standard you have set for yourself, but also finding ways to dress that make you feel beautiful and confident, are really important.
Where to Find Stylish Modest Clothing: Sweet Salt
So, if you’re looking to build out your modest wardrobe, you might be wondering where you can get all of the staple items we mentioned above and more. Shopping at Sweet Salt is the perfect way to find good-quality modest fashion. We have modest dresses, skirts, shirts, layering tees, sweaters, shorts and more. You can shop all of the latest styles, and shop for casual and dressier occasions, all in one place while staying true to modesty standards.
Choosing to dress modestly is a very personal decision and it looks different for everyone. Whether you do it because of your faith, personal style, values, etc., the key is knowing why you do it and sticking with it. Most importantly, dressing modestly is about respecting yourself and your values. It’s about looking and feeling beautiful on your terms and not those dictated by others.