| | The Homestead
homespun tales
Welcome to Mrs. D's
homestead.
Check out our store while you're here, we
think you'll find our homestead products come in mighty handy.
Modest Dressing
I am a convert to modest dressing. I have only been conciously trying
to dress modestly for about eight years now. Prior to that I was all
about fashion and being "appreciated". I have to put that in quotes
because the kind of "appreciation" I got was not really what I was looking
for. In my pursuit of guidelines for modesty, I ran across a book by
Colleen Hammond called "Dressing With Dignity", in which she discusses some
very unpleasant but true facts about how we dress and how we are treated.
I did some research on my own, and concluded that her evidence was real.
In defense of women, I am not just speaking of us, here. Modesty is just
as important for men. Women may not be as visual in nature as men, but we
do take notice of physical attributes. And in looking around me when I'm
out in "the world", I realize just how important it is to encourage our children
to dress modestly. I mean, is it really that "cute" when little children
run around topless, or a first grader bends over and you can see her entire
torso? Do we really think pedophiles are limited to the internet?
While there are many degrees of modesty, from fashionable to frumpy, I think
most agree that basic modesty includes covering all cleavage and
"privates". This would include not only necklines and waistbands (as
opposed to hip bands), but also sleeve lengths and hemlines. Ms. Hammond's
book gives one of the best basic guidelines I have found. To
paraphrase: a woman's neckline should be such that cleavage is covered and
when you bend over you are not giving a display; sleeve length should be long
enough that when you lift your arms, you cannot see through to undergarments or
what is underneath. Also, fabrics should not be sheer or
see-through.
For myself, I prefer dresses and skirts, and I like my hemlines to be
mid-calf or below, without slits, wraps or buttons that can inadvertently open
to show my legs. I like my legs just fine, but I don't feel I have to show
them off to everybody anymore. In cooler weather, I add a layer of
leggings and socks under the dress. I prefer my sleeves 3/4 length
or longer, I can always roll them up. Again, I wear an extra shirt in
cooler weather, a sweater is also an option. I do wear shorter sleeves in
hot weather. I do not bear the burden of excessive cleavage, however, I do
try to keep my necklines up near that little dip in my collarbone (forget what
it's called). Sometimes this involves adding a pin to close a low neckline
a bit higher, or wrapping and tying a pretty scarf.
As far as head covering, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. This is
more because of the fact that I have very fine hair that doesn't like to
cooperate, and blows wildly in the slightest breeze. I frequently wear
scarves and hats, and have always enjoyed them. I always try to wear a chapel veil in church, though there are many times I
forget, and once in a while choose not to. But that is a whole 'nuther
issue.
Swimsuits are a challenge. Though there are many options and offerings
for modest clothing, there is a severe lack of choices in the swimsuit
area. I love to swim, and for years now, I have been wearing long shorts
and a long sleeved tshirt to swim. I have tried different materials, but
unfortunately, the skin tight spandex seems to be the best choice for comfort,
quick drying, and coverage. Lately I have run across some great styles in
modest swimwear, and hope to make a new modest swimsuit for myself for next
year. My favorite style is from Simply Modest, and consists of leggings ending just
below the knee, and a tunic style shirt with short sleeves (which could be
lengthened) and the tunic ending just a few inches above the knee, thereby
covering the hip and buttocks area. I am not sure how this would do in the
water, but from my experience with the tshirts, I believe the spandex on the
torso would stay put, while the longer area may ride up in the water, but could
be smoothed back down upon exiting. Another trick to keep in mind here, is
choosing a patterned material for the top to de-emphasize the cling, and a
solid, darker color for the leggings, for a slimming effect. As for men
and boys, I appreciate the long, baggy trunks, held up, of course, to cover
their "cleavage", and the mesh shirts, popular for many sports are
preferable, in my opinion, to a bare chest. On a purely practical level,
the more covered you are, the less need for sunscreen.
So there you have it - my take on modest dressing. Now that I'm
started, I'm sure I'll have more to say in future posts.
Thanks,
Mrs. D
Copyright (c) 2011 by Robyn
Dolan
Disclaimer: All information is provided for
entertainment purposes only and is copyright 2003-2012 by Robyn Dolan.
Mrs. D's Homestead and Robyn Dolan are not liable for any misuse or consequenses
resulting from use of this information.
You are here: Home-The Homestead
Next Topic: Soaps 'N' More Subtopics: Homesteading Homeschooling Simple Living
Built with Enersoft SiteGenWiz Freeware Edition |
The Homestead · 
Soaps 'N' More · 
