What are your guidelines for purchasing modest clothing?

[RachelleDrew]

Hello ladies!

After recently having a child, my body has changed a lot. I've found that a lot of the clothing I wore prior to having a baby is no longer modest or demure due to my changing bust and hip size.

Not that i'm complaining, but before I got pregnant I was very straight up and down with no curves. I was able to wear practically anything without it looking trashy. Now that I actually look like a female i've realized i've got to be more careful with my dress and attire.

The problem is, i'm not really sure how to shop specifically to find clothing of a modest nature, especially for summer. I've never really had to think about it before and i've only been involved with the church for the past year or so. Because of these factors, modesty is something that's just never really crossed my mind. I've got a shopping trip planned in a few weeks, and i've saved up enough money where I can pretty much replace my wardrobe. The only thing that's in my closet right now are maternity clothes, or clothes that don't fit or are no longer appropriate.

I guess what i'm asking is, what goes through your minds when you shop for clothing? What criteria does it need to fill before you consider it modest? Where do you shop where you can find attractive, trendy clothing that isn't so flashy and immodest?

Any opinions on the matter are appreciated.

[pushka]

As a new member of the church with curves..especially around the bust, I have the same problem. My clothes have never been exceptionally immodest, but my bust does make normally modest clothing look a little immodest for church. I took a member of the church along with me on a recent shopping trip, even the modest clothes had necklines or v's that were too low for my bust size! I ended up buying a couple of modest blouses that I then pinned a little brooch to, at the centre of my bust, so that I was covered up a little more...I want to buy some suitable summer clothing, and guess that it's gonna be pretty difficult for me!!

[RachelleDrew]

Originally Posted by pushka

As a new member of the church with curves..especially around the bust, I have the same problem. My clothes have never been exceptionally immodest, but my bust does make normally modest clothing look a little immodest for church. I took a member of the church along with me on a recent shopping trip, even the modest clothes had necklines or v's that were too low for my bust size! I ended up buying a couple of modest blouses that I then pinned a little brooch to, at the centre of my bust, so that I was covered up a little more...I want to buy some suitable summer clothing, and guess that it's gonna be pretty difficult for me!!

I see that layering is really popular around here. So my best solution for v-neck shirts would be wearing a lacy camisole underneath it. That's what i'm planning on doing with some of my clothing. I saw a bunch of cotton wrap dresses in Old Navy the other day that looked sooo comfy and cute. I've seen girls wear them, and they really look good on almost all figures. But once again, the necklines are rather low. So i'll just put a cami underneath and I think that will help.

After months of frumpy maternity clothes, i'm getting really excited to shop. While i've still got some baby weight to lose, I really like my new figure. I've never looked like um, a....girl....before. Lol. But I just don't know how to dress without looking hoochie.

Even a few days ago my fiance and I were going to go to his parents house for dinner. I put on a top that I wore before I got pregnant, and he was like "um, you may want to wear a sweater over that or something." I was so embarrassed, I didn't even think about it! It was fine when I was smaller, but I looked in the mirror and sure enough I was exposing WAY too much.

I really don't want to show up at Sacrament one day looking like a streetwalker and being totally oblivious to it. Hehe.

The brooch idea is cute. I like jewelry.

[Alaskagain]

Generally, no tank tops, bare shoulders, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, sundresses, mini-skirts. Clothing should not be excessively tight. Skirts/dresses/shorts should reach the knees. Shirts/blouses/dresses should have capped sleeves at a minimum, and no plunging necklines. Scoop necks are generally "safe". Use the basic temple garment design as your guide for coverage.

That doesn't mean you have to throw out everything in your closet. And it doesn't mean frumpy, either!

Layer, layer, layer. It's stylish and easy. Especially with the lighter-weight t-shirts and camis that are available.

For example, wear a short sleeved t-shirt under a sundress with mini straps, or even a sleeveless dress and you have a nice modest jumper. You can add a couple of inches of contrasting fabric or ruffled cotton eyelet to the hem of a skirt that is too short. Wear a long sleeved shirt over a sleeveless dress, unbuttoned like a jacket. Wear a sleeveless top or tank top over sleeved shirt.

My young office mate often wears 3 shirts - a cami or different color tee under another tee, topped with a cropped jacket or sweater - she is very stylish and modest and not LDS.

Have fun shopping!

[nina2008]

Hi Rachelle. I don't usually reply to peoples post, but your title caught my eye. I'm not a mother yet, or endowed, i'm just a Young Single Adult. But what I can tell you is.. when I shop for clothing, I look at it and think.. could I wear garments under this? Thats my guideline.. and I hope that I can teach my children that. Hope this helps you

Hey all,

I am a young women who is modest but am pressered to wear shorter skirts then I would like or I will just not fit in.
I try to be modest in the way I dress at work but I am often put down by my co-workers.

Iam often told by other ladies that my skirts are too long or that I should be wearing stockings. It bothers them that I don't were makeup too. What should I do? Give in and and wear what they wear or stand my ground? The women at my work wear their skirts above the knees and often flirt with the men in my office. I do not want to be like them but it comes with a price.

Leeann Daniels

[WANDERER]

I noticed someone wearing a short sleeved shirt with a spaghetti strap top over it and it was well co-ordinated and it looked nice. It kinda solved the tight shirt problem by using a loose layer over the top thingy.

I hold up fabrics with my hand underneath and up to the light to see how see-through they are. If it is and I still think it's worth having then layering is the go. Unfortuneately this is most of the things in shops nowadays.

A plain cotton skirt with edging detail is perfect for putting underneath shorter gathered skirts. Simple cotton dresses can function as a layer underneath other dresses to give more length.

Satin type sleepwear slip dresses are generally less flimsy and more durable than petticoats and do the same job.

Leeann,
they look good I'm sure...up until the point where they lean over, bend over, sit down, need to walk quickly or you realise that having the sunlight directly behind them is a very big big mistake. When people try to make you over or give you suggestions about what to wear this is called being patronising. Don't fall prey to it. It's far more humiliating when someone takes verbal credit for you as their 'project fashion makeover'.

Hey Wonderer,

Thank you for your words of wisdom,

The next day after my post I went to the store and bought some stockings to wear to work for the next day. My boss Anne, called me into her office to remind me of the company dress code for female employees.
She told me what was expected of me and then told me that it was nice to see me wearing stockings to work and to keep it up. I was then told what a great job that I am doing and that I will see a increase in pay on my next check.

What's next see through skirts and a promotion?

I will keep you posted,

Leeann

[WANDERER]

Oh dear, I can't believe they have a dress code for stockings. I can't see much point in wearing them. I always pick the wrong fabric and end up with a 'static storm'.

Weird way to get a payrise : )

[Elgama]

Just wanted to say my criteria is does it look indecent, does it feel comfortable, does it look OK - and now I have to take my garments into consideration.

Normally my clothes are very modest either New Age or Tweedy type but I ended up having to get a dress from the charity shop for Sunday, its much shorter than my usual midcalf to ankle length, covers my garments just but I have lost weight and I figured it was more decent than my skirt falling down and I had to look out my heels (my usual idea of heels is Doc Marten shoes lol) - I was shocked at the comments about how beautiful I looked, how it showed of my legs, how feminine it was - all I could think was how uncomfortable I felt my feet hurt and I was worried my skirt would blow up, and it was cold lol I normally feel much more beautiful I felt my outift although officially church standard was not modest as it drew attention I was uncomfotable with and I'll be wearing trousers next week.

The other one was the Sunday after my garments putting on my beautiful New Age heavily embroidered very church standard dress did not cover my garments (it has sleeves, is just round the neck, and down to ankles but the garments poked out round the neck bit) I ended up borrowing quite a low cut top from another sister that was compatible - have to confess next Sunday I just tweaked my garments to the side a bit and I do that now as long as the outfit is a 100% church standard and modest.

Oh and I never wear make up and I think thats why at 32 people think I do because my skin is incredibly clear. I ended up throwing mine out last year when I realised I hadn't used it except for at my wedding since high school or when I was working on excavations I'd put foundation on to protect my skin.
-Charley