Modest clothing isn't something you'd necessarily think to be a hot topic, but as it relates to personal style it's becoming extremely relevant in today's fashion conversation. The wave of covered, modest looks on the runway these past few seasons has undoubtedly influenced the modern woman's style.
One of my favorite holiday commercials was done by UK retailer Harvey Nichols; it introduces female viewers to the sobering reality of how one looks on her "walk of shame." The outfit that might have looked sexy and chic at the party the night before ends up looking unfortunately inappropriate the next morning. While the ad clearly promotes overt sexuality, it makes a great point in the end as the last women to be featured returns home classic, clean and pulled together.
With the public being fed images of scantily clad, hyper-sexualized popstars and actresses, one has to conclude that the correlation between looking cheap and acting cheap is often a reality. What you put on your body has a direct impact on how you feel and how you present yourself to the world. Style is always personal and is born out of confidence in every aspect of self. And while Hollywood loves to bare all, a modest message seems to be hitting the red carpet. Recently Nicole Richie, Zoe Saldana and Evan Rachel Wood have been spotted in dresses with capped sleeves, high necklines and skirts that extend below the knee -- or even all the way to the floor.
This topic of modest dressing is near to my heart. Having been raised in Salt Lake City and having grown up Mormon, I've heard endless complaints over the years from my LDS female friends about fitting fashion to their standards. So, I've gathered a team and started a style blog, Just Like Molly, for all women who prefer to dress fashionably conservative.
Modesty goes far beyond just dressing for religious purposes; it expands to professionalism, body consciousness and a love of the classic silhouette. With the resurgence of the Maxi dress from the 1970s, or a tailored version of the boyfriend blazer from the '90s, even the top-buttoned cardigan from the '50s, it's clear coverage and modesty span decades.
Some would argue a modest option is regressive and in conflict with women's liberation, but I don't think so. Rising hems and lowering necklines may constitute a large part of what fashion is today, but for every revealing look there is a covered-up, stylish alternative.
In the end, you'll decide for yourself. Click, and tell me if you think these looks are Modest or Not?