You already may be groaning inside. Another Christian modest fashion blog? Aren't there enough already?
I've browsed through many modesty blogs, and there are quite a few.
The problem is that... not all of them are really modest.
The issues start when short skirts, peek-a-boo holes and lace, leggings/yoga pants a.k.a. paint, swimwear, athletic wear, transparent skirts/tops, stripper heels, and other articles of clothing are deemed as okay.
This may be pure opinion, but other blogs are just... frumpy. They cover, but they're NOT cute. You may argue that the point is not prettiness, but I partly disagree. Girls shouldn't want to dress nicely just for guys or even themselves, but because God created beauty. We should reflect that. There are different ways, ranging from girly to simplistic, and none that are feminine and modest are wrong. What is wrong is when you look like you're wearing disheveled or "easy" (tent-like, androgynous, dingy) clothes.
This may be pure opinion, but other blogs are just... frumpy. They cover, but they're NOT cute. You may argue that the point is not prettiness, but I partly disagree. Girls shouldn't want to dress nicely just for guys or even themselves, but because God created beauty. We should reflect that. There are different ways, ranging from girly to simplistic, and none that are feminine and modest are wrong. What is wrong is when you look like you're wearing disheveled or "easy" (tent-like, androgynous, dingy) clothes.
I realize that I am NOT perfect.
My wardrobe is NOT perfect.
My motives for wearing certain clothes are NOT perfect.
My wardrobe is NOT perfect.
My motives for wearing certain clothes are NOT perfect.
I need to first and foremost examine my own heart. That doesn't mean Christians should wear whatever, but some clothing areas are a shady gray. There needs to be grace and love.
Still, other clothing choices are crystal clear. There is a balance. It's frustrating and hard sometimes, but that's life. God never claimed serving Him was easy.
You might be saying "What's the big deal? Let me throw on my simple denim skirts/jeans or comfy yoga pants and be happy."
You see, it all depends on what you think the purpose of clothing is.
See if you can relate to any of the comments below:
*Clothes are meant to only cover, so men's eyes are protected.
*Clothes are meant to hide your body entirely or conceal "flaws."
*Clothes are meant to enhance and make yourself more attractive.
*Clothes are meant to express yourself and help you gain confidence.
There are truths within these statements, but not whole truths.
None of them sum up the reason to dress modestly, and some can be dangerous mottos.
Dressing like a lady begins when you accept you're made in the image of God. You're not dressing to promote yourself as female, but God's decision to make you so.
Sadly, we must also look at cultural norms to ensure we present ourselves correctly. This isn't to be fashion forward; it's to proclaim truth in a fallen world and make sure we're sending the right message.
You might be saying "What's the big deal? Let me throw on my simple denim skirts/jeans or comfy yoga pants and be happy."
You see, it all depends on what you think the purpose of clothing is.
See if you can relate to any of the comments below:
*Clothes are meant to only cover, so men's eyes are protected.
*Clothes are meant to hide your body entirely or conceal "flaws."
*Clothes are meant to enhance and make yourself more attractive.
*Clothes are meant to express yourself and help you gain confidence.
There are truths within these statements, but not whole truths.
None of them sum up the reason to dress modestly, and some can be dangerous mottos.
Dressing like a lady begins when you accept you're made in the image of God. You're not dressing to promote yourself as female, but God's decision to make you so.
Sadly, we must also look at cultural norms to ensure we present ourselves correctly. This isn't to be fashion forward; it's to proclaim truth in a fallen world and make sure we're sending the right message.
This blog will explore style through three lenses, the first being the most important.
Biblical Lens: Bible verses on clothing, the way a woman should dress, humility, etc.
Practical Lens: clothing for specific events, tips on what is more modest, surveys, etc.
I'd love to define modesty right here and now. The truth is... it's harder than you think.
PLEASE allow me grace as I explore the differences between our culture and the Bible's definitions of dress, while I create clothing ensembles along the way.
I will wear pants sometimes. I realize a lot of modesty blogs don't do this, but I will. All bottoms, whether pants or skirts, will be distinctly feminine and decent. Until I find a sound argument against jeans, I'm wearing them.
Next is an article based on Proverbs 31:22 by Ety W. that perfectly sums up what I'm trying to say. If you wish to read it fully, here it is:
Proverbs 31 Woman Takes Care of Her Appearance
Here's the part I really wanted to use:
"According to Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament,1 the word lebush’ implies more than just articles of clothing. It also assumes that clothing reveal something about the wearer: rank, status, or circumstance. We all understand this intuitively. In spite of the fact that we are taught from an early age, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” we all know that our appearance does indeed make an impression on others. In that sense, our appearance becomes a social tool.
We live in a day and age where casualness has gone to an extreme. We are casual in our manners, in our attitudes, and in how we dress. This is unfortunate considering the emphasis on “self esteem” which is being taught in our schools. Our personal grooming habits and choice of clothing announce to others how we really esteem ourselves. A slovenly or inappropriate appearance may demand to be accepted on the basis of “this is me, like it or lump it”, but it still leaves that person subject to a negative impression on others and the consequences which stem from it.
True self respect takes care of oneself and one’s appearance. It takes the time to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed. Why? Because true self respect is not based on demanding acceptance from others, rather it is based on the knowledge that
….. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14a
The truth of this verse should set us free from needing to prove ourselves to the world, and empower us to get on with more purposeful living.
As Christian women, we need to understand something else. We need understand that we are representatives of Christ: to our families, our neighbors, our communities, and beyond. Because of this we should not be dressing so as to call attention to ourselves and our bodies, but we should dress so as to glorify the one whom we represent.
The Proverbs 31 Woman was not haughty with her wealth, but generous. She understood both her place as well as her responsibility to society. She took care with her appearance. But the real impression she made was not one of stylish dress, rather, this is what is said about her
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future. Prov. 31:25
1Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Laird, Archer, & Waltke, (Moody Press, Chicago, 1980) Vol I, p.469"
Bravo to that!Sorry for the long post; I wanted to take my stand loud and clear!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Enjoy Dressed Anew!
Via Baum
