Wardrobe Adjustment No More

I have to say that I’ve had a pleasant surprise lately.  After reading Wendy’s books, I decided to take a good hard look at my closet of clothes.  Now, mind you, I’m a mother of three kids and by no means do I dress immodestly.  That being said, after a good bit of thinking and pondering, I decided to place my clothes into two categories: the Modest Category and the Borderline category.  In the latter category, I placed all of the shirts and dresses that weren’t “technically” by today’s standards immodest, but DID make me feel uncomfortable when I wore them.

So, I’m staring at this pile of what I’ll call slightly immodest clothing, and I’m thinking about what I’m trying to accomplish by wearing a shirt that I’m constantly having to jerk upwards and downwards simultaneously.  This is no small feat, let me tell you.  Wardrobe adjustment is such a tricky thing and it takes such a large amount of mental energy and finesse to make it look like a graceful part of the conversation.  What, I pondered, would I think of wearing clothes that did not require that I assume the “pledge of allegiance” position every time I move?

Hmmm…..well THERE’S a novel thought.  Why haven’t I considered this before? 

I’ve made my decision.  If modesty is the newest fad, I want in and I don’t ever want out.  I cheerily announce this fact to my husband.  He raises one eyebrow and looks worried.  I suspect that the main worry is not that he’ll be seeing less of me, but that he’ll be seeing less of his money when my wardrobe gets a modesty overhaul.

Some intense shopping and ten shirts later, I have successfully accomplished my modesty goals.  Overwhelmed by (modest) joy I happily ditch my low v-neck shirts and model my new “look” for my hubby.  He is relieved on so many levels.  Especially since I didn’t revert to Little House on The Prairie styles and I am fully able to still look trendy and feminine while being modest at the same time.

Now for the much anticipated surprise!  Are you ready?  I am a thousand times more comfortable in social situations!  I actually feel freer in both mind and body.  When I am not constantly fidgeting or worrying about my clothes, I am so much more inclined to participate in witty repertoire or the more serious discussions of politics, spirituality, love and life.

Now isn’t that amazing?  Who’d have thought that a simple neckline change could have the power to do that?

Comments

[Carolyn]

Bravo for giving your wardrobe a modest over haul. Some immodest items can be given a whole new life by layering really cute undershirts with them. My personal favorite place to buy these types of shirts are at Shade Clothing. http://www.shadeclothing.com

[Gina D'Angelo]

Not to promote particular sites, but in my opinion, Tznius.com has the greatest styles & prices for modest clothing. Everything is rabbinically-approved, so you know its modest.

[Alexandra Foley]

What you say is so true. You feel so much freer when you are wearing modest clothes. No fidgeting and worrying that someone is glancing at your cleavage! Way to go!

[Lydia]

I am doing something very similar to this, but, I must admit, I had/have a great deal of immodest clothing to rid myself of... And considering my age (I am fifteen, and being fifteen, it is very hard to come by a job) I have little to no money to replace said items.

Anyhow, I applaud your move. I wish my mom would dress more modestly- I think her small size makes it difficult for her to do so, but still.. I wish she would..

[Anonymous]

Sometimes thrift stores have modest clothing you can't find other places. It's sort of neat. It can be difficult sometimes, but every once in a while there's something really fantastic there. (I found a long denim skirt for $4, and now I have no idea what I ever wore before that. But when I got it, I couldn't imagine myself in so much drapey fabric!) Good luck with finding some excellent clothes-- I'm sure you'll find them! :)

P.S. If (and only if!) sewing is something you enjoy, you might find you can get a pattern (maybe even for free from the internet) and sew a dress, too. I recommend, from the little experience I have had getting new, excellent, sturdy fabric. I think it can make a huge difference.

Again, best of luck!!!

[Bee]

Lydia - I just want to suggest that you talk to your mother about how her clothing choices make you feel. My best friend in high school was constantly mortified by her mother's immodest (and that's putting it politely) attire - our male "friends" even made up lyrics to the tune of "Stacy's Mom" about her! Eventually, I convinced my friend to discuss it with her mother, who cried and vowed to change her ways. She didn't actually, but my friend stopped feeling so poorly about it because she had made her feelings known.

Best of luck!

[Barbara Godding]

Get rid of my immodest clothes No Way!!!I like wearing them especially when summer comes so if you don't like TS.

[Gerald Wicker]

I love girls that show their navels

Their is no reason for a girl to bare her belly, hips, and waist other than to get a man's attention

Regardless of fashion

I admire women I know that keep their navels covered, and make you imagine what their belly's look like