M E R I D I A N M A G A Z I N E
Modesty is the Best Policy
By Natalie
J. Hale
Dressing modestly can be tricky in a fashion-mad world of clingy shirts and short skirts. And as spring and summer approach, the layers of necessary winter cover-ups start peeling off and modesty goes out the window.
And don't think that just youngsters have problems with modesty. Often seen are adult women wearing button-down blouses with gaping spaces and gaping armholes — it's not intentional, it's just that we buy clothes from stores that don't know or don't care about Mormon standards of modesty.
But before you start sending me hate mail, let's define modesty before going any further. The following paragraphs were taken from True to the Faith: a Gospel Reference:
Prophets have always counseled us to dress modestly. This counsel is founded on the truth that the human body is God's sacred creation. Respect your body as a gift from God. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is.
Your clothing expresses who you are. It sends messages about you, and it influences the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you can invite the companionship of the Spirit and exercise a good influence on those around you.
Central to the command to be modest is an understanding of the sacred power of procreation, the ability to bring children into the world. This power is to be used only between husband and wife. Revealing and sexually suggestive clothing, which includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, and shirts that do not cover the stomach, can stimulate desires and actions that violate the Lord's law of chastity.
In addition to avoiding clothing that is revealing, you should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. In dress, grooming, and manners, always be neat and clean, never sloppy or inappropriately casual. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If you are a woman and you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair of modest earrings.
Maintain high standards of modesty for all occasions. Do not lower your standards to draw attention to your body or to seek approval from others. True disciples of Jesus Christ maintain the Lord's standard regardless of current fashions or pressure from others.” (True to the Faith, p. 107)
Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said that:
For you to fully claim Heavenly Father's blessings and protection, we ask you to stay true to the standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ and not slavishly follow the whims of fads and fashions. The Church will never deny your moral agency regarding what you should wear and exactly how you should look.
But the Church will always declare standards and will always teach principles. As Sister Susan Tanner taught this morning, one of those principles is modesty. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, modesty in appearance is always in fashion. Our standards are not socially negotiable.”
The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is very clear in its call for young women to avoid clothing that is too tight, too short, or improperly revealing in any manner, including bare midriffs. Parents, please review this booklet with your children. Second only to your love, they need your limits. Young women, choose your clothing the way you would choose your friends — in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God. Good friends would never embarrass you, demean you, or exploit you. Neither should your clothing.” ( Jeffrey R. Holland, “To Young Women,” Ensign , Nov 2005)
There are shops springing up that cater to the growing LDS modesty needs. They provide extra long t-shirts for underneath your favorite blouses, and other items of clothing. I recently acquired some dresses from MikaRose.com. They were well-made, feminine and trendy, covering the “basics” of appropriate length and coverage. it was like Christmas as all the parties tried on the dresses and modeled them.
Perhaps it's the places I normally shop for myself and family members, but dresses seem to be not in high demand — except for times like Easter or Christmas. Most of the dresses are actually skirts to be worn with tight t-shirts or have no sleeves or come with such plunging necklines one must wear a blouse underneath.
MikaRose.com knows how to design a dress that “covers the basics” while remaining trendy and cute.
Michella Lawson and her husband started MikaRose themselves, “Our goal is to provide dresses for women looking to be sassy, feminine and fun,” Michella Lawson has said. “We want to bring back the classy, Audrey Hepburn look,” says Michaella.
Other places that sell modest clothing include Modest by Design, Beautifully Modest, Great Lengths Shorts, and Kate's Camisoles.
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