How to Dress Modestly While Still Being Fashionable

Take a look at the hemlines of the 19th century and you’d be hard-pressed to spy an ankle anywhere. It’s no secret that standards of modesty have changed, even in the last 50 years!

This begs the question, how can modern women be fashionable, while still adhering to standards of modesty?

Here are 3 fashion tips to dress modestly, while still feeling attractive and looking chic.

1. Accentuate Your Natural Beauty

Do you have nice legs, a narrow waist, or strong arms? One of the first steps to being modest and fashionable is to identify your natural beauty points.

Modesty does NOT equal frumpiness.

This means that if you have nice legs, you can still have them be the focal point of your look without wearing Daisy Dukes. Instead, find the jean cut or skirt length that emphasizes your nice legs.

This allows you to play off your natural strengths and always look great. Looking attractive doesn’t mean showing more. Often, it’s about knowing how to dress for your body.

2. Show Less Skin

Regardless of whether you wish to dress modestly or not, showing too much skin inevitably ends up looking… trashy.

“I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing… the less you reveal, the more people can wonder.” -Emma Watson

Despite what critics may say, many popular fashions can be adjusted to show less skin. You may also notice that the ‘less modest’ fashions each year are usually accompanied by a more modest alternative.

Take the 60s for example. Mini skirts.

Sure, they were an obvious fashion trend, but so were floor-length skirts and bell bottoms. You can opt for the year’s styles that err on the side of showing less, all the while, looking like you know what’s fresh.

3. Let Your Accessories Do the Talking

Trends come and go, but as Coco Chanel put it, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” In other words, don’t overdo it with crazy fashions. Modesty isn’t just about covering up, it’s about presenting who you are without being obnoxious.

One effective way to do this is to wear simple clothes and let your accessories make a statement.

If you need some ideas on how to choose the right accessory for the right occasion, think of your grandma… or Audrey Hepburn. Sometimes a timeless watch combined with a pair of jeans and a plain t-shirt can look as classy as a ballgown.

The point is, that accessories can either make or break your “look”. Gaudy, overly trendy, or loud pieces are not only immodest, but they lose their appeal.

More Ways to Dress Modestly and Fashionably

In today’s world, you can dress modestly and fashionably. With the advent of online shopping, Pinterest, Instagram, and plenty of other sources to give you ideas on building your own unique style, feeling confident in your look is easier than ever. With the advent of online shopping, Pinterest, Instagram, and plenty of other sources to give you ideas on building your own unique style, feeling confident in your look is easier than ever.

For more fresh ideas on creating your own ideal image, browse our lifestyle section.