5 Ways to Dress Modestly Without Looking Frumpy in 2023

As Christian women, we understand the value of modesty in dressing, but we also want to look fashionable and stylish. The struggle of finding the right balance between how to dress modestly and look fashionable is real, and it’s something that many women battle with.

It’s understandable that you may be hesitant to dress modestly because you worry that it will make you look frumpy or unattractive. But the good news is that dressing modestly doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish and feel confident. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips and tricks on dressing modestly without looking frumpy.

“Modesty” has become a bit of a buzzword in our modern society, particularly when it comes to women’s clothing. Feminists want us to believe that we should all have power over our own bodies and that no one should be allowed to tell us what we should or shouldn’t wear. 

Some people also believe there is a double standard when it comes to men and women. That women are held to a higher standard than men. 

Still others believe that if a man lusts after a woman, it is her fault for dressing inappropriately in front of him. Somehow, the blame for his sin is laid at her feet. 

Somewhere in the middle of these beliefs lies the Biblical standard for modesty. It’s certainly not wearing only baggy clothes, skirts that drag the ground and never putting on a piece of jewelry. 

What Does the Bible Say About Dressing Modestly?

Clothing is nearly as old as time itself. Before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they were naked, and not ashamed. However, sin brings shame, and they immediately felt the need to cover themselves. 

The first real clothes were made by God Himself, although we’ve come pretty far from the animal skin clothing He made.

While modest fashion and style have changed, God’s standard for how Christian women should dress has not. 

1 Timothy 2:9-10

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 

These verses don’t mean that women should not braid their hair or wear gold jewelry. It simply means that costly attire or fancy jewelry should not be what makes a woman beautiful.  Our clothing choices should honor God because our bodies are not our own. 

Related: 5 Inspiring Ways Modern Moms Can Be Like the Titus 2 Woman

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 

As a Christian woman, the clothing you choose is a reflection of the Holy Spirit living inside of you. We should desire to be beautiful in God’s sight, more than keep up with the latest fashion trends. 

It’s okay to want to look nice, but know that true beauty comes from the hidden person of the heart more than the clothes you wear. Dressing modestly is the best way to demonstrate outwardly that you are the daughter of a king.

Proverbs 31:30

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

True beauty comes from inside and shines out through your actions more than your clothes. When Solomon wrote about the Proverbs 31 woman, he mentioned many of her amazing characteristics–hard worker, kind, generous…The very last thing he mentioned was her beauty–because physical beauty is matters less than honoring God with modest attire. 

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Being a modest woman in our modern society can seem challenging. And it will involve being different and changing the way you think. Dressing modestly is a personal choice between you and God.

God’s ideas of modesty are far different than what the world says. When choosing to dress modestly, you will have to alter your ideas of what beauty and fashion mean in order to honor God.

5 Tips to Dress Modestly

Dressing modestly doesn’t mean you have to lose your fashion sense. You can have a modest wardrobe with trendy, modest clothing that looks great and honors God. Here are 5 amazing tips to help you stay modest while still looking and feeling great. 

Embrace layers.

Layering is a great technique for dressing modestly, and it can also add depth and texture to your outfit. Many popular styles can be made modest by adding a layer. A tank or tee under a low-cut top can immediately make it modest. Sleeveless dresses or tops look great with a simple denim jacket or cardigan on top. 

Long cardigans and kimonos are great additions to your wardrobe. With flowy fabrics, they are perfect for aiding modesty in the summertime, and they certainly keep you warm in winter!

Layering can also help you transition from season to season. For instance, during colder months, a blazer or a cardigan can give you the warmth you need while maintaining your modest look.

Dressing in layers doesn’t mean you have to have a Bohemian style. Structured fabrics and fitted tops are easy ways to be modest while staying stylish. 

Choose the right fabrics.

Choosing the right fabrics is essential in dressing modestly without looking frumpy. Light, flowy fabrics like chiffon and silk can give your outfit a classy and elegant look while keeping you covered. It’s also important to choose fabrics that are opaque and won’t show your underclothes. 

Knowing your body type is important when choosing the right fabrics. Stretchy fabrics don’t work well on some bodies, while others can look swallowed up if they wear something thicker or more stiff. 

It’s also best to choose fabrics that don’t hug your body too tight. God made you a woman with beautiful curves. That’s His design, and that’s wonderful! But your clothes should never be so tight that the outline of your body is visible underneath. 

Find the balance between more fitted clothing, and loose, flowy pieces. If you choose to wear a close-fitting top, balance it out with a loose-fitting bottom, Or try a slim-fitting skirt with a loose, flowing top.

Accessorize.

Accessories can help enhance your outfit and take it from simple to stylish. A statement necklace can add a pop of color to your outfit, while a pair of sunglasses can make you look chic and fashionable. 

If you’re a mom like me who spends a lot of time at home, you might think it’s okay to skip this step–but don’t! A simple necklace, earrings, or bracelets are fun and cute. You don’t need to wear your fanciest jewelry every day, but some colorful, stackable bracelets can upgrade a plain look and make you feel pretty!

Be careful not to over-accessorize, as too many accessories can take away from your overall modest look. Remember, you want your accessories to highlight your modest outfit, not totally outshine it.

Go long.

Long skirts and dresses are perfect for maintaining modesty while still looking stylish. Flowy maxi dresses and skirts can give off an elegant and fashionable vibe and can be dressed up or down. Try adding a denim jacket over a maxi dress for a pretty, casual look, or add a colorful kimono to dress it up. 

Shoes also play an important role. Heels or wedges take maxi skirts to a dressy level, while flats or sneakers make them more casual and ready for a day on the town. Modest dresses are great options for having a stylish look with only a little effort.

Short skirts also have merit and are the perfect choice for more casual modest outfits. To maintain modesty, keep the length below your knees. If you’re a full-hipped girl (ahem, like yours truly) you’ll need your skirts a little longer to make sure they don’t ride up when you sit. 

Find your personal style.

Playing around with different combinations of clothing items can help you create the perfect modest, yet stylish outfit. Build a wardrobe of beautiful, modest clothes that you love, then learn how to mix and match them to create different looks. You can use your favorite key pieces in different ways for multiple outfits.

For example, you can pair a long skirt with a button-down blouse, or wear a sweater over a maxi dress. Combining different pieces can create an effortlessly stylish look that’s perfect for any occasion.

You may find that your style includes a lot of bright colors, or you might realize you prefer neutrals. Maybe you will be drawn to long, flowy fabrics, or you may like more structured, fitted clothing. Give yourself time to learn and experiment with what looks best on you while staying true to your faith!

You Can Look Pretty and Modest

Dressing modestly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style or look frumpy. And it doesn’t mean you need to look like a crazy bird lady if you have to make a late-night WalMart trip. 

By embracing layers, choosing the right fabrics, accessorizing, going long, and mixing and matching, you can maintain your modesty while still looking fashionable and chic. 

Remember, modesty isn’t about hiding your body or looking unattractive. It’s about respecting yourself and honoring God with your appearance while being confident and stylish at the same time. 

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:14

Embrace who you are, and how God made you–a beautiful, feminine daughter of God! Go ahead, experiment with your clothing pieces, and embrace your unique sense of style!

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