Modesty is Out the Door
By: HeatherRose
It began as innocence; was molded and morphed until it was left with only inches of fabric. Throughout history, having been influenced by cultures and media, fashion has changed. Modesty was a cultural norm, a standard and highly respectable. Now it is simply an option, often viewed as old fashioned and seen as a lost art or simply out of touch. These chances affect today’s culture in its modesty standard and have significantly affected the lack of self respect. It is a quality that is personally, greatly missed.
Throughout history every person who has had an impact on fashion has been influential one way or another in serving as a contributor for redefining modesty. Modesty is the “reserve or propriety in speech, dress or behavior; a lack of pretentiousness” (answers.com). Additionally, the author defines its origin as deriving from the Latin word ‘modestus’, meaning to ‘stay within the measure’. History defines modesty in a woman in different ways. In an earlier century, modesty was actually status quo to help arouse a manly desire because of what was left to the imagination. Christians and various fashion historians through all generations refer to the Bible for the moral standard of modesty to protect one from temptation. God tells women to be wise with their clothing choices so that they do not lead a man’s mind astray; “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel…” (1 Timothy 2:9). (BIBLE)
So it is obvious that there are several ways to look at modesty whether out of self-respect, end reward or spiritual conviction. Just as the song lyrics from “Clothes” (Barlow Girl) reveals,
controversial modern media pushes the idea that modesty is ‘out the door’ while promoting a false notion that more flesh is in. Yet, the only true message sent when choosing the latter is: ‘I do not matter’ or ‘needy for attention’. It is not women’s rights that define the ‘why’ of immodest dressing. That is a cultural excuse to press the envelope. It comes from pressure-originated, predominantly male populations of each era. The reason to dress immodestly would be to get lost in the crowd, a peer pressure, rather than being recognized as a unique individual with value and virtue.
This leads to the only other option remaining and it is for the daring and strong of spirit. The goal in modesty is to “emphasize a young woman’s inherent dignity and therefore create in her a desire to dress and act in accordance with that dignity”. When it comes down to it, the option of modesty is about self respect and respect for others. While dressing modestly may have the reputation of ‘frumpy’ or not cool, it is far from it. It is in the subtle yet classy differences, such as a fitted outfit versus form hugging or an open, without compromise neckline versus a plunging, revealing one. There are endless, yet simple differences that can change the image others see while still being stylish, respected and fashion forward. The rewards will be great.
Everyone appreciates and looks up to a role model. There are more people than realized in the world who practice a modest lifestyle. There are numerous fashion organizations and modern day publications that encourage young women growing up under this cultural influence to embrace their beauty by reflecting it modestly while having fun with fashion. One influential organization in the lives of thousands of young women in particular is Pure Fashion (purefashion.com), a national organization founded by former Miss USA, Mrs. Brenda Sharman. Pure Fashion’s mission is to help young women ‘embrace their femininity and dress in accordance with their dignity’. It is anything but frumpy. Their fashions are beautiful, fun, ‘trendy but tasteful’ which leaves room for their character strengths to shine.
A great example in the social eye right now is the Jonas Brothers, or in particular Nick Jonas. Not only are they taking a stand for purity by choosing to wear rings, but they are dressing modestly and Nick is encouraging girls to dress modestly. “Some girls try too hard to get guys’ attentions by not wearing much clothes. When a girl dresses nicely with good taste it says that she has confidence and that she takes pride in her appearance.” (Nick Jonas) In their song Love Bug (written by Nick Jonas) they also say, “You’re beautiful but you don’t even try… Modesty is just so hard to find.” In this they are appreciating the natural beauty of a girl that does not force herself onto anyone whether in action or clothing. In an interview with seventeen magazine, Nick also reveled… ““Modesty is the key” for any future girls in his life.” He takes modesty to equal maturity and obviously takes it very seriously. This reassures young women that they do not have to lose themselves to fight for a guy’s attention. For many girls this one action of a young guy standing for purity could encourage then to make the right choice of modest dressing! (Jonas Brothers /Access Hollywood)
The challenge now lies with the individual to consider their own personal fashion choices when looking closely inside their wardrobe. Look closely at the fashion message being conveyed and then match that to the true definitions of individuality through modest choices as defined above. The test becomes that of improving one’s life by re-defining one’s self worth. After all, “Happiness is…living a life of virtue”. (Aristotle)
