Modern day modesty

In modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing (1 Timothy 2:9)

There is a funny idea that dressing modesty is to dress frumpy and looking unattractive, to remove any "womanly" features so to avoid any form of sexuality. Modesty has nothing to do with being dowdy. 

When one dresses modestly it simply means covering up so others don't have to see plunging necklines, lots of leg and flesh — to not dress in a manner than will attract the attention of men and cause them to lust. It has nothing to do with looking ugly and plain and it doesn't mean you can't wear colour or lace, modern designs or something very pretty.  This series of photos are of the Duchess of Cambridge on her recent tour of India — she has made modest look beautiful, elegant, graceful and feminine. Her hair is beautifully (but simply) done and her jewellery is also very tasteful (not tacky).  Notice the hemline, it is now longer than it use to be after the Queen "suggest" it should be lower to  look more modest. 

Her look is not the "Hollywood look" that is more about showing as much flesh as possible and has nothing to do with  being feminine and pretty. It is so encouraging to see a young woman dress so beautifully and classy and yet modestly. She is a modern young women that shows those who struggle with ideas of modesty that it can be done and still look good.

However, one can dress completely modestly but her heart is not in the right place — our clothing and accessories should never dominate our lives, attempt to draw attention, eat up our money and become an idol. It is what is in our hearts that truely matters most, it is all about "women professing godliness, with good works". (1 Timothy 2:10). Modestly is about our behaviour and attitude and not just about clothing — our clothing sends the message of being discreet and feminine, but our actions demonstrate our desire to do good works for God. 

"Modesty is more than just a hemline, it is an interior disposition that influences not only our dress, but our thoughts and actions" 

(by Leah Darrow)

Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, by not promoting or provoking sensuality. Immodesty, then, is much more than wearing a short skirt or low-cut top; it’s the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It’s pride, on display by what you wear. (C. J. Mahoney)

Modesty isn't about covering up our bodies because they're bad, modesty isn't about hiding ourselves . . its about revealing our dignity. (Quote by Jessica Rey)