Teaching Modesty, Modest Prom Dresses and Modest Clothing
83
Is Modesty An Issue For Today's Youth?
If you are uncertain as to the question posed, take a day and visit your local high school. Living in sunny Southern California, I am always amazed at how wearing so little clothing is acceptable as the fashion of today. More and more skin is shown as skirts, shirts, and shorts become smaller and smaller.
The pop culture and the entertainment industry have stretched the standards of dress to the limit. "Being in fashion" and "fitting in" are important issues that face our teens today, forcing them to even choose clothing that they themselves may feel uncomfortable with. Teaching modesty in dress, language and behavior in general is a challenge that all parents face.
Clothes that fit are fine!
Dress codes and uniforms are helping address the issue of immodesty in our schools.
Modesty in dress is more than just a religious issue; it is a healthy choice in so many other ways as well. The manner in which one chooses to dress can be a distraction in the working place as well as in the school. Dress codes, which require more modest clothing, are becoming more popular with educators everywhere, especially in the private sector which is more easily mandated, to facilitate less focus on fashion and more focus on learning. More and more school districts are requiring uniforms to alleviate the problems of immodesty in the school.
Jason Evert - Why Modesty?
|
Girls Gone Mild: Young Women Reclaim Self-Respect and Find It's Not Bad to Be Good
Price: $9.99
List Price: $17.95 |
- Helping Kids Dress Modestly
But what is a dad to do other than sigh, complain about it and shell out the cash for the latest clothing rage? - Real Love Productions
Dressing Modestly vs. Dressing "Dumpily" Your body was created in the image and likeness of God. Dress that way. - Modesty - The Undressing Of Our Youth
I would like to address this article to dads and husbands in particular. We tend to blame the women for how they dress, but I think in doing so we ignore the responsibility of the males. Dads, you need to be more jealous of your women.
Teaching that self respect is important in all aspects of life, Girls Gone Mild, is a new group to look for. Brooke White also radiates modesty.
Another reason for encouraging modesty in dress is out of self respect. The manner, in which we dress and attend to our personal grooming, sends off signals to the world around us. Our appearance identifies us with certain manners of behavior and creates expectations in those around us. Brooke White from American Idol for example stands out because of her modest dress standards, and becomes an example of modesty for the world to see.
Our appearance and their expectations may influence our own behavior. Teaching our youth to have a healthy level of self-worth can be one way to discourage immodesty in dress. Helping them to be happy with themselves can remove the desire to dress like someone or something they are not.
- ModestFeminineAttire
Your resource page for modest & feminine clothing for yourself and your family!
Finding Modest Clothing On line
Shopping for modest clothing is another issue altogether. In most cases fewer and fewer choices are available to meet the modesty standards you may find acceptable. Everyday wear is a challenge in itself, but with Prom season fast approaching the dilemma arises as to how you can help your teen find a modest dress, and WHERE can you look to actually find one. Until the "malls" and other stores make modesty more available, many good resources can be found on the internet.
- ModestProm.com - Modest Prom dresses and more!
Need a modest formal dress? Try ModestProm.com! Sources for buying modest dresses; free patterns; software to create patterns for custom-fit gowns; shrugs coverups; budget tips; makeup tips and more! - Modest Wedding Dresses and More | Beautifully Modest
Find modest wedding dresses, prom dresses, day dresses, bridesmaid dresses, formal dresses and more here at Beautifully Modest. - Modest Wedding Dresses, Modest Bridal Gowns, Modest Bridesmaid Dress, Modest Prom Dress, LatterDayBr
Modest Wedding Dresses, Modest Wedding Gowns, Modest Bridesmaid and Prom Formalwear, Temple Invitations for LDS Weddings - http://www.modestdress.com/
Links for several different shops that carry modest formal attire. - Totally Modest.com - Modest Prom gowns, Modest Prom Dresses, - PROM
An online store offering Modest wedding and formal gowns and dresses for the LDS and religious brides. Also Modest plus size wedding gowns. As well as Veils, Tiaras, Shoes, Jewelry, Slips , Bras, Invitations and more. - Style Chic: Modest Prom Dresses
Whether you’re looking for your own special prom dress or you’re helping your daughter, Style Chic knows how hard it can be to find a dress that’s in style and modest. Resources to find that dress. - Simple Elegance
Modest Prom Dresses - Beautiful Modest Prom Dresses with Sleeves, modest necklines and fully covered backs. Bright colors, sparkling Sequins, beading and embroideries - exceptionally well made - just perfect for your Modest Prom! We offer Short or Lo
Ways to Dress Modestly by Jami Elsmore
Buy several long tank tops in different colors that you can tuck into your pants so your tummy won't show with a shorter shirt.
Sew a strip of fabric onto the bottom of shorter shirts.
If a shirt is mostly cotton, buy a size larger than you normally would so when you wash it, it won't be too tight or too short.
Buy long boy's shorts when they are available during the summer.
If the top part of a dress is immodest, consider cutting off the top and altering the dress to make a fancy skirt; then find a nice top to match.
Start shopping early for the prom and other special events so you won't be tempted to buy something immodest at the last minute.
Dressing modestly can be done!
Although dressing modestly is definately a challenge for the world today, I know it can be done. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a Mormon, I believe that modesty is an important issue facing each of us. As members of the church we are given guidelines for our youth to follow in a pamphet called For the Strength of Youth.
It States:
"Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, ‘Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord's presence?' "
President Gordon B. Hinckley Councils:
"Modesty in dress and manner will assist in protecting against temptation. It may be difficult to find modest clothing, but it can be found with enough effort. ... You can be attractive without being immodest. ... Draw some rigid parameters, a line in the sand, as it were, beyond which you will not go."
Modesty - A Guy's View
It is a parents responsibility to teach correct principles and be an example.
We can teach our teens to value themselves, and to feel comfortable with who they are. We can teach them to be "trend" setters and not "followers" in the fashions of today. Let's make a difference in the way the world dresses by dressing modestly ourselves and teaching our teens to follow in that pattern.
Oh, yeah... And Good Luck With That Prom Dress!
Modest Bathing Suits are also possible.
- Modests One Piece Bathing Suits and Tankinis Really Do Exist!
A resource for finding a modest bathing suit, as summer is on the way.
Share it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
Comments
Congrats on the nomination Doghouse. Great hub. I shouldn't have to worry about this for another 17 yrs, but it already worries me.
Prom dresses are hard to find. Thanks for the links.
Peter
Thanks! With the way things are looking today, I would be worried too! lol Start training modesty from birth and it will become second nature to the child. It really works. I take it you are having a girl? Have fun, they are great!
Drea
I hope that these truly help with your quest to find a modest dress. Good luck.
Hey Doghouse, this is a wonderful hub! I am already dealing with the modesty issue with my 8 year-old. She already wants to wear tank tops and shirts that show her belly. This is such a huge issue for young women and I think you are right - you need to start this teaching them about modesty early.
Good luck and congrats on top five :)
Thanks Amy,
I know it is cute to dress a little girl in that way, but then try and tell them why it is suddenly not alright when they get a little older. I am a firm believer in starting out young and making it a habit so that when the questions arise, the pattern is set. Thanks again for your comments.
Interesting topic - in general I'd say skirts are a whole lot longer than they were in the 60's - and the v.short ones these days tend to be worn with bike pants under anyway. Personally I think anyone over the age of 8 showing their belly probably looks pretty gross. I live in a currently hot part of Australia and I think in general the dress standards are probably better then they were 20 or 30 years ago - I am yet to see any topless girls on the beach and thongs are rare - probably beause its a surf beach and u need reasonably robust clothing to be wearing it once you come out! I also think the skin cancer message is starting to get thru - as an atheiest aMormon would probably think my swimming atire of shorts and long sleeved top to the neck as very modest - to me its just saves a whole lot of suntan lotion!
Lissie
I remember when my mother made my brother and I an outfit to wear at the lake that covered our entire body because the sunscreen products were not any where near the products they are today. We looked ridiculous, but we didn't get burned! lol I am glad that you think the standards are getting better in Australia, my observations here in the US aren't quite the same, unfortunately. I think we have a lot of just sun soakers here, not necessarily the "sports" minded type. Thanks for the comment and reading the HUB.
Congratulations doghouse... you have worked very hard for this:-) I am glad you have been recognized.
Having raised three daughters and given away three brides... also having six grandchildren who are also female - I am an expert in this area of modesty - from a Mormon's perspective!
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Nana,
Thanks for the compliment, and stopping by. I hope that this HUB will be a good reference for Prom shopping.
A great idea for a hub... you have such a variety of them! Thanks :)
Thanks for the comments Glassvisage. I have been having fun just trying to expand my writing skills by trying to post a HUB in accordance with the theme for the daily contest. The last two days however, I must admit, I was not moved to post on the theme. I guess that is why I have such a "modge podge" of trivia that I have written on. Thanks for the visit.
Hey Doghouse... love this Hub. I have linked over to you from my Hub on Mormon Youth doing extraordinary things, etc... I just wrote about the fact that they are doing their own Proms now! Cool huh?
tDMG
LdsNana-AskMormon
Nana
Thanks for the links. Yes, I have heard that some areas are planning and producing their own Proms. I certainly can understand why. After teaching the youth in my area for several years I understand the pressures and influences that are faced everyday in their high school experiences, and the Prom is magnified about a billion times from that. If we could see the mode of dance and dress that is allowed I am afraid it would be quite shocking for some. Thank you again for the comments.
Finding modest clothing is possible...even new modest bathing suits are available...keep searching...
Hi Doghouse... I see you found my Hub on modest bathing suits! LOL The search is over... Yeah! Thanks for linking over. I appreciate the great information that you have provided here about modesty and the availability for modest clothing. More manufacturers will need to start meeting the needs of these amazing young women who are choosing to go modest!
You rock.
Write On!
Write On,
I have to laugh, as we are promoting modesty in dress.... the Hubpage battle of the "photo gallery" rages on. Maybe modesty is really the answer after all.
Hi Doghouse - thanks for the kind words. I like this Hub too and will also link. It's a good idea for us to help readers find as much information as possible.
Lela,
Thanks for your comments...I totally agree about getting this information out!
Thank you doghouse for making this courageous and important statement. Our youth are bombarded with baring their bodies at every media point and in their circle of friends. Sexy is much more than revealing skin, keeping the body covered and letting attraction come from the soul and personality is giving kids a chance to form lasting relationships.
Great research on your part and this should be an early point of reference for parents of young children...so much easier to form habits then, as teens automatically reject parental guidance...I love the girls Gone Mild -- IT'S HIP.
=) Marisue
Marisue,
I love the Girls Gone Mild too! It is hip! I too believe it is easier to teach modesty in word, thought, deed, and dress from infancy than attacking the issue as they become teens. Teaching principles behind modesty in dress is another important step in having teens understand the reasoning behind it. Kids are smart these days, they need to know reasons, much more than "because I said so!" Thanks for your insights and comments.
Great hub, Doghouse! My church teaching job is over 8-11 year old girls. We had a fashion night where we had each girl come in their favorite ***MODEST*** outfit and put on a fashion show. Then we made posters from fashion catalogs with the guideline that every outfit had to be modest. The girls went home with decals for their bathroom mirrors that said "MODEST IS THE HOTTEST". These were graciously provided by someone else in our congregation. My daughter affixed her decal to the mirror, and her 13-year old babysitter came over and thought it was so cool, she went home and wrote it on her bathroom mirror, too. That's one form of vandalism I approve of! If you can make modesty hip, then you can make self-respect hip too!
Western,
What great modesty ideas... what an addition to this Hub on modesty too! I like that saying, "Modest is the hottest" because it really is! Keep do the excellent job teaching correct principles. Our youth need to have great teachers as you evidently are. Thanks for the great comment.
This is a great website & so true! There is one GREAT website that has modest, Modern (the combination is truly hard to find) shirts for woman.
JustLongShirts.com has created a fusion between modesty and contemporary design! Their shirts are truly distinctive, offering longer lengths with style and flare. From embroidered tunics, embossed ribbon shirts to casual long tees, you are sure to find something for just for you.
I love wearing sleeveless! Does that count? But yes, sexy doesn't have to be almost "naked." I have always loved the idea of simplicity and elegance. Thanks for this hub Diana. I remember my prom dress and how I got chosen to be prom queen. HAHAHA I should email you that picture (modest one) ...maybe you would like it and post it here. LOL
Michelle,
I think that modest is sexy! Perhaps I should add that to the title of the Hub! lol I would love to add your Prom Queen picture in here! I bet you were beautifully modest! Thanks Michelle.
You would...??? Well, I will have to look for it and scan it for your approval. I was skinny then LOL Okay, I will send you the email once I find the picture.
Michelle,
Just got back from being out of town and found the darling picture in my Email. You are such a beautiful girl, yes queen material all the way. I love seeing your modest prom dress. It certainly shows that beauty can be modest at the same time. Thanks Michelle.
Sarah J,
I am glad you enjoy the same desire for modesty in dress. Thanks for sharing the link with us here.
As a teacher, I am all in favor of school uniforms. I believe that as long as there are no "hand-me-downs" and tattered uniforms being given to the economically poorest families, these can be the great equalizer in any school system.
Yes, I teach in public schools, and I am more Liberal on many other issues, but that doesn't prevent me from using my brain and seeing a good idea when it comes along!
So many of the young girls, and boys too, dress like they are auditioning for a porno movie! I am shocked at times that parents will allow their daughters to leave the house dressed like they were going off to be the top performers at a strip club!
I also learned that some parents simply think they are powerless to prevent this, and some even think they are being "cool" by not helping their children make better choices.
And some are simply fooled - their kids leave modestly dressed, but change clothing before they get to school.
Recently in the news there were images of students "dancing" as if they were having sex! And this was either not stopped by school officials, or condoned by them!
I believe that we parents need to be more involved in our childrens' choices and impose a dress code of our own, and then enforce it, with strict, fair consequences if the kids fail to follow it. We are the parents, after all - aren't we supposed to be the prime role models & care-givers???
Chef Jeff,
Thank you for your additional insights on modesty in the school level. I believe as you do that parents do have the power to make a difference in the way that their children dress. It is simply amazing to see that those who are most always offenders of the modesty policy in school are simply following their parental example! lol School uniforms are one way to implement modesty in the school level indeed!
Here's an idea that I think LDS girls could use when they look for modest clothes, especially modest prom dresses: Check out Muslim clothing websites. While Muslim women are stereotypically covered from head to foot and only eyes are visible, their level of observance varies and there are stores and companies that cater to that demand. Out of curiosity I once went on the hunt for evening dresses on Muslim clothing websites and there are some alluring yet completely modest ensembles out there! Muslim women may be our best allies in our struggle for modesty!
Michaela,
This is an awesome idea. I have checked these sites out myself and they have some pretty cool stuff on them. Dressing modestly means that you might have a different look than the "crowd" so why not capitalize on that. I think that an understanding of who you are as a daughter of God, can give you the self esteem to be different even if you are a teen. That is my belief anyway. Thanks again for visiting and commenting.
This isn't just a mormon issue either. I have a daughter who we've gone to great lengths to teach about human sexuality and the costs associated with hanging your identity and self-esteem on physical attributes. Relying on body for respect is a recipe for disaster all on its own that doesn't even need divine penalties to make it something to avoid. For 1, every woman has all the same parts, so, you're not going to say anything unique about yourself to the world by hoisting up another pair of boobs. But 2, and more important, attaching your sense of self worth to your body means your going to be let down eventually. Some of us hold up aesthetically longer than others, but, most of us wilt pretty quick come marriage and kids. And accidents happen that are disfiguring too. An investment in mind is where it's at for long term happiness. We've always encouraged our daughter to ground herself in her intellect. That will server her all of her life. Sure, people like to look at a pretty, half bared woman, but they respect doctors, lawyers and professors more.
Shadesbreath,
You are absolutely right... this is not a Mormon issue. Teaching women their self worth is far more powerful than anything else one could do. I have found in my own lifetime of raising children that teaching them "different is ok" is part of that process. Following the trends or crowds, as far as dress, can lead to trouble in all areas of life. I too think that the developement of mind and personality should be a priority... you are so right, looks will eventually fade despite the plastic surgery trend.
It says:
Ask yourself, ‘Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord's presence?' "
Some people are not aware that we are ALWAYS in the Lord's presense. On the other hand, He knows the real us-- and that can't be hidden from Him.
Rochelle Frank,
Thank you for your additional insights to that question. I agree with you wholeheartedly. He knows us intimately and loves us still the same.
working
In The Doghouse says:
5 months ago
Having raised a daughter that attended two different proms, I am here to tell you it can be done.