Not Your Mother’s Shell

Once upon a time, not long ago, in a land where fashion reigned supreme, there was a women’s piece of clothing called a “shell.” This item was a short sleeve shirt made from a “silky” polyester that came in all different colors, especially off-white, khaki green and those bright 80s colors. The shell was worn underneath suit jackets, where only the collar and a bit of a triangle would show. Some shells had scalloped collars or other trimmings to make them more “cute.”

But then one day, the winds changed. Everyone starting wearing Lycra tops and cap sleeves, and women’s Separates blew in from the west. Those polyester “shells” were no longer fashionable and no longer necessary. There were so many more options—and more comfortable ones too! There were cotton/Lycra blends with crewnecks, cotton T-shirts designed with a layered look, and scoop necks in black for the office. So many choices, so many options…!

There was just one small problem. All those fabulous women who preferred modest clothes were left with very little to wear. The cotton/Lycra blends were cut too tight, the cotton T’s were too low-cut, and the scoop necks, well, they just didn’t cut it at all.

So all the modest women in the land went searching far and wide for the Land’s End. And there they found easy shirts that covered their skin, t-shirts they could layer, and tops that didn’t shrink in the wash. And they were comfortable.

Then one day, the “shell” was reborn with a new look and feel, and all of a sudden, modest women came in droves to follow the “layered” trend. These women realized they had neglected the possibilities of ¾ and long sleeves, and that for 20 years they had paid too much attention to the collar. With a cotton/Lycra “shell” with longer sleeves, they could have the best of both lands. They could wear any sleeveless top with it—ANY sleeveless top—and they could be modest, comfortable and stylish—all at the same time!

And so from Tabeez in the east, these “new shells” came flying off the shelves. Everyone had a black one—maybe two or even three—for the office, for dinner, and for the finest balls in all the land. For their wedding day, modest brides could not believe their options….they could buy any sleeveless dress they liked and pair it with a “shell.” These new slenderizing “shells” became the new silhouette, the new look, and the epitome of modest fashion.

And so from then on, women of all sizes and shapes came to rely on the “new shell.” An outfit just wouldn’t work without it. The “new shells” looked great with belts and jeweled accessories—adding that special touch of glam to the super-modest look. Women wowed their husbands, and impressed their friends. And from that day forward, women and their “shells” lived happily ever after.

Leah Helfgott is the designer behind www.i-pointwebdesign.com she also writes for In Fashion, a modest fashion magazine (www.InFashionFT.com). She is an Orthodox Jewish woman and a mom of 2 from New Jersey.