I went shopping with my teenage daughter last week in a mall. We are not mall-shoppers; We spend more time window shopping. As we stroll, I roll my eyes away and say comments that pop in my head. I am sure I am every teenage daughter’s dream mall companion. While the lengths of skirts, dresses and shorts are still mini in most stores, we couldn’t help but notice a delightful new trend in necklines.

Thankfully, my daughter and I have a good relationship. Therefore, she puts up with my editorial comments, and she encourages me to move along.

“Where could she go looking like that?” I question about a mannequin. And then my eye moves one by one through the row of tube tight dressed mannequins wrapping in bright colors.

We laugh. We whisper. I sense her mood. And then on to the next window. Some stores we avoid.

(Why can I not pass that pink lingerie store without wishing I could lead an “Occupy The Mall” until it closed it doors? I wonder if most mothers feel this way.)

As we enjoy our time together, I can’t help being thankful for the way my daughter is growing up. I am glad our taste in clothes aligns. It is not that my teen daughter and I dress alike – what a pity that would be for both of us!

When we finally arrived to the last store window in the mall, she cheerfully declares, “I could wear any outfit in this window. I like the look. It’s me. When I get older, I will buy my clothes from here.” So I suggested we should take a walk through the store, and she was willing. (Oh, I didn’t tell you… she doesn’t like shopping, especially for clothes and never wants to try anything on in a dressing room.)

On every rack and stand, she found something she would wear. I turned my head, scanning the tops and dresses. I saw something I haven’t seen in years: the necklines aren’t plunging. “Now that is a nice change! Look, you won’t have to wear two shirts or a camisole,” I note. She is equally relieved.

Her eyes rest on a soft medium pink top with four small photo-like silver-grey scenes of Paris. It is romantic, subtle, with enough detail for interest. She lights up as she shows me several more items that she would enjoy, and every single piece has an appropriately modest neckline!

“Can I help you find anything?” inquires a young lady.

“It is about time!” I tell the sales clerk, explaining how much I like the new necklines. She nods knowingly, commenting on how she has been buying several of the new styles for her own wardrobe.

We have something to celebrate in 2012, “Rising Necklines!” Shopping for shirts and dresses will be so much easier. I am so thankful for this change. I am sure many of you will be too!

(The dresses in this post can currently be found at www.target.com)

© lindyabbott for Is This Modest?, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2012 styles, Casual, clothing, dress, dresses, fashion, layers, Neckline, Shopping, Shopping mall

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Red is a bright and lively color.  This red dress, with its white pattern, is definitely eye catching.

The style is very loose, though it does have a shaped empire waist.  The neckline is nice and high, the sleeves are fine, and the length covers the knee.

In fact, there’s not much else to say about this dress, because it seems perfectly modest!

What do you think of this dress?  Something that you would wear?

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2011. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: carefree, Casual, dress

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What do you think of this dress from Mika Rose?

The dress falls just below the knee, so there could be maintenance issues, but it’s a modest length.

The shoulders are covered, though it looks like it’s a loose sleeve.

The V-neck could present some exposure, but on this model it’s modest.

The waistline is a bit interesting, and I think that it’s because it’s a faux wrap.  There’s a lot of gathering and attention there, which can draw attention to the bust.

That being said, the color downplays the gathering, so I think that this dress is modest.

What do you think?

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, flirty, fun

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Modesty! Its rather important to us! But, have you ever sat back and examined your standards of modesty? How your standard was formed? Considered other views of modesty? The annual Modesty Challenge gives each of us a chance to re-think modesty and discuss our finding!

This Years Modesty Challenge Begins on April 19th 2010 & Ends April 23rd 2010. The theme this year is “A week in Modest Feminine Attire”.  And just to make it interesting, we’ll pick one participant from those who take the challenge to get a free skirt from New Creation Apparel!

The Rules

For this years challenge, lets put the debate of skirts or jeans behind us. Skirts/Dresses of appropriate length are certainly modest. They are certainly feminine. And They are most defiantly no longer the “norm” for girls and women.

During the challenge, you should wear only skirts, dresses, culottes, or split-skirts. Try to keep outfits as feminine and modest as possible. Continue with your normal routine. Especially participate in activities you “thought you couldn’t do in a skirt” such as gardening, cleaning, housework, childcare, outdoor activities etc.

Take lots of pictures of yourself doing your normal routines in feminine modest clothing. (If you are uncomfortable taking your picture, take pictures of your outfit.) Post these pictures along with any thought or comments on the challenge to your personal blog. Your post should include a link to the challenge. Add your post to the list of links (Comments) so we can all see how your challenge is going!

Already a “skirt gal”? Great! You are still welcome to participate in the challenge. You may wish to make the challenge a bit more challenging for yourself by adding a “bit more feminine challenge”. Possibly challenge yourself to also wear feminine hair styles! (Think Buns & Braids!) Or to Speak or write more feminine.

Below I am listing some questions you may wish to answer concerning this years challenge!

Enjoy! I wish everyone a great experience during this years challenge! I am so excited to hear everyone’s thoughts!

Week in Modesty Questions:

1. Prior to the challenge, What was your standard of modesty? How has it changed after the challenge?

2. Prior to the challenge, How did you feel about wearing skirts or dresses? Did you feel they would be limiting? How has this view changed Post-Challenge?

3. Prior to the challenge what was your self-image like? Did this change any after the challenge?

4. Did you notice any changes in you behavior during the challenge? Did you notice any change in the way others treated you while wearing skirts/dresses?

5. Did you find picking out an outfit or getting ready during the challenge to be inconvenient? Why or Why not?

6. Did you find your skirt/dress to be limiting or inconvenient in any situations?

7. Did you find your self to be comfortable in your skirt/dresses? As compared to jeans?

8. Will you continue to wear skirts/dresses? Why?

~Please Respect this Blog & It’s Readers~

Any Links Posted with inappropriate or immodest content will be deleted.

© tawnynicole001 for Is This Modest?, 2010. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: article, Casual, challenge, clothing, dress, fashion, jeans, modest, modesty, pants, skirt

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IMG_6555 copy.jpg

Originally uploaded by Shelley K

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: Guys seldom have trouble with modesty, and this shot is no different. While the shirt may go a tad low, it shouldn’t cause a problem. His jeans look tight because his hands are in his pockets.

Kristin: I mostly like this outfit- I personally don’t like v-necks on men, but I don’t see anything wrong with this particular sweater. The only thing I don’t like is the tightness in the jeans; he needs a looser fit so that attention isn’t drawn to the wrong place (having his hands in his pockets doesn’t help the effect). Even though I’m a little creeped out by the look he’s giving and the lurking-in-a-corner-with-graffiti pose, I’m going to give this a Mostly Modest rating because of the pants.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, Denim, jeans, pockets

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Erin:  I think the jeans are a bit tight, especially on top. However other than that, I think it’s nice!

MInTheGap: This girl has really thin legs.  I’m going modest, because though the jeans may be a little tight, I still see them wrinkling, and I’m guessing that she’d swim in anything bigger.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, Denim, jeans

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Erin:  Casual and nice! I personally like shirts tucked in, but I think it still looks nice like this!

MInTheGap: I’ve never gotten the idea of suit with jeans.  To me, that’s drawing too much attention.   I’m going mostly modest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, jacket, shirt

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Erin: Well, there are a few problems here. The neckline is too deep; the jeans are too tight; and the pose is rather seductive I think.

MInTheGap: The neckline is a little low– and the orange is debatable.  I’ve seen worse as far as jean tightness, but Erin’s right that it leaves little to the imagination.  This is one of those where you can be practically covering everything and still be immodest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, clothing, Denim, jeans, Neckline

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The items were packaged beautifully, all tied up in a pink ribbon and wrapped in polka-dotted tissue paper. I appreciated this little extra touch of “specialness”. Very classy!

I tried the Mini Camisole first and was really impressed! Unlike a lot of camisoles from even “modest” companies, this actually came up high enough in the front that I would be comfortable wearing it. It was trimmed at the bottom with pretty, soft lace and elastic that keeps it from “riding up”. The fabric is a non-fading, very stretchy lycra. It may not breath especially well in hot weather, but that is off-set by the fact that it’s only a “half-cami” so it might actually be cooler than a full-length cotton one! The fabric is also a little bit heavy, but that seems like a good thing to me. It would be hard to accidentally poke a hole in it or have it wear out fast since it seems to be a nice quality fabric.

The Mini Midriff was also very nice! Again, the fabric is very good quality, with an elastic waistband. I think this would work especially well for people who are long-waisted and need a little extra to “lengthen” their shirts. Since I am really short-waisted most of my shirts are long enough to begin with, so this wouldn’t help me as much as other ladies.

The prices on these two items might be a little higher than I would normally buy, having never seen the clothing and not knowing the quality. However, since I have seen how nice these pieces are, I would definitely consider buying some of the “Mini” line especially, since they are so versatile and practical.

Molly’s Clothing carries a great selection of layering pieces classic t-shirts and camisoles, some cute dresses, and a few feminine accessories. I would highly recommend you check them out!

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: camisoles, Casual, clothing, Company, Cotton, layers, review, Shopping, t-shirt, undershirts, women

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Is This Modest?

These also fit women who are pregnant, to allow them to wear regular shirts longer before switching to maternity shirts. It also makes a nice layering piece for nursing mothers, since it provides coverage over the tummy and back when you need to nurse!

Blush is giving away 1 undershirt to the winner, unless there are at least 150 entries. If that is the case, then we will pick two winners and they will each get one!

Entry Details

To enter, please head on over to Blush and then come back here and leave us a comment telling us your favorite color/style of undershirt. Don’t forget to leave an email address so we can contact you!

You can receive extra entries by:

• Putting up an Is This Modest? banner on your blog (come back and leave another comment with the link to your blog)
• Posting about this giveaway on your blog (leave another comment linking to your post)

The giveaway will run through Monday, December 22 at 5 p.m. EST.  We will then notify the winner through the e-mail address given.  In the case of no contact, we’ll pick another e-mail– so keep checking for an e-mail from giveaway@isthismodest.com!

Added Bonus!

For those of you whose name is not picked as the winner, you still get a special offer!

Use the code welovebloggers to get 20% off the purchase of 2 or more undershirts once the contest has ended.

Encourage all your friends to enter the giveaway. Let’s see if we can get 150 entries and select two winners!

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© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 66 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blush, Casual, clothing, Giveaway, Maternity, Motherhood, Pregnancy, Sleeveless shirt, topless, undershirt, Women's

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Is This Modest?

Erin: It’s cute! However, the skirt is too short and the top is very revealing. It needs a t-shirt underneath.

MInTheGap: Immodest.  I mean, a purse can only hide so much!

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, clothing, dress, purse, short skirt, skirt, sundress, sunglasses, t-shirt

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Is This Modest?

Erin: I think both the t-shirt and jeans are a little bit too tight.

MInTheGap: The jeans are too tight at the waist and the fact that the outer shirt is loose makes it appear that the t-shirt is too tight, even if it’s fine.  The backpack may also be making the shirt appear tighter.  I’m going borderline.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, clothing, geans, heels, jeans, shirt, sunglasses, t-shirt, Waist

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Is This Modest?

Erin: No. The jeans are nice, but the top is too revealing in the bodice and shoulders.

MInTheGap: I’m actually going to go borderline on this one, and here’s why:

• The straps aren’t spaghetti,
• The shirt itself covers more than just the top, extending to cover when she bends, and
• The jeans are fine.

I could have actually gone modest if the top had been a little higher up.  Hard to tell at this angle how low the top goes.  If I can see cleavage, then it may go below borderline, but from here it’s hard to tell.  The top does hug her chest, so that can be distracting, otherwise I might have gone with mostly modest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, Cleavage, clothing, jeans, long shirt, shirt, snug, straps

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Erin: I don’t really think leggings qualify as pants, so no…

MInTheGap: My mom always referrers to outfits like these as pumpkin pants.  I can’t tell whether she’s wearing a layer under her shirt or not, so I’m not clear there.  I’m going slightly immodest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, clothing, leggings, shirt, shoes

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Erin: Her dress is too short.

MInTheGap: That’s a dress she’s wearing?  I thought it was an over-sized shirt!  Immodest.

Your turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, clothing, dress, Fancy Dress, red, shoes, t-shirt

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One of the interesting things that I’ve found about clothing is that it’s interesting what the different sexes can and cannot wear in the realms of crossovers.  For the most part, a woman can get away with wearing a man’s shirt and pants and they look cute, but if a man were to wear something that belongs to a woman (say a skirt or dress) it’s usually only for a laugh—or in a kilt.

So, the other day, when Jennifer Sabin made the following comment, I had to think it over…

If she buttoned another button though, then the shirt would lose most of its femininity and she might as well be wearing a man’s shirt. Plus, another button probably wouldn’t be flattering to the shape of her face.

This comment made me think two different things:

Opportunity to See

Seriously, I’ve never thought of a shape of the opening of a shirt as effecting the appearance of a person’s face.  That just has not hit me.   Secondly, as a guy, the fact that the shirt is opened (and the more open the more it is like this) the more I’m thinking that the girl is unaware that certain movements are going to expose her in ways that she would not want to be exposed.

Dressed Like a Man

But it also made me think through whether or not having this shirt makes one look “like a man” and if that’s a problem.

From the aspect of modesty, I don’t have a problem with one of these shirts as long as it’s buttoned appropriately—and it fits.  If it doesn’t fit, a guy that’s standing to the side can see things he shouldn’t (unless you’re wearing a full slip).

However, the root of the Christian or Jewish faith of modesty is grounded in the concept of each sex wearing things that pertain to their own sex—basically, guys should dress like guys and girls like girls.  So, in that context, for a woman to wear something that “appertaineth to a man” would be wrong—or even for her to dress in a way that looks like a man.

Is that immodest?  I tend to still say it is not, and yet I can see where you could draw that conclusion.

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, clothing, man, shirt, skirt

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Layer it.

Layering can make an immodest shirt modest.  It can extend or make the shirt longer so that it helps coverage even when bending, and can help when reaching overhead for things.

However, there is some layering that is more distracting and should be avoided.  And that’s what I think of when considering today’s question.

What do guys think when things are layered, (are they noticing the layers or only the “immodest” piece)?

Any change in color is going to draw attention—that much is certain.  Contrast does that—whether it’s modest or immodest.  The thing that I personally find distracting, however, is when a layer is worn underneath something that would be immodest because of it’s depth—or V-necks.

When a layer is worn under a V-Neck, not only is my attention drawn to that area, but I find myself wondering why in the world a lady has purchased a shirt that low in the first place.  Her husband may have led her to believe it’d be fine in public with a layer, but I find it distracting.

Not necessarily immodest, but definitely not drawing my eyes where they should be going.

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual, Christmas, clothing, layering, layers, shirt, top

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