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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

The model certainly seems to like this dress, and who can blame her?  It looks comfortable, and the fit seems nice.

The collar on this one does not draw as much attention as the Double Ruffle Neckline Dress.  It does seem to be a bit clingy, but that could just be an issue with size.

It has half sleeves, and the length looks to be mid-calf on this model.

What do you think?

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: dress, Neckline, Ruffle, Sleeve

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

The ruffles make a V-shaped pattern, much like you’d find on a dress with an open neckline.  I find that they have the same effect on the eyes, drawing them to the chest.

The sleeves, length, and neckline are fine.

I find it interesting that this dress has pockets!

What do you think of this Double Ruffle Neckline dress?

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

When I speak about Maintenance Issues in terms of clothing, I’m not talking about washing, drying and hemming clothes.  I’m talking about what needs to be done in order to maintain modesty while wearing different articles of clothing.

I was first exposed to this issue at Csehy Summer School of Music where I was counselor while at college.  Part of the discussion of how to perform a recital, for the young ladies, was how to take a bow.  For the flutist, they were to press the flute against their chest so that they would not expose themselves when they bowed.

The Problem With Necklines

To the male mind, there’s nothing more powerful than the chance to see something that they haven’t/shouldn’t see.  It’s powerful for them to get a look down a girl’s shirt.

With low necklines, even those that expose no cleavage, when a young lady bends over the clothing comes away from the chest, and the male’s eye head to see if they can see anything.

That’s a maintenance issue.

This means that you need to be aware of this so that you can maintain modesty while bending over this way.  Or simply bend at the waist.

The Problem With Hemlines

On the other end of the spectrum are hemlines.  Dresses or skirts that have a hemline below the knee may restrict movement depending on the material, but they easily maintain modesty in different positions.

When the hemline travels North of the knee, any time the lady might part her legs in a sitting position she may be offering a male a chance to see what used to be called “unmentionables.”

There are many famous celebrities that have been caught missing said unmentionables in public and can attest to this truth.

While a skirt that is above the knee may not be considered immodest in and of itself, it can present a maintenance issue because one has to know how to enter and exit a car like a lady, make sure to sit with the knees together and generally be aware of what can and cannot be seen.

These are just a couple of maintenance issues.  Do you have other ones?

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2011. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: hemline, maintenance, Neckline

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

One of these things that are gaining popularity is the modesty panel (shown here) which can fill in the gap in low tops.  Are they successful?

Well, sites like Chemisettes by Anne have some pictures that I think that you’ll find interesting!

This site lists 14 clothing issues for women that they propose to solve.  Most of them coming from the idea that you want to keep covered, but most tops that are currently available show too much skin, depending on the height, and other factors.

It’s not just modest retailers that are noticing this trend, however.  Even the secular media is noticing that there’s a whole industry being formed:

For years women have had to rely on awkwardly placed safety pins to preserve their modesty in a low-cut top.

But this summer two rather more elegant solutions have come to the fore.

The Bosom Button and the modesty panel could be just the thing to avoid embarrassing catcalls or wardrobe malfunctions.

And with the sun set to come out again at the weekend after a rainy few days this week, both look likely to become even bigger sellers.

Bosom Buttons, little pins handmade with a Swarovski gem, are fastened through items such as a wrap dress to give them a higher neck.

There are two images that show these options, though I’m not sure that they are that modest (and you never know what you’ll find at the Daily Mail in the advertisement section on the right).

And it’s not just the top, Blush Undershirts (“The Topless Undershirt”) have capitalized on the bottom—making sure midriffs don’t show.  They offer three sizes that make it look like you have multiple layers, without the bulk of having a full undershirt on.

These new fields are interesting for those that only have immodest options, but want to make it modest.  I’m sure you can find others.

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: modesty panel, Neckline

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Originally uploaded by [exililly photography]

Is This Modest?

justagirl4god: This dress is so cute and modest! I love the rounded neckline, and it is high enough that I don’t think anything would show. Some people may find that it is not quite long enough to be modest, but I think it would be fine, especially on a more petite person. (sorry, tall girls!) Overall, modest!

MInTheGap: It touches the knee, so that’s the borderline for what I consider modest for length. This dress is cute, and doesn’t seem to show to much. Watch out for the cut of the neckline, it’ll need some attention when bending over if you don’t want attention.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© justagirl4god for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: cut, dress, hemline, Neckline

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Maddy at the Docklands Melbourne

Originally uploaded by doastler

Is This Modest?

Hannah: This dress has a nice high neckline, but I’m not too sure about the panel on the upper chest and then the ruffles right below it. It’s about hard to tell from this angle, but it looks as though it would draw the gaze down. Definitely something we don’t want to do! I do think it needs some better, longer sleeves and it’s also hard to tell about how long the dress actually is. I do find many aspects of it quite cute though. I would change some things, but I like the overall idea. (and the color! I love those rich chocolately browns. :))

MInTheGap: There are two things that are evident from this view. First, that the arm hole is a little big, and may reveal more depending on how the girl moves. Second, the lacework and possible transparency on the front definitely draws one’s attention there. This is definitely a more formal outfit than you’d see for wearing day to day. I’d be careful wearing a dress of this style.

Foy: The shirt is definitely designed to show her figure. The lace & cloth along the shirt draws attention not only to her upper chest, but also to her stomach. A two/three on the modesty meter.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Hannah for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: chocolate, dress, Neckline, ruffles, transparency

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

One of the things that we have seen in our Quick Reviews is that many women will layer a shirt under another shirt to make the outer shirt modest.  We’ve had some discussion back and forth about whether this actually helps modesty, or hurts it.

In the Quick Review of this image, we all agreed that the white under-layer of this image turned an outfit that was pretty modest into something that draws all the attention to the bust.  While nothing is shown, there’s no question where the eye will go.

The question is, does the fact that the item attracts the attention to the bust make the outfit immodest?

Turns out we’re not the only ones asking this question.

Boutique Narelle, another site that talks about modesty, goes into great detail on this very topic, diving into the Rebelution Survey to get men’s opinions.  In their post, The Big Neckline Question,  they display a variety of images trying to figure out what makes something modest.

One of the interesting things they point out is, if a guy believes an under layer to be underwear, that is a situation that may cause them to stumble.  I would have to agree.  There’s something weird for a guy—especially an unmarried guy—about underwear and things that are not supposed to be seen.

In the case of the photo it rated a 3.81—or over the borderline into the modest territory—by our reviewers.

I admit, it’s difficult.  You can have everything covered and still present a problem.  The thing is, just like a lot of these things, you need to remember that you’re dressing for God, and there will always be someone that will have a problem with some area of attire.

Do your best, find modest feminine clothing, and pray for the guys that they will have their hearts, and their eyes, in the right place.

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Neckline

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: This dress, for a more formal dress, it too short! This would be a pain to sit modestly in, in that this dress would constantly want to show it all. The ruffles are very feminine and it is a good color, but a dress should come a lot closer to the knee to be considered modest.

Erin: Well, she bought a very nice (albeit a little low) shirt for the prom. Unfortunately, she forgot to put the other (lower) half on before she left….

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Neckline, prom, purple, short, short dress

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

LeAnna

Originally uploaded by Jared.P.

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: I think that the white shirt and pink skirt goes well, and is completely modest. Oh! I thought I was supposed to review the girl in the background!

The wide straps and the high neckline make this dress modest for me. It’s not a bad color for her either.

Kristin: I’m sure some will disagree, but I personally don’t have a problem with the bare arms here, and the straps are wide enough to hide her undergarments. The square neckline is very feminine. The white line below her bust is distracting though- white draws the eye more than any other color! I’m going with Mostly Modest here assuming the dress is long enough.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: bridesmaid, dress, Neckline, skirt, straps

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: The jeans are modest, but the shirt does go a little low. The funny thing is that there are no buttons to make this modest, so it’s not like it could be improved. I’m going slightly immodest.

Erin: The neckline is too low. It doesn’t actually *show anything*, but it really attracts attention. And combined with the angle of the camera, I would say it is not modest.

Foy: What you guys said. The immodest angle seems to have been done on purpose.
[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: jeans, Neckline, shirt

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Erin: The neckline is too low. With a nice high-necked camisole or tank-top, I think it would be feminine and modest.

MInTheGap: This is a very feminine outfit (except for the jeans) but it is way open.  The rest is pretty put together.  I’m seconding Erin’s motion.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: jeans, Neckline, purse, sandals

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Erin: Side views…ugh! Assuming the neckline is good I think this outfit is fine.

MInTheGap: The top is really big, and it flares at the leg. The top of the jeans may be a little tight– I’m going mostly modest.  I think they’re on to us, Erin.  The bags are getting bigger and they’re doing profiles.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: clothing, flare, jeans, Neckline, purse

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Erin: Side views are so deceiving sometimes. I think I’m getting a glimpse of too much chest, and the skirt is too short (in my opinion). So assuming I’m getting the right vibe about the depth of the neckline, I’m going to go immodest.

MInTheGap: See, to me, the dress length is fine (it covers the knee), the heels tend to make it look like she’s showing more leg, but she’s showing her feet.  I can’t tell about the top– it may be low, and for that I’m going borderline.  Put that jacket back on and it may be modest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: clothing, heels, jacket, Neckline, skirt

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Is This Modest?

Erin: The neckline is too low and the skirt is too high. (Why do I feel like I type that for almost every outfit ???)

MInTheGap: Can’t designers find inspiration from someplace other than the supermarket?  This looks like  grocery bag (made of a neat color fabric) that had the bottom cut off so someone could wear it.  Though it’s a nice color for her, there needs to be more of it there.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: dress, grocery bag, Neckline, skirt

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Is This Modest?

Erin: I think the open-worked neckline shows off a bit too much skin. However from what I can see, otherwise it’s very cute and modest! I think the pants are a nice fit especially!

MInTheGap: I’m going modest here, and I’ll tell you why.  There’s nothing clingy, everything’s covered as far as “functional” and she even has a big walking stick.  The top may show a little skin, but it is still higher up on the chest, and it’s hard to really make out anything in terms of cleavage.  In fact, if I were to take off points for the top, I would take it off on the fact that the fabric is elastic right under her breasts (can I get away saying that word?) and therefore it calls attention that way.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: jeans, Neckline, open-worked, purse, top, Walking stick

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Is This Modest?

Erin: I don’t think the neckline is immodest from this angle, but personally I’d prefer it higher. Also, the leggings are too tight to be worn with a dress/shirt this short.

MInTheGap: Why is it that most of the ladies we review seem to think that they can thwart us with a purse?  In any case, this is borderline– the clothing is tight– the leggings make it look like she’s wearing really tight pants and don’t help (Erin’s confusion about whether she’s wearing a skirt or dress with this one).

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: black, clothing, fashion, leggings, Neckline, skirt

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Erin: I’d raise the camisole’s neckline up a ways. Then I think it would be modest. But not as it is now. I’m not sure about the whole “dress over pants” thing though!

MInTheGap: Dress over pants/jeans is a style choice.  Without the dress would be borderline modest, with it most certainly is modest.  The camisole could come up, so I’m going mostly modest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Erin: The neckline is too low, and the skirt is too short. Might work with a tank-top or t-shirt underneath and leggings, but I think that the skirt might still be too short of that.

MInTheGap: Is this a wrap-around?  Those kinds of dresses cause men’s minds to think interesting thoughts.  This skirt is on the short side– it’s pretty impractical all the way around.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© Erin L. for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: dress, leggings, Neckline, skirt, wrap-around

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh