Modesty Guide to Summer Fashion
posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:31 am
My husband works in retail. He told me the other day that he knows it’s close to summer because of the outfits he sees around the mall. And what he sees is shocking to him: young girls in short shorts and teeny, tiny crop tops.
“They’re trying to be naked without actually being naked,” he said, his brow creased with genuine concern. I’m pretty sure it’s because we have a 4-year-old daughter that he’s becoming more and more aware of “sexy” fashion. Any girl or woman would find it difficult to turn a blind eye to such exposure, let alone any boy or man.
Ladies, if the heat’s getting to you, there’s a way you can can feel and look cool this summer without compromising your modesty or sending the wrong message.
Obviously, when it comes to summer tops, the casual tee is always a good call, as long as it’s not too tight and covers the waist. My selections go a little further, adding some fun tops that will keep you cool and modest.
Images credit: Forever 21
As a fan of denim, bermudas and cargos, I selected the following for shorts. When it comes to length, I would suggest not going any shorter than the denim cut-offs shown below.
Images credit: Old Navy
Call me old fashioned, but I love long white and cream vintage summer dresses. I think they look great on almost any girl–they’re so pretty and feminine. And they’re light and airy, so they’re perfect to wear on a warm summer evening.
Images credit: Urban Outfitters
Remember that modesty is often dependent on body type. For example, if you have a large bust, a spaghetti strap top or dress may look immodest on you. So try on items first and see how they fit you before wearing them out.
When shopping for summer outfits, remember that you don’t have to strip to nothing to cool off. Just opt for clothing that is lightweight and non-restricting. Refrain from layering and pair your outfits with open shoes.
Never compromise your modesty for fashion or the desire to impress. And don’t feel the need to follow what the other girls are doing in an attempt to fit in.
Take the lead. Show others how you can look cool and cute without showing too much skin. Your desire to glorify God should be your guide.
There are a lot of cute items of summer clothing on the market–I hope you like my selections!
PI ladies, have you noticed outfits getting skimpier this summer season? Do you find yourself following fashion for fear of not fitting in? Share your story.
Image: Thinkstock | istockphoto
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SO cute! Thanks a bunch!
i love those tops:)
I like those tops and dresses. I like maxi and high-low dresses, because they cover what they should.
Yes. I’m loving the high-low dresses too.
Yes, I get a magazine called Teen Vogue. And it says really short shorts are in! I don’t like that at all! Having things shorter and shorter, is not always “sexy”. There are some things in fashion I follow but not all the revealing clothing. It’s just so wrong!!
Yeah, I don’t do short-shorts anymore. After an incident with an old man looking at me in a weird way and me not paying any attention (don’t ask me for any specifics), I just don’t like that kind of attention anymore.
These are all great suggestions!! I’m VERY self consious when dressing myself, I feel like I can never be too modest. I feel I’m showing too much skin when I’m barely showing anything.
One thing that wasn’t mentioned that I see in summer is bikinis. They are completely immodest. My sister wears them, and I tell her not to because it’s immodest, but she doesn’t listen to me. She says she wears “modest” bikinis. To be forward, and in my own opinion, I don’t think there is such a thing. Bikinis usually cover what’s barely necessary for not counting as public nudity. I ALWAYS wear tankinis. I feel I’m showing way too much without one, and sometimes still feel like I’m showing too much with one. I also wear sort of boy-short bottoms in order to avoid complete binkini bottoms.
I would also like to hear opinions. What do you guys think about bikinis?
Hey JennaBel, thanks for your question. I actually did do a post on swimwear recently. Check it out! I hope it helps. http://www.projectinspired.com/style-guide-for-christian-girls-swimwear/
I, personally, do believe there are modest bikinis. I wear bikins, partly because I can never find tankinis I like, and the bikinis I do wear have to pass some “regulations” before my mom will buy them or let me buy them.
my bathing suit bottom must cover my hip bones (preferably halfway between hip and belly button)
cannot tie on the sides
cannot be revealing in the back no “cheeky” cuts
and the tops must have appropriate support.
I am careful to be modest in the way I dress and I wear bikins, although, if i found a tankin I liked I would wear it in a heart beat
I want those shorts. XD I have SUCH a hard time finding ones that aren’t short-shorts, so it’s nice to know I can look at Old Navy.
Can you make an article for girls with large busts? I never know what to do….
I second this, I also have that issue.
ditto!
These are really cute outfits! I think that it’s also important to remember to wear the right “undergarments” during the summer. When wearing shirts/dresses with skinny straps it’s easy to expose bra straps, which isn’t attractive and looks really tacky.
I have never comprimised my modesty to fit in, because I am VERY uncomfortable showing very much skin. even my mom thinks I’m overly modest. but I still wear really cute clothes
I love the first top! It’s so cute. Yes, fashion has been getting horrendous lately! It’s why I normally opt for denim capris and a T-shirt most of the time. Thank you for the tips, they’re great!
You are welcome:) I’m glad you like them.
I love the shirts and pants!
agreed! how do you feel about bikinis? i honestly think most bikinis are immodest but i also saw some bikinis that were more coverage and i also saw some vintage bikinis that look more modest, what is cuter a one piece or two piece because one pieces can feel a bit sticky..
hey! I agree about the modest bikins! they exist in my opinion! check out my reply to jennabel above
Love it all!!!
Thank you for this I wish all of Gods girls could see it!
What’s the point of dressing so immodestly? I was told once that boys don’t actually like it when girls do that, that they actually feel sorry for them. Either way, how insecure do you have to be to wear absolutely nothing to get a boy’s attention? It’ll get their attention, that’s for sure… but, more than likely, not in a good way.
I’ve always never liked the short shorts or spaghetti strap tank tops. Anything that is revealing, I don’t wear, because it’s not me and it’s not comfortable. Love the dresses,shorts, and tanks you picked out, by the way! =)
Does fashion=pretty? cuz i definitely think short shorts aren’t pretty…
Love the dresses! Thanks so much. The girls at my school should read this.
Love the all of the ideas!!!
WOW THESE ARE GREAT CLOTHES TO WEAR FOR THE SUMMER THANKS FOR THE TIPS
what about swimsuits?
i lovvve the clothing choices!! i would soo wear them!!1
Thank you. I think every Christian (and non-Christian) girl in the world should know about this site and the helpful, wholesom articles on it. Amazing!
-cute tops, too!
Well, when we’re just hanging out at home I wear kinda short shorts, but I cover up in public. Thanks for the tips!
Those tops are soo cute! Love it!
Totally agree! Love this
I totally agree! the only time I wear a crop top is when I go 2 the beach as a sort of cover up
I have that first gray tanktop with the lace around the shoulders! Except minr has little tiny gry aleeves that come down just past my should and are slit down the middle! I think its soooo cute! And the lace adds a bit of flair and makes it more modest!!
I’m going to stick to my style
Nice and helpful! I’m posting this in 2013 but I need summer articles because Summer is coming quick!
I’m just barely 5’4″ and weigh 120 pounds. The funny thing is, my legs are so long that if I was normally proportioned, I would be two or three inches taller. This fact comes in handy in track or swimming or hiking, but really stinks when I’m trying to find dresses that aren’t too big on top, but are a modest length, or trying to find shorts. I’ve just given up, and wear boys camo cargo shorts. They just seem to fit better.
Does anyone else have this problem? If you do, any advice?