Keeping Modesty Cool.
In the article, “Redefining Sexy” from Darling
Magazine, one man simply says, “As a man I’m more attracted to a woman who
knows how to dress for her body type in a modest, confident and classy way as
opposed to simply showing a lot of skin and wearing tight clothes. Something is
beautifully intimidating about a girl like this. It’s almost as if there is an
unspoken mystery in her modesty and the pursuer in me comes alive around her. I
know that she respects herself by the way she dresses and carries herself, so I
am challenged to treat her with the same respect.”
Recently, I have contemplated and reevaluated the reason
that I stand for modesty. I think that this mainly stems from the fact that next
week, my first year of college will come to a close. And what I’ve found is
that spending time at my university has only solidified my belief and support
of modest dress. I truly believe that the respect that I receive from both male
and female students and professors, directly correlates to the way in which I dress.
The problem with our culture lies in the fact that it
is over sexualized. Everyone has heard the phrase “Sex sells”, and
unfortunately it’s true. Yet, when we throw modesty to the curb, we as women
are allowing ourselves to be viewed as nothing more than an object. Instead of
being a force to be reckoned with, we are instead something to lust after, and
nothing more. What about modesty? We hear this word, and I feel like it always
has a negative connotation. But why? What is it about that word that makes us
cringe? Modesty at its very core is a
way to express our inner sentiments outwardly. How we present ourselves in our
outward appearance is a reflection of heart’s condition. What we wear is a
reflection of who we are and the way that we feel about ourselves.
One of the biggest misconceptions about modesty is
that as women we are trying to hide our bodies. Many people are under the
impression that those who choose to dress modestly are ashamed of their bodies,
and thus feel the need to hide them. However, what I have found is that
choosing to dress modesty gives me a confidence and a freedom to express my
thoughts without the fear that they will be disregarded or dismissed. And what I
mean by that is this: when you dress modestly your thoughts, ideas and opinions
are more likely to be respected and accepted. If you demonstrate that you have
self-respect through your appearance you are then much more apt to receive respect
in return. When you dress modestly people are not focused on your exposed body,
but instead on the words, ideas and opinions that YOU as a woman have to offer.
Modesty is a mystery. I always want to be an enigma,
because that’s cool. When we as women leave everything out on display, nothing
is a mystery. I want people to wonder about me. I want people to see a
recognizable difference in me, and wonder. Because, honestly being different is
cool. Why would you want to be like every other girl? Every girl on planet
earth sports leggings and crop tops on a daily basis. And the problem is, when
trying to fit in with “everybody else” we lose that innate, God given uniqueness.
Being “modest” does not mean that we as Christian
women should wear baggy jean skirts, tennis shoes and a sweatshirt. If this is
our definition of modesty, than it should be no wonder, why so many women shy
away from the ideals of modesty. This is the main reason that I am endeavoring to
keep modesty cool. Because it’s cool to be different.
Honestly, I love fashion.
I love exquisite designers, I love the smell of genuine leather, I love to lust
after Ellie Saab’s creations and I love New York Fashion Week. I am a major
advocate of personal style. I truly believe that what you wear is a reflection
of who you are on the inside. And I truly feel that modesty should reflect
that. Dressing modestly doesn’t have to be frumpy and boring. You can showcase
your personality and your personal style in a way that will bring you joy while
simultaneously giving glory to God.
As women of God it is our duty to present ourselves
with class and style. If we truly desire others to want what it is that we
possess, we must dress in a way that is conducive to that need.
Modesty is beautiful. There is such beauty in a woman
who knows her worth in Christ and does not need validation from others. Present
yourself in a way that makes other people want to dress modestly too. It’s time
to start making modesty cool again. With modesty comes a confidence that will
make you truly shine from the inside out. Embrace different. Modesty is cool.
Keep it that way. Join me in the movement #KeepingModestyCool!
Proverbs 31- “She is
clothed in fine linen and purple…She is clothed with strength
and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come…Many women do noble
things,
but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”.
but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”.
XOXO
NIKKIMARIE
Photography Courtesy of my incredibly talented friend, Live Free Shoot.
Follow him on Instagram at @L_I_V_E_F_R_E_E_
