It sounds like an oxymoron, but these days the words "fearless modesty" seem quite apt as a call to action: we're so used to seeing people dressed improperly that modest fashion comes off as going against the grain.
Just look at the swimsuit racks and you'll see what I mean. Have you ever tried asking the saleslady if the store had more one-piece suits? I have, and salesladies, with apologetic smiles, always say no. I concede to the fact that people like to have options and that there are those who prefer triangle tops and bikini bottoms to more functional one-piece suits, but whatever happened to options for people who appreciate real and fashionable suits for swimming? (I'm talking about the regular fashion boutiques that offer summer fashion; sports stores will always have modest options because they know what swimming entails.)
And another thing: when did the word "modest" get equated to "unfashionable"? When you strive to be modest in attire, you're thinking about what will make you look good and presentable--what's so unfashionable about that?
Frankly, there's so much more fashion creativity fostered when you choose your clothing pieces with care. Covering up appropriately takes more brain power! Recently, I bought a very nice crayola-blue short-sleeved cardigan to wear over some tops and dresses I bought way back in 2007, when I didn't think much about appropriate clothing. I'm happy to say I can wear these unwearable pieces more often now that I have a cardigan to put over them. See--creativity and modest fashion just go together.
To anyone who, like me, is getting tired of people insisting short shorts are cool (I concede again that they literally are), and plunging necklines more "womanly," here are some humorous comebacks to use at one's own risk:
"Why don't you want to show your cleavage?"
"Hindi KSP ang cleavage ko."
(Got this from Sunnyday. LOL. I can't think of an English translation with similar punch.)
"Why do you keep wearing a cardigan? I'm feeling so hot here just looking at you!"
"Go wear a swimsuit and stand beside the fan."
"Why are you wearing leggings under that mini dress?"
"I want to keep my sitting rights."
"If you've got it, flaunt it!"
"I think there are enough free shows out there."
If you're a woman and want to be respected, you have to stand up for modesty. Because in the end, it's your dignity--and the way people see you and (in turn) deal with you--at stake! There's a thin line that separates clothing that make you a subject and clothing that make you an object. To help you discern that line, here's a beauty contest question to ponder on: "Would you rather be sexy or beautiful?" which is just another way of saying: "Would you rather people see you as a set of body parts or as a whole person?"
Methinks the answer to that is the same for all women.
4 comments:
"At a time when some men are learning to respect women as their equals, too many women are debasing themselves in men's eyes by the way they dress. Women will complain about the lack of knights in shining armor, but it hasn't occurred to many of them that they are scarcely dressing like the chaste ladies of the days of chivalry."
Ouch!
Btw, came across this when I clicked on a link that brought me to the archives of the Modestly Yours blog. Trust those non-conformist gals to come out with such thought-provoking statements :-)
hey that's a good way to put it. :) I like that blog. hehe
Me, too. Haven't been there in a while though. I wish they'd put back some of the color. It used to have a fuschia-and-black palette, right?
yup! so fashionable ;-) i checked today and it's just black and white na. oh well, their ideas are still good to read :)
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