Fashion magazines keen to sell runway trends are often eager to tell us that modest looks are out. Whether by religious choice or simply personal taste, if you’re not willing to bare it all you simply can’t be stylish. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve all met a woman who dresses with timeless elegance that exudes class and sophistication, and rarely is that a look that lets it all hang out. Today we take a closer look at how to marry a more modest look with stylish grace and modern trends.
Fit that flatters
One of the first mistakes modest fashionistas make is assuming that modesty needs to come with a frumpy silhouette. In fact, it’s more important in layered, longer looks with higher necklines that you get the fit right. Fit doesn’t mean ‘body-hugging’; rather, it means well-tailored to fit correctly. If you’re struggling to imagine the difference a good fit can make, consider how a man’s suit can look uncomfortable, bulky and ill-fitting, or sleek and powerful. The only difference is in the tailoring. Pair loose tops with fitted bottoms. Balance your silhouette. Make sure your size is correct, and don’t be afraid to have an experienced seamstress tweak the garment to fit your body the right way. Drowning in fabric looks gauche, and squeezing into the wrong size will make you look bulky and uncomfortable. You can even invest in some custom pieces, should you wish.
Look online
Wondering where to find tastefully modest clothing? Head to the internet for inspiration and sources. One of the joys of an online and interconnected world is that it’s easier than ever to find a great look at a price you like. You don’t have to settle; find something that suits your taste and style. Here’s a great guide to some classic modest pieces to keep in your wardrobe year-round.
Stay seasonal
Keep an eye on trending fashion. Even if the look itself isn’t modest enough for you, you can update your wardrobe to stay on-trend and fresh using similar colors, lines, and motifs. You can even bring in stylish new accessories and handbags to keep your look up-to-date. Keep your looks seasonal by trending toward lighter or heavier fabrics as the weather changes, and experiment with texture and color to create a look that’s unique to you
Look for inspiration
Many chic and timeless looks cover more than they reveal, and they can all be adapted to a more modest taste, too. The golden age of Hollywood, for example, brings breezy layers, exotic head scarfs, and confident dark glasses that carry timeless elegance. If you’re new to dressing fashionably, find some inspiration in the looks others have created. Look at how they style their hair, accessories, and outfits. Faking it until you make it is a great way to learn to be stylish. It’s always a good idea to learn to shop smartly, too.
Just because you don’t like to flaunt a lot of skin doesn’t mean you have to feel frumpy and flat. Modest looks done the right way carry a timeless elegance that rarely gets dated or looks out of place. Don’t be afraid to get creative and embrace your modest inner fashion diva!