This marks a return to our how-to series. Today, I want to offer some tips for how to look for modest clothing in mainstream stores. Depending on fashion trends, modest clothing can be more or less difficult to find without shopping from designated modest clothing stores and websites. These days, midi and maxi skirts seem to be having a moment, so it's easier to find skirts that offer a little more coverage. However, mini skirts and sleeveless dresses will always be around, so it's helpful to know how to adapt (and when to pass on a look.) Here are some of the things that have worked well for me. If you have other thoughts, please leave them in the comments!
1. Get great layering pieces. Many things with no sleeves or that are very low cut can easily be made more modest if you have good layering pieces. Here are some thoughts and options that I have found helpful:
- I used to have trouble finding camisoles that weren't super low-cut (isn't the whole point of camisoles that they provide extra coverage???), but then I discovered these from Downeast Basics. They are cut with a higher neckline, and they're pretty inexpensive, making it more affordable to stock up. (Certain colors are also now on sale for half off.) They're long, so they give a little more coverage over the hips as well. I found that they run relatively true to size.
- If you have a sleeveless dress or top and are looking for sleeves, I recommend layering tops from Kosher Casual. The main complaint I usually have about layering shells is that they are often super high cut at the neck, which I find super uncomfortable. Since I don't mind showing my collarbone, I was really excited to find these. I especially like this one and this one, since they're cut lower around the neck but still provide a lot of coverage. They're also fitted enough wear under things, but sturdy enough to be worn on their own. The boatneck shirt is cut pretty short, and they are both on the tighter side, so you might want to size up, especially if you are going to wear them as shirts. I've never ordered the elbow sleeve shirts, but they look great as well.
- If you don't want to add a whole shirt under your outfit, you can try sleeve extensions. I've never worn them, but I have friends who swear by them. You can find options here.
- Believe in a good cardigan. Not only do they add coverage, they can also add a fun element to many outfits. I have cardigans in different lengths-- long/ grandpa-style, waist-length, and cropped. Between those three, I can make one type work with most things. Some of my favorites are here (on sale!), here (use my link from yesterday for 20% off!) and here.
- Use scarves creatively. If you have a cute top but it has a lower neckline, a scarf can be an excellent accessory if placed strategically. However, if it's the only layering piece, just be ready to commit to wearing it all day. (And if you're like me and you're cold much of the time, scarves are helpful for extra warmth as well.)
- Some people also wear pencil skirts under shorter skirts and dresses. This isn't generally my look, but if you like to go that way, you can find good options here and here. You can also buy a skirt extender, which is like a slip until the bottom, where the fabric is full.
2. Think creatively. A few months ago, I saw I dress that I LOVED at Anthropologie. Unlike almost everything else at Anthropologie, I could actually afford it, on account of it being on crazy sale. However, when I picked it up, it was clear that it was way too short for me to ever wear as a dress. It was a little too long, though, for me to wear as a tunic. So what did I do? I went back to the racks and found it in petite. When I put it on, it was just the right length to be a tunic! So don't feel bound by what an item is supposed to be. If it can work as something else-- a tunic, a vest or jumper, an accent piece-- then embrace that and make it your own!
3. Explore expanded sizes. On a related note to #2, while not often found in stores, many stores offer petite and tall sizes online. While it's not always possible to buy a dress in tall (or in petite to wear as a tunic), depending on your body's proportions, if you carry your height in your torso, a tall dress might provide the extra 3-4 inches that makes the dress adhere to your standards of modesty. And for skirts, tall length usually just means that the skirt is longer, so that should work no matter how your height is distributed. GAP, LOFT, Old Navy, Boden and many others offer tall sizes for at least some items on their websites, so order some things and see what works. (Even when extended sizes are only available online, you can almost always return them in store.)
4. Know when to walk away. I recently tried on a super adorable dress. It fit me perfectly, had a pleated skirt, and was made of a warm sweater-like material. I was in love. It was at least 4 inches too short for me. I tried to figure out if there was a way to make it work, over a skirt or pants, or if I tried the petite length. Ultimately, I had to come to terms with the fact that there was no way to make the dress work. Sad, yes, but there are so many options that can be worn modestly, that there is no reason to look silly unnecessarily. Not every trend can work for everyone. This is true because of modestly, but also because of things like coloring, body shape, and other factors. So admire yourself in the dressing room mirror and then move on to something else. You look fabulous!
What are your modesty-maintain tips? Leave them in the comments!
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