Mamas, when we received the following reader question about modest summertime dressing, I was stumped. There are many words to describe my style....but modest isn't one of them. Most of the time my bra is hanging out (even my work shirts tend to be low), my shorts are usually inches away from dangerous territory, and I'm generally confused by the boobs or legs rule and usually end up going with both. TA DAAAA!
My theory? Flat shoes make up for a lot of skin.
But I had the best of intentions, Mamas. I thought about the modest question and was all "oooo, maybe I'll try dressing modestly for ONE WHOLE WEEK! I'll do a fashion experiment, blah, blah..." So I busted out some turtlenecks and gypsy skirts and mom capris and then - THANKFULLY - saw an email from Style With Shannon. Fellow mom-blogger Shannon specializes in modest fashion and was happy to take a crack at our reader's question. And guess what? Her style is fabulous, flirty, fun...and modest? Crazy, I know.
Reader Question:
I'm an LDS (aka: Mormon) mommy of three little cuties. Our religion is a strong advocate of modesty (not too high, not too see-through, not too low), in a world that's not-so-modest. Hence my dilemma. I wholeheartedly support modesty, but my advocacy doesn't make it ANY easier finding cute, stylish mommy gear. I LOVE your style! And while most of it I can wear, some things I can't... like super-low (way cute, btw) v-neck shirts. And yet, I know those shirts are also very flattering to a small chest (another problem of mine)... so what's the compromise? I hate the look of your basic white t-shirt under a v-neck shirt--it's so lame! Where I live, that is what we Mormon Mommies are subjected to day in and day out, especially come summer, and it's getting out of control! Away with the underneath shirts I say! And while we're at it: Boo to khaki cargo capris!Help the Mormon Mommies think outside of the box! :)Sincerely,Modestly Frustrated.
Shannon's Answer:
Being a modest dresser myself I can understand how hard it is to find something stylish and covered up in the summer! But I do have a few tips on how to stay cool and look stylish at the same time.
1. Layering
Ok, living in Utah I know what you are talking about with the white "Shade" shirts that EVERYONE wears under EVERYTHING. Instead, try a collared shirt under a sleeveless dress.
Or try a colorful tee under a blouse of the same color. Sometimes people think it's one shirt.
Shannon wearing TWO shirts
2. Dresses & Skirts
Dresses and skirts are your best friend in the summer - so easy and breezy. I love how you can look put together and stay cool at the same time. Wear your skirts with a tee and flat sandals for an everyday look.
3. Tailoring
I can't count how many times I've looked at a item of clothing and thought "if it was just different in this one spot...it would be modest." Well. If you have a great tailor, it can be adjusted for you. I've lowered skirt hemlines, sewn up slits, and added sleeves to countless items of clothing.
4. Modest websites
There are more and more modest websites added to the web everyday! A few of my favorites are:
Clockwise from top: Mode-sty | Shabby Apple | eShakti
