Modesty Week - Deidre's Perspective {Love the Skinny's}

Top: Gap | Jeans: Gap | Shoes: Target

Growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I was taught from a very young age that there was an importance in modesty. And while my mother had rules, she also let me figure out what modesty meant to me all on my own. My mother's rules included length of shorts, which was probably shorter than most Mormon families - all my shorts had to have at least a 4" inseam, and thickness of tank top straps, that is right... she let me wear tanks - I didn't always have to have sleeves. My mother never questioned her rules, even when someone would say, "I can't believe you are letting your daughter wear those shorts." Because in her mind, she wanted me to learn for myself and she didn't feel like a fight over whether my shorts had a 4" inseam or an 8" inseam was worth it.

I am so grateful to my mother for letting me learn those lessons on my own. Not only am I able to understand modesty so fully, but I am able to tell my mother thank you - after all those fights of my friends wearing the shorty shorts that I couldn't wear - for letting me learn on my own. Her guidelines put me into a place where I was able to see the importance of modesty. Where I was able to learn on my own and at the same time not be judgmental of those that choose to dress differently.

Fashion is something that has recently become fun for me. I love being able to put together new outfits and try out new styles. I don't feel limited by my choice to be modest because I was able to experiment with clothing growing up. My Mom let me decide what I wanted to wear and she let me dress myself within the guidelines she set. Yeah... sometimes I did weird things like layer four tank tops so I could get a color combo to match my headband, but now I know that layering is a great option to keep clothing modest. I love to shop at stores like Sexy Modest - ironic name, right? - for their famous basic cap sleeve tops. They are extremely comfortable and they are perfect for tops that are too sheer or too low cut. I also love to shop at Downeast Basics for their simple and long skirts that are perfect for pairing with lots of things in my closet. I love buying my swimsuits from Lime Ricki because they always have options that are darling and don't even make you think about buying a bikini. A lot of my other clothing comes from Target, Old Navy, Gap, and Forever 21... because if you take the time, you can find modest outfits in any store. You can see how I take a modern twist on modesty over at Love, The Skinnys.

Modesty to me isn't the length of your sleeve or the length of your shorts... it is the way you carry yourself while you are in the clothing you wear. It is the way you portray yourself and the respect you give yourself. "Our clothing expresses who we are. It sends messages about us, and it influences the way we and others act. When we are well groomed and modestly dressed, we can invite the companionship of the Spirit and exercise a good influence on those around us." I want the clothing I wear to influence me to be the best me, and that is why I dress modestly. I want the clothing I wear to represent the woman I have become, and that is why I dress modestly. And most of all, I want to be able to show people the light of Christ in my eyes no matter where I am, and that is why I dress modestly.

At the end of the day I dress modestly for myself. I dress modestly because I respect myself and I respect the woman I have become. I want others to respect me and I want them to see me for the woman I am. No distractions from clothing or skin. And while I know there are people that appreciate me dressing appropriate and modest, like my husband, that is only the icing on the cake.