Modest Fashion: Debunking Myths and Revealing its True Essence (Once and for All)

​​Every summer, we see that age-old debate pop up about what\’s considered modest enough to wear. But hey, let\’s chat about modesty without getting too serious or judgmental!

Let\’s be clear on what modesty is not. It is not about being shrouded from head to toe, barely able to catch a breath. Nor does it mean donning frumpy, unflattering, and unattractive clothing.

So what is modesty? 

Modesty is a concept that generally refers to the quality of being humble, unpretentious, and avoiding excessive display or self-promotion, especially concerning one\’s appearance, actions, or achievements. It often involves a sense of propriety, decency, and respect for cultural norms or personal beliefs. Modesty can be expressed in various ways, such as in clothing choices, behavior, speech, and attitude.

We must ask are the following when approaching this conversation:

What does it mean to be modest? 
How can one express modesty through their style?
What is the heart posture or intent of this person?

One of the most prominent instances of this perennial debate occurred during the 2013 BET Awards, when Meagan Good and her Blue Dress. presented the Bet Gospel Award, sparking quite the commotion. Critics questioned the appropriateness of Meagan Good\’s outfit for a \”preacher\’s wife\” and deemed it unfitting for presenting the category.

Yet, I venture to pose a challenge and ask: What was the intention behind her choice of dress? What was the context? Admittedly, the attire may have been somewhat revealing, but was it genuinely immodest on her part?

Consider the context: Megan Good, an actress or entertainer, collaborating with a stylist to select her wardrobe for an awards show. It also turns out that the gospel category wasn\’t her initial role to present. Would she have opted for a different outfit had she had more time? We’ll never know.

What I do know is we should manage our tendency to judge based on outward appearances and instead shift our focus to the essence of the matter.

It\’s crucial to recognize that everyone\’s path to modesty is unique. We all have our own journey to modesty, and what might be modest for one person might not be the same for someone else.

A valuable gauge to ensure one is dressing modestly is to ask: Would you be at ease wearing this attire in the presence of Jesus? I certainly know what I wouldn\’t wear.

Modesty, my friend, is all about striking that perfect balance in how we present ourselves to the world. It\’s not about going overboard and covering up every inch of skin until we can barely breathe, nor is it about sporting unflattering, baggy clothes that hide our true selves. Instead, modesty is the art of being humble and respectful in our appearance, actions, and attitude.

It\’s about showing a genuine sense of self-worth without seeking excessive attention or praise from others. Modesty is a beautiful quality that involves being comfortable in our own skin while valuing the dignity and worth of those around us. 

Let\’s remember that discussions on modesty should be balanced and considerate of the individual\’s intent and context. Jumping to conclusions based solely on appearances might lead us astray from addressing the true essence of the matter.

So, let\’s rock our unique styles with grace and remember that true modesty shines from within, radiating kindness, and respect to everyone we encounter.