How to Dress Modestly

Last Updated: November 16, 2022 References

Modest fashion is a trend that is taking over the fashion industry. Whether your modest attire is for religious reasons or personal preference, you can transform your style by choosing modest tops, selecting the appropriate pants, and accessorizing your outfit. Embrace your personality and beliefs and sport your favorite modest styles.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Modest Top

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Keep necklines 4 finger-widths or less down from your collarbone. This is a rule of thumb you can use for any occasion. To measure 4 finger-widths, place your hand on your chest keeping your index finger lined up with your collarbone. If the neckline of your shirt is lower than your pinky finger, then your shirt is too low.^{[1]
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- Scoop neck shirts with floral patterns can keep your look classy and modest.
- Pair a high-scoop neck top with a blazer and slacks for a day at the office.
- Choose a loose button-down top with a pair of black straight-legged jeans, for an afternoon with friends.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Natalie Tincher
  Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
  Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.}
2
Select shirts that conceal your back and shoulders. If you want to dress modestly, do not show too much skin. Plain high-necked T-shirts, for example, are a great way to stay comfortable, fashionable, and modest^{[3]
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Expert Source

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.}
- If your favorite shirt is a tight spaghetti strap camisole, drape a long-sleeve cardigan or a light jacket over it.
- Pair a long-sleeve shirt with a long denim skirt to sport your style while staying covered.
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3
Choose tunics or maxi dresses to stay cool in the summer.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.} These are great options for outfits that don't cling to your body, and that are made from lightweight and breathable fabric. These are a classy way to stay cool and covered.^{[5]
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- Pair your favorite maxi dress with a lightweight wrap draped over your shoulders for a concealed and cool summer look.
4
Add on the layers for a modest look throughout the seasons. Layers are the perfect way to add a stylish flair to a modest look. Go for lighter fabrics, such as cotton, nylon, and polyester for warmer months and wool during cooler weather.^{[6]
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- A polo-neck shirt under a vest or tank top with a light scarf is always a classic look for cooler seasons.
- For warmer weather, try layering a short-sleeve maxi dress with a light cardigan.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Selecting Modest Pants

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Avoid see-through materials. If you decide to wear leggings or athletic pants, opt for those made with sturdier fabrics. It's always better to err on the side of caution. If you doubt the thickness of your pants, wear a shirt that conceals your derriere.^{[7]
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- Try going with pants made from a polyester blend, a cotton blend, or wool to avoid any unwanted exposure.
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Wear pants that fit you properly. A key style tip to dressing modestly is to choose fitted pants that don't cling to your body. Make sure that you can move comfortably in whatever style you choose.^{[8]
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- For a comfortable fall fashion, choose straight-leg denim jeans with a ¾-sleeve tunic.
3
Conceal your undergarments and the lines they cause. This is a must for dressing modestly. There is nothing modest about bending over to reveal your panty lines or the color and style of your bra.^{[9]
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- Test your look ahead of time by performing various tasks in front of the mirror. If you can move comfortably without seeing the outline of your panties every time you bend over, you are on your way to a modest look.
- Choose the undergarments that go well with your outfit. If you opt to wear tighter pants, choose a seamless panty.
4
Choose shorts and skirts that are longer than your arm's length. A good rule to go by if you are aiming for a modest look is to keep shorts and skirts around the knee. If you can put your arm straight down to your side and the hem of your pants is shorter than your arm's reach, they are probably too short.^{[10]
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- Maxi skirts are a great choice to show your style while keeping your outfit modest. Pair it with a short-sleeve shirt underneath a tank top to keep yourself cool in the summer.
Expert Answer

Q

What kind of dresses are modest and fashionable?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

EXPERT ADVICE

Answer from Natalie Tincher:

Long sleeve maxi dresses are very popular right now and they offer a lot of coverage. I would also recommend wearing a slip dress with a t-shirt underneath for a modest option.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Accessorizing Modestly

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Make a statement with totes and other handbags. A great way to change up your style from day-to-day is to change your handbag. Totes and other handbags are a creative way to enhance your outfit and add a bit of flare.^{[11]
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- Pair a leather tote with a blazer and slacks for a stylish workday.
- Add an aqua handbag to a short-sleeve dress for the perfect summer outfit.
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Utilize scarves as layers. Scarves are fantastic for adding a bit of dimension during any season. They also help cover up the skin around your neck, chest, and shoulders.^{[12]
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- Add a lightweight floral wrap scarf to accessorize a maxi dress and sandals for the summer.
- Combine fashion and warmth in the cooler seasons, by adding a fringe scarf to a cable knit sweater and denim jeans.
3
Wear bold colored shoes to highlight your personality. From ballet flats to ankle boots, shoes can be very expressive. Add some bright colors to your modest outfit by experimenting with your favorite colors and styles. It's a great way to add a spark of flair while keeping your outfit modest.^{[13]
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- Experiment with a bold burgundy or emerald kitten heel with a pair of denim jeans and a long-sleeve scoop neck.
- Try a pair of pale pink ankle boots with black skinny jeans and a long tunic.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I look stylish and modest?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

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Question

Dresses and skirts that go to mid-knee are hard to find. What can I wear under my old skirts and dresses to make them more modest for church?

Community Answer

Underskirt shorts are quite cheap on many online retailers. They're for some extra protection under skirts and aren't meant to be seen, though you could size up to feel more modest in them.
Question

My wife chooses see through garments, or knit tops with very large spaces. What to do? Also she often unbuttons her blouse to her bra. Also many skinny jeans. Very tight. Great figure at 62. What to do?

Community Answer

Buy her some cute, modest clothing. Make sure it is actually cute, chic, or edgy, or she might not want to wear it. But the best thing is to appreciate her savvy dress sense and love her for who she is.