Dress Code

[Tiffany_M_S]

1:30PM, Friday, July 17th, 2010
(7/17/2010)

I didn’t know where else to post this thread, so I’m posting it here, in hopes that I will get a positive response.

I know that the Catholic Church preaches about modesty, but I don’t know where it stands concerning clothing that shows a little skin.

I used to wear clothing that was somewhat see-through. Currently, I am trying to dress more modestly, but is it a sin to wear clothing that is, while seen as acceptable to the public, sexy? I’m sorry, but I can’t figure out any other word to call it.

God has given us, as mankind, beautiful bodies. It was once my philosophy that, because God had given us beautiful bodies, that, as long as not too much was shown, it was okay to flaunt some of it.

I am trying to practice wearing clothing that doesn’t do too much of this anymore, because, pardon my wording, I used to wear clothing that made me look like a “street-walk.” I am trying to change this.

But I am confused. One would think that, since God has given us the gift of beauty, he would want us not to be ashamed of our beauty. I guess it all goes back to Adam and Eve, doesn’t it? After all, they ate the apple, and suddenly, they were ashamed.

I would appreciate some answers and suggestions so that I might better know how to dress from this point on. I know that nobody can tell me how to display myself and that I will have to make up my own mind as to how I should present my body. After all, I am an adult. But, a little (name removed by moderator)ut would be very much appreciated.

I am starting to become very sincere about doing God’s will, and I am trying every day to act more and more as one of God’s children, rather than be a “problem child” that constantly needs to be directed, as it were.

Thank You,
–Tiffany

 

[myhathaswords]

Hi Tiffany,

I don’t think there is anything wrong with being beautiful or wearing clothes that make you feel it. You can dress beautifully without being provocative. You don’t want people to look at just your features but to see your soul shining through them.

Try looking in the mirror before you go out. Will people think…

a) That’s a lovely lady, or

b) Oooooooh, sexy mama!

I think as long as your goal isn’t that people lust after you, you should be alright.

But, I’m a pretty ignorant catholic so I may be wrong.

Best of luck to you on your journey : )

Lydia

P.S. You might find the following website helpful. There’s a bit about modesty towards the end.

vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a9.htm

cheers : )

 

[puzzleannie]

1:30PM, Friday, July 17th, 2010
(7/17/2010)

I didn’t know where else to post this thread, so I’m posting it here, in hopes that I will get a positive response.

I know that the Catholic Church preaches about modesty, but I don’t know where it stands concerning clothing that shows a little skin.

the obvious answer is that it depends where the skin is located on the body. If the skin is covering parts of the body that are commonly considered private parts or adjacent areas that come under the “sexy” or “hot” label, the answer is no they may not be revealed to the casual observer as they belong exclusively to the individual and to the person to whom they are married, or may someday become married.

Do jewelry stores put their most precious and beautiful gems out on the sidewalk sale table? Typically the most expensive are not even on display, but shown only to serious buyers. There is a reason for that. The world’s most precious and beautiful artwork is kept protected, and shown only to those who enter the galleries with the proper respect and intention toward that art. The protection enhances, rather than denigrates, its beauty and value.

Any clothing that deflects attention from the individual as person with human dignity, and focuses instead on body parts, turning a person into an object of gratification to the viewer, is by definition immodest and sinful if only for the potential of tempting others into sin.

To put it bluntly, when you meet someone and begin a conversation, do you want them to look at your face and pay attention to what you say, or focus their eyes lower.

 

[AmataVeritas]

You might find this resource helpful if you’re looking for specific guidelines for dressing modestly in American culture: affiliate.purefashion.com/modesty

Pure Fashion is a faith-based program aimed at teen girls to encourage them to live and act according to their dignity as daughters of God. The above link is to the guidelines for their fashion show.

Of course, these are just guidelines and I know many women who, having purposed to dress more modestly, have decided to show less skin than this; but these guidelines are reasonable and a good place to start.

 

[cmscms]

The answer is not always don’t show skin. I have seen some woman where shirts with very tight sleeves that go down to their wrist that send out an inviting message (not sure if you understand the type of top I am talking about).

If it is a hot summer day, there is nothing wrong with wearing a sleevless shirt. If is is not too tight around the chest and cute as oppose to inviting it is OK.

Unfortuantely, to find a shirt nowadays that does not show cleavage (even with a camisole under it) is VERY hard. Usually the camisole flops down when you move. My rule of thumb (which may not be God’s rule of thumb but given the store I have to choose from it is the best I can do) is to try and be MORE modest than the current fashion. For example, when the only thing in the stores were pants that barely came up past the front privates, I would… come to think of it that is when I bought all my pants at thrift stores (since they had the onld style that came to my waist)

Ok, let me try another example. If the style is to wear a skirt 5 inches above the knees, i try to find one 4 inches above the knees.

It is far from my ideal, but sometimes I am at the mercy of what the stores carry. One thing I do is if something modest is in style (eg T-shirts with buttons in the front that come all the way up to my neck) I buy more than one

CM