Interested conservative/"ultra" conservative dress

[Et_Cetera]

I really enjoy fashion, and I’m all for freedom of expression. But I have to say that I would wonder why you want to do this. If it makes you feel beautiful, then I’d say go for it, but be aware that it’s going to draw some attention, and to some degree it is going to appear as costume-y, and at worst frumpy. I think you should really consider why you want to dress in this “ultra-conservative” manner. Is it to let others know that you’re very religious? If so, I’d tell you to just be religious. Also, like it or not, you’re probably going to be mistaken for a Mennonite.

Like I said, if you’re doing this for you, then by all means go for it. Also, you might want to reconsider “modernizing” the look. Fashion is really interesting as an art. Look around in some more alternative, hip stores. You would be surprised at what you can find. Modern doesn’t mean that things can’t be classy. High fashion often has a classy look. I’m not sure if you just really like these Mennonite dresses or if you’re looking to be modest with your dress.

Anyway, you might like some of the dresses at ModCloth.com. Some are in an older-fashioned style, but tailored to be more hip for today.

 

[psr13]

I really enjoy fashion, and I’m all for freedom of expression. But I have to say that I would wonder why you want to do this. If it makes you feel beautiful, then I’d say go for it, but be aware that it’s going to draw some attention, and to some degree it is going to appear as costume-y, and at worst frumpy. I think you should really consider why you want to dress in this “ultra-conservative” manner. Is it to let others know that you’re very religious? If so, I’d tell you to just be religious. Also, like it or not, you’re probably going to be mistaken for a Mennonite.

Like I said, if you’re doing this for you, then by all means go for it. Also, you might want to reconsider “modernizing” the look. Fashion is really interesting as an art. Look around in some more alternative, hip stores. You would be surprised at what you can find. Modern doesn’t mean that things can’t be classy. High fashion often has a classy look. I’m not sure if you just really like these Mennonite dresses or if you’re looking to be modest with your dress.

Anyway, you might like some of the dresses at ModCloth.com. Some are in an older-fashioned style, but tailored to be more hip for today.

Some people just don’t like modern styles. I have yet to see one modern style that I like, and it’s not a crime to not want to be stylish.

 

[Et_Cetera]

Some people just don’t like modern styles. I have yet to see one modern style that I like, and it’s not a crime to not want to be stylish.

Which is why I said that if she’s doing this because it makes her feel beautiful and confident, then she should go for it.

 

[NSFrame]

I just feel like this type of dress would push people away rather than drawing them in. Conservative Protestants (ex. the Duggars) (and maybe Catholics?) state that the focus should be on the face, and I think that is a great guideline to follow. Wearing something that is so different from normal dress as to surprise others is not exactly modest.

 

[PatriceA]

I like things like this

cattlekate.com/store/womans-western-wear/1800s-period-attire-western-dresses/prairie-dancer-dress

And I don’t see what’s wrong with that. I posted this thread to share my view, bring up the concerns I DID have (which are not the concerns brought up by posters here, which I find a non issue) and to see if anyone else shared my view.

I’d wear it in a heartbeat! I love CattleKate! There is nothing Amish or Mennonite about those styles on that page.

Shabby Apple is another good source as someone mentioned.

You might also like this website: aprilcornell.com/

 

[L_piperatus]

I’m really afraid we are going to end up telling this young lady to forget about aesthetic long dresses, because she is going to stand out like an oddball among the other women, all dressed in short shorts and miniskirts and tank tops, half of their breasts and butt cheeks hanging out…

So, if you follow the crowd and dress in a way that your private parts are all hanging out and on display for everybody to see, you at least fit in - but if you dress in an aesthetically appealing way, with elegance, modestly, and with an individual style, you are guilty of something?

Guilty of what?

I can’t believe this.

 

[NSFrame]

I think many of us are suggesting she wear clothes that have some of the flowy-ness and old-fashioned feel, but are more mainstream. There are plenty of clothes out there like that.

 

[PatriceA]

I think many of us are suggesting she wear clothes that have some of the flowy-ness and old-fashioned feel, but are more mainstream. There are plenty of clothes out there like that.

I don’t know why it has to be “mainstream”, I love the site she posted. I think those fashions are great, I have a few dresses similar in style myself. Pair it with some nice boots and a cardigan in the winter and its my Church attire. I don’t think I stand out, get many compliments on my style. Who cares if someome doesn’t think its modern enough. That’s their problem, not mine, or the OP’s either for that matter. Be yourself! Create your own “mainstream” style!

 

[NSFrame]

I don’t know why it has to be “mainstream”, I love the site she posted. I think those fashions are great, I have a few dresses similar in style myself. Pair it with some nice boots and a cardigan in the winter and its my Church attire. I don’t think I stand out, get many compliments on my style. Who cares if someome doesn’t think its modern enough. That’s their problem, not mine, or the OP’s either for that matter. Be yourself! Create your own “mainstream” style!

I personally think they look ridiculous. The one I clicked on could have been a costume on the Little House on the Prairie set, not joking. If I saw someone wearing a full-length calico dress with a lace hem, I would assume she was some sort of an eccentric nut. I would not think “beautiful, intelligent woman”, I would think “I wonder what her deal is”.

I’m not trying to be obnoxious, I’m trying to be honest and to point out how styles like this do not help women put their best foot forward.

 

[Miguelita]

I’m sorry so many of you think I’m ugly and dowdy, then. I’m sorry I ever started this thread. I’m asking to have it closed.

Good to know I can come here and be judged just as harshly as I was in high school.

 

[PatriceA]

I personally think they look ridiculous. The one I clicked on could have been a costume on the Little House on the Prairie set, not joking. If I saw someone wearing a full-length calico dress with a lace hem, I would assume she was some sort of an eccentric nut. I would not think “beautiful, intelligent woman”, I would think “I wonder what her deal is”.

I’m not trying to be obnoxious, I’m trying to be honest and to point out how styles like this do not help women put their best foot forward.

Well that’s your opinion, but it doesn’t mean people can’t still put their best foot forward and choose clothes you find “ridiculous.” But thank God we all have different tastes and styles.

By the way, “eccentric nuts” can be just as intelligent and witty as any of the female posters on CAF. I personally wait for someone to carry on a conversation before I make a judgement about their intelligence, not on the style or clothes they like to wear.

 

[PatriceA]

I’m sorry so many of you think I’m ugly and dowdy, then. I’m sorry I ever started this thread. I’m asking to have it closed.

Good to know I can come here and be judged just as harshly as I was in high school.

Hey, I LOVE the styles you posted. Not everyone thinks they’re “ugly and dowdy”. I think they’re beautiful and if that style speaks to you, I say wear it and feel pretty! We all need a little reminder occasionally that people can march to their own drum and still be beautiful inside and out.

 

[Chevaleresse]

I’m sorry so many of you think I’m ugly and dowdy, then. I’m sorry I ever started this thread. I’m asking to have it closed.

Good to know I can come here and be judged just as harshly as I was in high school.

You’re not ugly or dowdy. I think you have good taste. Frankly, jeans are tasteless.

I was judged too, but I am happy wearing conservative dress. It’s best not to waste your time on people who don’t have anything nice to say and instead speak for the secular world which has lost its way.

 

[Miguelita]

Thank you both, very much. Still, I have asked for this thread to be closed. I’m not seeing this debate go anywhere productive. Again, i appreciate your (name removed by moderator)ut!

 

[bonvivantHermit]

OK- I don’t want to make you cry…but…it you can’t handle someone saying the clothes you like online are ridculous, how will you take it in person? You will stand out- is that your goal?

And no one is saying dress like a tramp or even not to wear long skirts, but what you have suggested- looks like Little House on the Prarie- if that’s your goal- you have accomplished it.

Problem is, is that I think many women think their dress must be old fashioned to be holy- they may not say it, but they think it. But in the end their old fashioned dress just draw attention to them- supposedly what they are trying to avoid.

You want to be truly holy (sarcasm) adorn yourself in sackcloth and ashes, like Daniel.

Also, have you googled steampunk- they wear similar clothes clockworkcouture.com/ladies/dresses/1880-s-picnic-ensemble.html

I don’t think you want to be part of that crowd…

 

[LightBound]

You’re not ugly or dowdy. I think you have good taste. Frankly, jeans are tasteless.

I was judged too, but I am happy wearing conservative dress. It’s best not to waste your time on people who don’t have anything nice to say and instead speak for the secular world which has lost its way.

In trying to provide support for the OP, you have insulted the rest of us that happen to wear jeans! You stated your were judged, too…was that because of your actual clothes or your attitude towards those who didn’t dress as you do (perhaps those that wore modest jeans…)?

What most of the posters on here have said is to not go “full costume” as though she’s on set with an 1880’s theater troupe or a member of the FLDS; instead choosing to keep part of the prairie look, but make it more contemporary with some accessories.

 

[PatriceA]

OK- I don’t want to make you cry…but…it you can’t handle someone saying the clothes you like online are ridculous, how will you take it in person? You will stand out- is that your goal?

And no one is saying dress like a tramp or even not to wear long skirts, but what you have suggested- looks like Little House on the Prarie- if that’s your goal- you have accomplished it.

Problem is, is that I think many women think their dress must be old fashioned to be holy- they may not say it, but they think it. But in the end their old fashioned dress just draw attention to them- supposedly what they are trying to avoid.

You want to be truly holy (sarcasm) adorn yourself in sackcloth and ashes, like Daniel.

Also, have you googled steampunk- they wear similar clothes clockworkcouture.com/ladies/dresses/1880-s-picnic-ensemble.html

I don’t think you want to be part of that crowd…

Why wouldn’t someone buy some of the items on that site? Thanks for the link, there are a few cute items on there that I would certainly buy AND wear.

 

[bonvivantHermit]

I think any “fashion” that becomes a way of life say like punk is taking the place of meaning in ones life. Seems to me Conservative Catholics (esp. trad) are so caught up aesthetics they miss the point…sometimes. I know I have for a long time attended trad parishes, it’s understandable since the Tridentine Mass has been so censored and along with all the “trappings” really the beauty of the Mass. I get it- but I don’t think a woman in the 1940s attending a Latin Mass dressed like she lived in the 1880s- dress was modest and in fashion because the Latin Mass was the contemporary Mass.

By dressing from another time - in a way we are placing the Mass out of context.

 

[Et_Cetera]

I’m really afraid we are going to end up telling this young lady to forget about aesthetic long dresses, because she is going to stand out like an oddball among the other women, all dressed in short shorts and miniskirts and tank tops, half of their breasts and butt cheeks hanging out…

So, if you follow the crowd and dress in a way that your private parts are all hanging out and on display for everybody to see, you at least fit in - but if you dress in an aesthetically appealing way, with elegance, modestly, and with an individual style, you are guilty of something?

Guilty of what?

I can’t believe this.

Uhhh…this is not how all women dress. There are classy, modern clothing options. I dress well and in a modern style, but it is in no way immoral or trashy like you have described. Anyhow, this woman can dress however she likes. She asked for the opinion of the Internet, and that’s what she’s getting–a collection of opinions. In the end, no one is going to go to her house to take her clothes away. I’m tired of this idea that modern, stylish clothing = trashy. That is not the case at all. Real fashion has elegance. You’ve described people who don’t know how to dress with tact or who are at the beach.

 

[Miguelita]

I think any “fashion” that becomes a way of life say like punk is taking the place of meaning in ones life. Seems to me Conservative Catholics (esp. trad) are so caught up aesthetics they miss the point…sometimes. I know I have for a long time attended trad parishes, it’s understandable since the Tridentine Mass has been so censored and along with all the “trappings” really the beauty of the Mass. I get it- but I don’t think a woman in the 1940s attending a Latin Mass dressed like she lived in the 1880s- dress was modest and in fashion because the Latin Mass was the contemporary Mass.

By dressing from another time - in a way we are placing the Mass out of context.

How? How is dressing a certain way taking the place of the real meaning of ones life? Talk about overblown assumptions! “Oh, if you dress a certain way, you’re letting it control your life, unless you dress exactly like everyone else does!”