Modesty question-ladies only please

[Amandylinee]

So, I bought this dress from Target. The neckline is completely modest as well as the length. However, it is strapless. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s the picture:
http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-juniors-sleeveless-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14075824

You can’t see it in the picture, but there are little “ties” meant to tie around the waist but they’re long enough to tie around the neck to make it look like a halter. If the top is completely modest and shows absolutely no cleavage, would it be immodest to wear the dress as a halter-ish style? I was just curious because my old principal said that when there’s bare shoulders or strapless styles guys tend to “look” to see if the girl is wearing a bra.
This is what I’m worried about. I was also thinking of taking it to a tailor and having those “ties” taken off to just make straps. What do you ladies think?

 

[Catholic80]

Just a practical suggestion, but why don’t you get one of those short-sleeved mini cardigans that are really popular now. They are everywhere, and it solves a lot of problems.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Just a practical suggestion, but why don’t you get one of those short-sleeved mini cardigans that are really popular now. They are everywhere, and it solves a lot of problems.

Yeah, get a shrug. I agree, that’s easier and cheaper than a tailor.

 

[katy]

What they said. I think these situations are the fashion industry’s way of trying to force us to buy more pieces of clothing.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

What they said. I think these situations are the fashion industry’s way of trying to force us to buy more pieces of clothing.

Well most people simply don’t buy the extras, they “let it all hang out.”

 

[joanofarc2008]

I think it is cute and if there is nothing showing and you can wear a bra under it then by all means wear it but I also live down south where we have some 100 degree plus days. I would not however wear it to Mass.

 

[aicirt]

Very cute. I’d wear a shrug if you’re planning on wearing it to Mass. Or a light summer shawl knoted in the front under the bustline.

 

[SecretGarden]

I agree it is cute but if you are going to wear it, please wear a shoulder less bra and plus what Aicirt said, a light shawl. Since the bottom appears to be slightly see through, wearing a short or some type of under garment might be a good idea as well. I would also suggest avoiding sitting in the front pew due to its length. Girls wearing any dress or skirt that falls above the knee should never sit in the front pew because of the mass structure i.e. the sitting, kneeling and standing could easily cause the fabric to ride up and inadvertly give an accidental flash to an area that is off limits if you get my drift.

 

[mt_gooseberry]

I like it for certain contexts. I’d get some kind of cover-up for Mass or date-type situations, but I think it’s fine as-is for everyday wear.

 

[timeandeternity]

I’ve heard the same thing: strapless and halter-top clothing is a definite temptation for guys. My best friend said he has to fight impure thoughts every time he sees a girl in that kind of top.

I’d just wear a shrug! If you want to pay a little extra and get straps put on, that sounds like it would be a cute option too.

Also, I just thought I’d mention that Target recently decided to donate 100% of its t-shirt sales this month toward promoting gay marriage legislation: action.afa.net/email/online.aspx?cid=1846&mid=21814196&tid=aa&utm_source=smAFA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1846

 

[rocsis1]

I use the “hand rule”
place your hand over your chest horizontally so that the top of your index finger is laying directly below your collar bone. If more than another “hand” amount of skin is showing, then cover up
I also went to a “modest is hottest” workshop and they said scarves (light silk ones are good for summer!), shrugs, cardigans, and tank tops are great ways to cover up if too much skin’s showing.
I definitely don’t think it’s worth the money to go get it tailored though. hope things work out!

 

[Holly3278]

You should wear a t-shirt or something under it to cover your shoulders.

 

[babochka]

What they said. I think these situations are the fashion industry’s way of trying to force us to buy more pieces of clothing.

I totally agree! They make tops so low cut that you have to wear something underneath of it. I live in a hot climate and don’t really enjoy dressing in layers, and with 5 children I don’t really need the extra laundry.

Having said that, I really think that a shrug is the best option.

 

[ClayPots47]

A bolero in a solid color that matches would work. Something like this.

 

[Amandylinee]

Wow, thanks for the replies everyone! I’ve worn this to Mass(with a cardigan/cover up of course). I just wanted to see what y’all thought because this dress can be worn for different occasions outside of Mass, and living in Texas,I find it uncomfortable to wear a cardigan all the time. I know a lady who does very cheap alterations, so I may just take it to her and have her make the straps. I just wasn’t sure if the halter look was too tempting or not. I’ll play it safe and just put straps on, and wear my cardigan for Mass. Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut ladies! Modest is hottest! lol
PS
The dress I got is actually the black polka dot one! So it’s not see through. I’m also pretty short so thankfully the front part falls to my knee And thankfully the back part is very long on me. Thanks again ladies!

 

[SusanneT]

It’s pretty but I agree it does need a cardigan or something.

 

[fpt]

So, I bought this dress from Target. The neckline is completely modest as well as the length. However, it is strapless. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s the picture:
target.com/p/xhilaration-juniors-sleeveless-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14075824

You can’t see it in the picture, but there are little “ties” meant to tie around the waist but they’re long enough to tie around the neck to make it look like a halter. If the top is completely modest and shows absolutely no cleavage, would it be immodest to wear the dress as a halter-ish style? I was just curious because my old principal said that when there’s bare shoulders or strapless styles guys tend to “look” to see if the girl is wearing a bra.
This is what I’m worried about. I was also thinking of taking it to a tailor and having those “ties” taken off to just make straps. What do you ladies think?

Modesty question-ladies only please
Why only ladies please? What for??? I do not understand the reason? Could you explain to me?

 

[Amandylinee]

Modesty question-ladies only please
Why only ladies please? What for??? I do not understand the reason? Could you explain to me?

I felt like this was a discussion meant for my sisters in Christ.Nothing more, nothing les.

 

[Et_Cetera]

I think it’s cute and fitting for casual occasions. If the addition of straps will make you feel better, then have it done, but it seems to cover the chest area just fine. There is nothing wrong with showing shoulders in the appropriate situation. It would be ideal for shopping, errands, casual dining, summer parties, and the like. If you’re going to something more formal like mass, then a cardigan would be an appropriate addition.

 

[gabcarter]

Standards of Modesty in Dress
Imprimatur dated Sept. 24, 1956
“A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent materials are improper.”
The Cardinal Vicar of Pius XII
p.s. About that quote - in the book it is noted that "short sleeves were also permitted as a temporary concession, with ecclesiastical approval, because of “impossible market conditions.”