Why Modesty Still Matters

Modesty is such a taboo word. I mean, for years we’ve seen girls wearing crop tops, and skirts that should be a belt. And we hear the word modesty and we cringe. Because we believe modesty is a fully covered outfit, where if I show an ankle, someone is going to clutch their pearls. Trust me, that is not what modesty is. 

What does the Bible say about modesty? 

Not the world, the Bible. The word of God. What did He say about modesty? Let’s read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” Let’s go into the context of this. 

This verse comes from the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, a young pastor in the city of Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter to give Timothy guidance on how believers should live and worship, especially within the early Christian church. Now, Ephesus was a crazy rich fashion conscious city where many women displayed their social status through elaborate hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive clothing. Paul isn’t saying that beauty and fashion are wrong, he was warning againt using outward appearance to seek attention, pride, or status, especially in a worship setting. 

Paul’s point was that women should focus more on what’s inside rather than how they look on the outside. He encouraged women to be known for their good deeds, instead of trying to impress others with looks and wealth. The heart of this verse is about your priorities. Do not put fashion above God. If you choose to sleep in an extra hour, let that hour cut into your getting ready time, instead of your time that is meant to be spent with Christ. Let your beauty come from the inside out, from humility, grace, and love for God, rather than from what you wear or how you present yourself to others.

In today’s world, this verse reminds us that modesty isn’t about rules or restrictions. It’s about intention, why we wear what we wear. God isn’t asking us to avoid fashion. He’s asking us to remember that our worth doesn’t depend on it. True beauty, Paul teaches, comes from a life that reflects Christ through actions, words, and attitude.

Now why is modesty still important? 

Modesty first comes from the heart. We have to remember that all we do is to honor God. That is our main goal in life. When we dress modestly we are saying “My body belongs to God, and I want to represent Him well.” It’s a simple act of worship. A way of saying thank you for the body He gave us and respecting the boundaries He called us to live by.

Here are some easy guidelines we can live by when it comes to clothing. 

Remember these aren’t strict rules, but they might help you with your modesty journey.

Necklines - You don’t have to ditch your favorite tops, just style them smarter. Layer low-cut tanks with mesh tops, lace trims, or cropped cardigans. Baby tees, polos, and halters with high necklines totally fit the Y2K vibe.

Tops - Modesty in fashion is all about playful layering. Pair cropped pieces with high-waisted jeans or maxi skirts. Throw an oversized button-up or denim jacket over fitted tops. Tube tops? Add a shrug, mesh long sleeve, or bolero, still cute, still modest.

Bottoms - Stay stylish, stay comfortable. Low-rise is optional. Mid and high-waisted pants give the same vibe with more coverage. If you do wear low-rise, try to pair them with a longer shirt. Swap mini skirts for denim midis, cargo skirts, or pleated minis with shorts underneath. Wide-leg jeans, parachute pants, and cargo pants are modest and totally in. 

Dresses - Flowly doesn’t mean frumpy. Try slip dresses layered with longline cardigans. You could also layer them with a tee, if that’s your thing. Go for midi or maxi lengths with cute details like ties, ruffles, or puff sleeves. My go to rule is if it is halfway above my thigh, it’s a no.

Fit n Fabric - Choose pieces that flatter your shape, but don’t squeeze it. The key word here is fitted, not tight. Look for structured fabrics (cotton, denim, linen blends) that keep their shape. Avoid sheer materials unless you’re layering, then it works.

Now, when you go to pick an outfit in the morning or for an event, start by thinking, “Am I wearing this because I like it? Or because I want to get attention?” Modesty isn’t about rules, it is about refinement. It is realizing that your true identity comes from Christ. You can love Jesus and still love fashion. You can be covered and still be cool. That’s the Saved in Style promise.

And remember, WWJW, What Would Jesus Wear?