Modest is hottest!
No, that isn’t an inspirational Jewish bumper sticker—yet. Guess again.
Advice for keeping cool while staying covered up was the focus of a Loving Your Body post featured on The Today Show website last week.
The content is taken from modest fashion bloggers ranging from Muslim to Christian women, and Jewish blogger Sharon Langert of Fashion-Isha.
Tips include:
- Remember that looser is cooler.
“While summer tends to be a time when women reach for tighter, fitted pieces, the experts say to trade mini-skirts and tube-tops for loose, flowing pieces like maxi dresses or tunic tops that allow for air circulation,” Sharon Langert recommends.
- Avoid the urge to layer.
“Instead of buying two shirts to wear at the same time, look for pieces that already cover the parts of your body you want to cover,” suggests blogger Ikhlas Hussain of The Muslim Girl.
- Choose the right fabrics for the season.
“Your skin will love you if you stick to wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics in the summertime,” said Liz Roy, described as a “Christian style enthusiast” the blog Downtown Demure. Liz added that cotton, silk, chambray, linen and jersey are the fabrics she chooses for hot weather.
- Make friends with maxis.
“Because of their length, choosing a variety of maxi skirts and dresses in breathable, lightweight fabrics is a sure way to remain covered but cool,” according to Liz Roy.
- Have fun with accessories.
Straw totes, wide-brimmed hats, dainty ring stacks, strappy sandals and accessories with tassels add summer flair without adding heat.
On a side note, another popular option for the modest consumer is the cocktail dress. “Choose materials appropriate to the season such as satin and silk in the summer,” advises blogger The Modest Fashonista. Cocktail dresses are versatile for day and night, both for informal and formal settings and are common attire in Orthodox circles.
Marriage and Family Therapist Aviva Rizel, who writes a popular column for the OU “Ask Aviva” recently addressed a mother’s concern regarding teaching her a daughter about tzniut and internalizing its message versus the pressures to conform around her. The full article, “Ask Aviva: Modest Mommy” can be read here.
The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.