Dressing Modestly

I have been thinking a lot lately about the importance of dressing modest. Growing up I was not the best example of this and would tend to go only towards the short shorts, tanks, or anything else that was ' in' at the time. My excuse? I lived in Arizona so it was impossible to wear too many layers...NOT. You can be modest in the heat haha! But it was true that I often would just make myself as comfortable as possible and as cute as possible..hah. But, as I have grown up and out of that stage I have realized the importance of being modest and how it effects the world around us and how it protects our self image as well.
I started thinking about modesty when I moved to Utah last year. I moved all on my own so I could only bring a few things that I absolutely needed. I looked at my small wardrobe one night and thought, " You know, this could be a perfect time to start building a modest wardrobe because I already do not have much!" I decided that whenever I would go shopping I would try to find the modest options instead of the immodest options. I would say things to myself like, " I am going to waist money if I buy that short dress because one day my G's will show!" Or, " What will that say to guys about me?" So I began to build my wardrobe and I couldn't be happier. It makes me feel good that I could get my endowments and not have to change any of my clothing. I still have some things to work on, but I feel so much better about being able to look at my wardrobe and be able to pick out a cute but modest outfit for a date or church and not feel uncomfortable the entire time.
Someone who has influenced me a lot lately about the importance of modest is my girl friend Rae. She recently started a blog called RaeRun.com where future sister missionaries and any young woman ( And OF COURSE old women too haha) can see cute ideas of outfits put together and where to find modest outfits. I am SO grateful for her example. As I have helped her advertise her blog a little bit and try on some of the cute outfits sent to her, I have noticed how much I love these outfits too and how they make me feel SO comfortable! Please go and check out her blog. There are so many AMAZING bloggers in todays world, but sadly I have noticed that not a lot of them are showing young women the importance of modesty. There are still some amazing bloggers who have the cutest outfits that are modest! I still follow a bunch of cute fashion blogs that I LOVE. I will share my favorite bloggers in another post.
Modesty is sometimes found as a silly thing. It is NOT silly. By being modest we show young men who we are and how we want them to view us. And before I go on I want to emphasize on that a little more..Do you think a guy will show you respect if you are hanging out all over the place and showing off your goods? Haha awk..but seriously.. Clothing says a lot about you! Maybe not, but to me I feel that dressing immodestly says, " Look I don't care about my standards just check me out for my body not for me." A guy can love you and SHOULD love you for your personality and high standards..not for your booty shorts. My favorite quote about modesty is,

" You can dress attractively without being immodest. Within the Lord's guidelines, there is room for you to be lively, vibrant, and beautiful both in your dress and in your actions." - Thomas S. Monson

Being modest shows others you respect yourself and shows that you value a yearning for purity. It also shows you hold yourself to a higher standard. I am working on being more modest so that I am able to enter the temple and receive my endowments with no struggle, to be able to find a man who loves me for me, and to feel comfortable and feel like a lady. I am so grateful for the women in my life who have influenced me with their modesty. My mother is THE most amazing example of this along with my beautiful grandmothers. They always look like elect ladies. I hope to be an elect lady and show how I hold my standards. There is one last thing I would like to share,

Dress Like Royalty 

I've called you to be royalty. You don't have to conform to the wardrobes of this world to feel good about yourself. Remember, what you wear initially defines what people think about you. I want your wardrobe to honor Me. You don't need to dress to get attention--I can make you more beautiful than any fashion designer because I specialize in internal and eternal makeovers. Your favor and beauty will radiate because you are a reflection of Me. Keep in mind that those who design clothes to expose your body do not love your soul like I do. My love, let your wardrobe reveal My spirit---not your flesh. So wardrobe yourself today like the royalty you are.

Love, 

Your Heavenly Father

I have had this reminder printed out and kept on my mirror to help remind me why I dress modest. I do not remember where I found this or who showed me this quote, but I absolutely love it. It is such a great reminder. I encourage you to print it out and put it on your mirror so that you remember each morning that you are royalty! 

Xoxo, Ash