There really aren't as many differences between Mormonism and other religions as most people would believe (... and here). There are a few, though, and to some, those are big ones.
Growing up, I didn't always understand the reason behind the values I was to uphold. If we're being honest here (and we are because I have no reason to lie), I didn't always uphold those values. One of those values was dressing modestly. I'm not the best at turning my words into thoughts, so I'm going to use one of the best tools provided to youth in the church:
to explain what I mean by "modesty" in the Mormon church:
"Your body is sacred. Respect it and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ and that you love Him.
"Prophets of God have continually counseled His children to dress modestly. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and you can be a good influence on others. Your dress and grooming influence the way you and others act.
"Never lower your standards of dress. Do not use a special occasion as an excuse to be immodest. When you dress immodestly, you send a message that is contrary to your identity as a son or daughter of God. You also send the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval.
"Immodest clothing is any clothing that is tight, sheer, or revealing in any other manner. Young women should avoid short shorts and short skirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and clothing that does not cover the shoulders or is low-cut in the front or the back. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. Young men and young women should be neat and clean and avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle, and behavior. They should choose appropriately modest apparel when participating in sports. The fashions of the world will change, but the Lord’s standards will not change.
"Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. Young women, if you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair of earrings.
"Show respect for the Lord and yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities. This is especially important when attending sacrament services. Young men should dress with dignity when officiating in the ordinance of the sacrament.
"If you are not sure what is appropriate to wear, study the words of the prophets, pray for guidance, and ask your parents or leaders for help. Your dress and appearance now will help you prepare for the time when you will go to the temple to make sacred covenants with God. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?”
Woah!! I know that's A LOT, so if you have ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, please ask me, and I will gladly answer them! (Or you can go here to find answers...)
I know that might seem crazy, but this is why...
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| I don't have any tattoos, and my only piercings are one in each ear. |
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| My dress for my Senior Homecoming had sleeves (and you can't see, but I was also wearing leggings)... |
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| My dress for my Senior Prom had sleeves... |
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| And my wedding dress (along with all of my Bridal Party's dresses) had sleeves. |
I'm very aware of today's fashion. I'm very aware that my own WEDDING dress doesn't fit the guidelines for "IN" or "Stylish". Cool. I'm okay with that. I respect myself. And I never have to worry about someone else showing up to a formal event in the same dress. Word.
As I said earlier, I wasn't always on board with this idea. I often only dressed modestly because I was expected to. I've grown quite a bit since high school when I questioned the expectations set for me. I've developed and understanding and an appreciation for this standard of my own.
My friend Jessica once asked my 3 year old niece (at the time) why we dress modestly, to which she replied, "Because we're beautiful."
There are so many reasons "Modest is Hottest". Here are just a few:
1. I have saved my self a very significant amount of time shaving over the years. When I'm in a rush, I never have to worry about rubbish above my knees. Don't you dare judge me.
2. I can put on a bathing suit without worrying about being a pasty-paste white girl. Yeah.
3. As previously stated, I never have to worry about duplicate outfits. I'm a one of a kind.
4. Layers and Sweaters are "In". The perfect way to cover up just a little more skin without looking stupid.
5. Spring/ Summer shopping can seem like such a nightmare- there aren't a lot of cute items of clothes on display that fit my expectations for clothing these days. You really have to dig. Here's the great part: I find clothes that others don't find.
6. I've become very creative with layering and making an outfit cute with accessories because I can still look trendy and cute without showing what my mama gave me.
7. I've spent so much time trying on clothes that I know my body type and what looks good on me vs. what should be avoided at all costs.
8. I stay pretty warm. Six layers can do that.
9. I don't attract the wrong type of guy when I'm dressed modestly because the wrong type of guy is looking for the girls who are dressed the wrong kind of way.***
10. I've developed and immense respect for myself and my body because I know the importance of respecting my body and dressing to show that I respect my body. I know that I'm not impressing anyone by getting a tattoo on my buttocks. I know I am a daughter of God, and as such, I should dress as the royalty I am.
I know this can be kind of a touchy subject. I'm in no way trying to tell my friends who are not Mormon that they should repent and be saved because they wear tank tops! I just want to share why I dress the way I do, as I haven't always understood myself, and I've had many friends throughout the years ask why I dress so conservatively.
I only ask that you keep in mind the message you portray to the world around you when you walk out your door every day. If you don't like seeing something on someone, chances are, they people won't like seeing it on you either. Most importantly, think of how you want your daughters and sons to dress (and for that matter, their boyfriends or girlfriends), and start setting that example now by dressing that way.
If you have any other reasons why "Modest is Hottest", please let me know! I would love to hear what others have to say!
*** Modesty is in NO WAY a reason to get into a car with a strange man. Bahahaha!
