Modesty: The Fashion Test

Wubs and Bella, holding some treats for our family movie night!

I have been reading a wonderfully practical, Truth-filled book about parenting girls. It is called Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh. I heard about this book one evening as I was listening to Focus on the Family on the radio, and I have been wanting to read it ever since! I have been encouraged and challenged in many ways. In the most recent chapter I have read, I learned about a Fashion Test. It is a great tool for all women, not just little girls! wink! Here it is:

The Raise and Praise Test
Target: Am I showing too much belly?
Action: Stand straight up, pretending you are in worship, and extend your arms in the air to God. Is this exposing your belly? Bellies are very beautiful, and they need to be saved for our husband.
Remedy: Layers are a great solution to short shirts. Tank tops can be a girl's secret weapon to keep that belly covered under a fun trendy shirt!

The mirror, mirror test
Target: How short is too short?
Action: Get in front of a full-length mirror. If you are in shorts, sit criss-cross applesauce style. If you are in a skirt, sit in a chair with your legs crossed. Now, what do you see in that mirror? If you can see your panties, your shorts or skirt are just too short.
Remedy: Buy longer shorts or skirts. Or, try pairing it up with some leggings.

The "I see London, I see France" test
Target: Can you see my underpants?
Action: Bend over and touch your knees. Have a friend look at you from behind. Can she see your underpants through your pants? Are your pants so low that she can see the top of your underwear over the waistline of your pants?
Remedy: Wear white underwear or again, use a tank top that will cover you up all the way past your pant's waistline.

The over & out test
Target: Is my shirt too low?
Action: No one really lives standing straight up all the time! We bend and stretch and move, and sometimes, our clothes do too! Lean over a little bit. If there is too much chest skin showing (or cleavage) your shirt is too low.
Remedy: Today's fashions thrive on low shirts. Layering them is often the only remedy.

The 'Spring Valley' test
Target: Is my shirt too tight?
Action: Place the tips of your fingers together and press into your shirt right in the valley in the middle of your chest. Count to three and take your fingers away. If your shirt springs back with force, it is probably too tight! Even if you aren't showing too much skin, too much shape is just as inappropriate.
Remedy: Buy bigger shirts. Don't buy shirts based on the size, but instead buy based on the fit.

I am really excited to continue reading this book! I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be the mommy of two precious little girls. I am so very blessed!

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."- 1 Peter 3:3-4