In my previous article I explored a philosophy of style that will allow us as Catholic women to live in the modern world in such a way as flatters our womanhood but still appeals to those living around us. By doing so, I argued that we as women may more fully make Christ known in the world.
Today, I want to explore practical ways of taking clothes the world gives us and appropriately using them to demonstrate our beauty as Catholic women. There are a couple of simple things women can do to make today’s clothes suitable. Don’t write something off just because it, at first glance, seems inappropriate. We can walk the fine line of style so elusive to modern day women!
1. Feeling Pretty is Good
When I style clients at work (I work at a women’s clothing store), I always counsel women “if you want to do a little dance, then get it. If not, then pass on it.” Your clothes should make you feel pretty, attractive, and confident. It’s a good thing if you put something on and you want to look in the mirror. If you feel attractive or you want to go out in that outfit then chances are that it’s doing its job of appropriately displaying your womanhood to the world. In short: your clothes should make you feel pretty.
In fact, I argue, the most stylish outfits will be ones that accent you in all the right ways, and down play all the wrong ones. This naturally makes you feel really pretty, and that’s a good thing. I mean, when you’re accentuating your natural womanly beauty, you’re going to feel a little giddy about it.
I personally think it’s a huge sign when an outfit makes you want to do a little dance. It means it’s showing off all the ways your physical body demonstrates to you your internal beauty. If you see that beauty, you can guarantee the rest of the world is going to see it as well. If the rest of the world is seeing you as a normal, in touch with the 21st century, yet pretty, appropriate, and confident lady…they’re going to take notice and take cues from you.
2. The Rule of “Toos”
Essentially, the Rule of Toos says that anything with a “too” in it should not be in your wardrobe. Too low, too high, too short, too tight, too loose, too big, too small, etc. Any article with a “too” in it is not your friend.
This rule is obvious when it comes to the “small” side of the “too spectrum.” Too small/tight/high/low are all ways of saying “provo
cative.” That isn’t a good way of demonstrating your womanly beauty to the world.
The Rule of Toos also applies to the too “big/loose/long” side. In other words, the Rule of Toos should complement Rule #1: if you don’t feel pretty, your outfit may be too oversized, too big, or too loose such that it does not accent your figure.
Overly dressing is a good way of alienating yourself from the world and undermining your confidence. We don’t want to look frumpy, and clothes that are too big don’t help in attaining that goal. So consider removing all articles with the prefix “too” and you’ll find you’re a bit happier.
3. Layering Can Make “Bad” Clothes Good
Imagine this. You’re in a store. You see an adorable top. Perfect color. Great material. Good price. You want it. Then you put it on and you realize that it has a super low-cut v-neck neckline that reveals more than the day you were born. Oh man. Has to go back on the shelf.
Or does it? Enter: Layers. They save the day. Consider placing a tank top underneath that adorable v-necked blouse. Now you not only have an interest piece, you have a styled, 3-piece look with a shirt you love and a stylish approach that respects your body.
Too often women shrug off clothes that really could be cute or worn well simply because they are too provocative, when the same article could be worn in a flattering and appropriate way with the right pairing.
Tunics that are too short can look adorable as over-sized sweatshirts when paired with skinny jeans and boots, and spaghetti strapped shells can look great under a blazer. Likewise, cute skirts that may be too small can be paired over leggings, low-cut shirts can be paired over tanks, and high-cut t-shirts can be paired over a long undershirt. These not only protect your womanly dignity but also add texture, interest, contrast, and color to your outfit!
By keeping in mind these three rules, I believe Catholic women can more effectively evangelize through their dress. Wearing clothes that fit in with modern day society doesn’t mean you can’t stand out in the way you wear them, how they make you feel, and the manner in which they portray your dignity as woman. If we teach through example, I think we’ll find that many people will begin to follow!
