THE DISCUSSION in the previous entry of the search for modest and feminine clothing in the desert of feminist junkwear and ultra-bland chinos and polo shirts continues here. It has yielded great suggestions from readers of retailers and styles. You can even go so far as to buy historical reenactment wear. This dress above could be worn with a a white bolero cotton sweater such as this when going out to make it more modest. Obviously, sewing things yourself is far more economical. But if you are like me and do not sew, it makes sense to spend a little more on a dress that you may wear over and over again. There are also great deals. I wore one calico blouse which I bought at a thrift store for 25 cents about 5,000 times because it was pretty and modest. I finally was so embarrassed by its overuse (it was virtually indestructible cotton) that I gave it away to charity.

Aminty writes:

First off, thank you for your website. I don’t have the time to go into it right now, but I find much of what you say to be true, true, true. As a woman with a degree in philosophy, masters in writing, and a law degree, I bought into feminism hook, line and sinker like so many of my contemporaries. Now I stay home (happily, gratefully, joyfully!) with my two young children and wonder why I wasted my 20s pursuing a legal education. I should have skipped that and started a family sooner! (I was married at 22.) I am unendingly grateful for the fact that I didn’t have to take out debt for my postgraduate degrees. I can’t imagine being saddled with $100,000 debt for a law degree….while wanting to stay home! Scholarships and an inheritance protected me from that albatross.

Anyhow, I’m writing regarding pretty attire, a subject near and dear to my heart! I thought I’d pass along Boden for your readers. The dresses are not cheap, but they do have great sales from time to time. They are often feminine and patterned. My biggest complaint is the same one I have about most retailers — they cut their necklines a bit low, necessitating some type of modesty work on the part of the conscientious consumer. April Cornell often has pretty dresses, though I find them less practical for housework!

I had to smile at your assessment of Land’s End! I was just ironing yesterday and feeling cranky at the fact that my Land’s End clothes show any-and-every stain–and I wear aprons! I cook, bake, and have a nursling who spits up….patterned clothes are far more practical! I enjoy sewing and am working my way from skirts to dresses. Vintage patterns provide plenty of inspiration!

Karen I. writes:

I don’t understand the trend of sleeveless tops and dresses. Most women have at least some noticeable fat on their upper arms and it is extremely hard to get rid of it, even with proper diet and weight lifting to tone the area. A personal trainer I know says it is the area women ask him about the most. On top of that, most women over 35 or so have skin sagging around the elbows. In addition showing one of the most unflattering areas of the body, sleeveless garments don’t conceal undergarments well. Judging by the questions to the personal trainer, women know their upper arms don’t look great, so why continue to expose them, even in church? 

I find that a six or eight gore type skirt with a button-up shirt tucked in works best for around the house. This combination is affordable, allows for some variety and keeps me from looking like a slob. Six or eight gore skirts can be worn year round. The longer a-line style they tend to have is very flattering. Vermont country store and JC Penney are two stores that carry these types of skirts online in a wide variety of sizes. 

For my daughter, Lands End carries knit dresses that are great for girls. They are modest, cute, don’t shrink in the wash, and hold up amazingly well. For those that are interested in finding one for their daughter, I am sending a link of a cute example. My daughter wears shorts or tights underneath the dresses which makes it easy for her to play in them.

Laura writes:

I wholeheartedly agree on the issue of sleeves. Sleevelessness is just part of the mindless nakedness created by clothing today. Here is a  calico blouse from one of the retailers recommended in the previous entry. This is pricey but you could probably wear it for years.

Alissa writes: 

This is somewhat off-topic but I like Catholic mantilla veils and Russian babushka scarves. Of course that has to do more with a few Christian rituals rather than beauty. In Christianity if believing women wear a hair scarf it’s usually worn at ceremonies and in daily life it isn’t (that has been the norm for centuries). Going back to the subject, your pursuit for the revival of genuine beauty and disdain of depravity and ugliness is inspiring. May your journey run well and may God be with you.

Laura writes:

Thank you, dear.

Jenny writes:

The Recollections website is lovely! I’ve never seen such beautiful clothing offered for sale. While the prices are a bit too much for my budget, I’m thankful I can imitate the styles myself with my own sewing abilities. Some of the clothing may be a bit too old-fashioned for some, but the long skirts and dresses could easily be shortened to mid-calf and look a lot less like historical costume. Thank you so much for sharing.

Lydia Sherman writes:

This dress recommended in the previous entry is one of the most flattering and comfortable dresses. From Hawaiian prints to calicos and solid colors, this style looks good. If a pattern were available, I would make a lot of these. It has tucks that begin at the neckline and end in open pleats at the waist. With all the moving around a housewife has to do, it will not pinch at the waist and you do not have to tug at it anywhere to adjust it.

Laura writes:

I agree. 

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