Modesty Unfolded: Sarah A.
What is Modesty to you?
I believe modesty starts from within, in my heart, and from there it is reflected in the way that I dress, my character, and other areas of my life. For the longest time I believed I was modest because I covered up and wore knee length skirts, but in my heart, I still desired to receive ungodly attention from guys and envy from girls. I appeared modest on the outside, but on the inside, it was a completely different story. Thank God for deliverance. Now I understand modesty to be an inward working. ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he,’ right? So modesty doesn’t start when I’m shopping or picking out an outfit, it starts in my heart, and in turn, what is in my heart is reflected in the clothes I decide to wear.
“Also, modestly does not mean boring or ugly. There is beauty in being able to express yourself through what you wear without having to unnecessarily expose yourself.”
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as simple, urban, chic, and comfy! I love being able to show my personality through my outfits, whether it be with a pop of color, print, or a statement piece.
How has your style changed once you started pursuing Christ?
My style has changed quite a bit since I started pursuing Christ and overall maturing as a woman of God. Before I gave my life to Christ, I didn’t have a set standard to look to so I found myself wearing all manner of things ranging from too short, to too tight, to just not right. After giving my life to Christ, the Holy Spirit really helped me with dressing in a way that aligns with my fashion sense but is also pleasing to God.
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
When shopping and getting dressed, I always go by the phrase “when in doubt, throw it out.” This goes for whether an outfit is appropriate, whether it’s worth the price, or whether I truly need it. I also like hitting up my friends for a second opinion. My best friend, Abby, and I always FaceTime each other when we can’t decide on an outfit. Like what do you think about this? Is this shirt too much? Pants or skirt? Heels or no heels? It always helps!
I also simply ask the Holy Spirit. Huh? Yeah! He is our helper and loves when we ask for help. On numerous occasions, the Holy Spirit has highlighted specific outfits or pieces for me to wear, and I always feel the best when wearing them because they are essentially hand-picked by heaven ;)
Where do you typically go shopping?
I like to shop at a variety of stores. Like most women, I enjoy shopping at Forever21, H&M, Asos, and Zara (when my bank account is willing), but I also love shopping at other retailers like Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Max, Plato’s Closet and THE THRIFT STORE. The thrift store is a major key y’all, not only because it is extremely affordable, but also because you get one-of-a-kind pieces and rare finds.
What is your typical Sarah outfit?
Hmmm… A typical Sarah outfit. Well, for everyday school, hanging out with friends, etc I’m usually wearing fitted jeans or slim fitting pants paired with some sort of button down or loose fitting shirt. I loooove button down shirts so you’ll probably catch me wearing one 9 times out of 10. Accessory wise, I typically keep it basic with a watch, studs, and a necklace. When it comes to special occasions, like birthday dinners and formal celebrations, my outfits are usually spontaneously put together, so every time is honestly something different.
What fashion statements are you fond of?
Hmmm, I’m fond of a lot, but I love all black/all white outfits, everything olive green, plaid/polka dot print, loafers, and pointed shoes!
“purity of motive doesn’t cancel the effect of your appearance.”
What is one fashion tip you would like to share with young adult women?
A tip I’m always giving is “purity of motive doesn’t cancel the effect of your appearance.” This quote stung a bit the first time I heard it, but it’s the truth man. In today’s society, the common idea is for responsibility to solely be placed on men and not women. i.e women should be free to do as they please, if a man stumbles it’s his fault, etc. But as women, I believe there is responsibility on our part as well. I don’t feel comfortable calling someone my brother in Christ knowing that what I’m wearing is causing him to stumble. Also as a worship leader, I never want to be in a place where my outfit is the center of attention when people should be engaging in worship.
Photos taken by Toyin Akinwande
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MABINTY "LADY B" B.
MaBinty Bangura20 University of Maryland, College Park Student/ World Changer
[Q]: How would you describe your style? [A]: I feel like I go through phases with my style, at the moment now I consider myself a Minimal Monotone Master meaning I like to wear different shades of the same solid colors, but even when I’m not coordinating my colors I still usually like clothes with clean lines, classic silhouettes and neutral pallet. I guess my style is feminine with and unexpected edge.
[Q]: How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ? [A]: As I grew in my Christian walk and started to think of modesty as a lifestyle rather than a “Dress Code” I saw how the Holy Spirit really guided me to change alter my style a bit. Our actions say a lot about who we are and getting dressed is an action so what we wear says a lot about who we are. Motives and intentions are big thing. We dress to express our interest and describe out being. Now MODESTY. Being Christian doesn’t mean that our style has to suffer!! There are ways to be fly and still be modest in our clothing.
[Q]: What is your typical outfit? [A]: Slim Pants and an oversized top or jacket. My top and bottoms are usually the same color, or similar colors. I like to add one bold piece like a popping color or print shoe, jacket, hat, or necklace.
[Q]: What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
[A]: In life, even outside of dressing, whenever I’m debating whether or not to do something I ask myself “what are my intentions or motives?” So when it comes to getting dressed I ask my self questions like: Why do I want to wear this? Is it to secure a husband? Make someone jealous? Make me fit in with a certain crowd? Etc. If the answers steer in a way that is negative then I usually wont wear the item because my intentions are not pure.
[Q]: Where do you typically go shopping? THRIFT STORE! Most of my pieces come from vintage, consignment and thrift stores around the DMV area. Value Village is cool and all but I find the most legit things at smaller thrifts and vintage stores like on U Street and even some random ones in the College Park/ Beltsville area. I also love love LOVE Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, HM and Zara of course, and some Virgos lounge and AQ AQ are definitely my favorite stores.
[Q]: What fashion statements are you fond of?
[A]: Fashions statements I’m fond of are coordinates and monotones. If you have seen me recently you also know I’m typically wearing white. White is sure a clean color.
Wanna see more from Mabinty?
Follow her on Instagram @LadyBangura
DEBBIE
Name: Deborah T. Location:Largo, Maryland Age: 23 Occupation: Release of Information Specialist
How would you describe your style?
I'd have to say that when it comes to fashion, I'm pretty simple. I don't like going out of my comfort zone and being too bold, so I'd describe my style as simply clean and chic.
How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ.
Before I started pursuing Christ and a relationship with Him, I pretty much dressed to show off my body. I loved the idea of wearing the shortest, most revealing outfit just to seek someone else's attention in a negative way. However, now it's completely changed. I've realized how important it is to wear things that are pleasing to God and dress in a way where I honor myself and God without having to expose my body.
SUNDAY'S BEST
What is your typical outfit?
Simplicity is everything to me. A typical outfit would really all depend on where I'm going. A pair of pants, heels, top, a big bag, & accessories would be my typical outfit. It's rare that you'll ever catch me in jeans.
TYPICAL OUTFIT
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
I take into consideration when buying and wearing clothes: comfortability, body type and most importantly, confidence. If what I'm wearing looks and feels good, I will exude a certain level of confidence. The last thing I want to do is cause negative attention to myself by wearing something that will be tempting or cause someone to look at me sexually simply because of how I'm dressed. I have to make sure that what I'm wearing flatters my body type without over doing it and still maintaining my sense of style. For me it's all about looking and feeling good while still dressing beautifully and modestly.
NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN
What fashion statements are you fond of?
Statements I'm fond of are watches, purses, and heels. They're my fav!
Want to know more about Debbie or get further fashion inspiration from her?
Follow her @AfrikanBeauty
ALEXIS
Name: Alexis Harris (Ms. Positivity) Location: Laurel, Maryland or DMV Age: 21 Occupation: Student-Athlete
How would you describe your style?
When I think of style, I think of displaying a certain attitude through clothes, so my style displays who I am as a person! My style encompasses bold, timeless, vibrant, and colorful pieces!
How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ.
Once I started pursuing Christ, I wish I could say that my clothes immediately changed with my fresh new start, but that’s not my testimony. My change of style happened over time. When I was in the world, I had the belief that less is more. I thought the less clothes I wore meant the more beautiful I would be. As I continued to pursue Christ, my mind was transformed and with that, I began to pick items that would reflect that same transformation. It is important to note that I didn’t lose my fashion sense, it was simply refined.
SUNDAY'S BEST
What is your typical outfit?
Well my wardrobe is very versatile, so I can go from sweatpants and Jordans to a dress and Jessica Simpson pumps. This versatility allows me to dress according to what I have going on that day or simply based on how I am feeling. On campus, you will most likely see me in jeans and a cute blouse, while if I’m on the go in the city, I may take the same jeans and dress them up with a pair of comfortable heels instead.
TYPICAL OUTFIT
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
As a Christian woman, I have to make conscious intentional steps when shopping and getting dressed. I love seeing new trends; however, I can’t always style myself based on the current trends because they aren’t always fashioned for Christian women. With this in mind, three things I consider when searching for trendy pieces that will still be pleasing to God are:
1. The Store Personally, I believe you don’t even have to walk into some stores for you to know what kind of clothes will be offered, so I try to stay away from stores I know will have predominantly clothes that are far too tight and revealing.
2. Where am I going? Well if I’m going to church, I wont be wearing the same thing I’d wear for a night out with my sisters in Christ. I live by the rule; there is a time and place for everything, so there is no difference in picking an outfit according to the occasion.
3. The ONE question every girl has asked in her lifetime… Does this look right?
Ask someone you trust like a Sister in Christ or even a parent before going out if you simply aren’t sure if you should be wearing a certain outfit. These people act as fail safe’s just in case your judgment is a little off one day. You may not always like their response, but these people genuinely want to see growth in every area of your life.
NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Where do you typically go shopping?
Where does Alexis Shop? Hmmm…. Good question. Well first, I am predominantly an online shopper because personally, I don’t like the selection nor prices I often times find in stores. My go to online stores are Asos.com, Zara.com, AqAq.com, and polyvore.com. However, I have fallen in love with thrift stores across the Nation.
Want to know more about Alexis or get further fashion inspiration from her?
Follow her on Instagram @MsPositivityy or on twitter @Positivity_101