When I dress, I try to incorporate the following:
- modesty
- femininity
- appropriate to the occasion
- does it specifically look good on me
- comfort
1. My modesty rules are as follows: I don't show cleavage, midriff, and wear my skirts down to my knees or below. If I dye my hair, it will be a natural color. Piercings and body art are to be far within the social norm for women. IOW I have pierced ears and one small tatoo that only I get to adore. I'm fine with wearing jewelry, but am just too lazy to put much of it on.
2. I make a conscious effort to dress feminine. If the choice is between a plain T-Shirt or a T-Shirt with cats or flowers, I buy the latter. Scripture forbids cross dressing. I try to keep the spirit of this law by wearing clothes that are feminine. I stay away from an androgynous look -- no short hair for me. I wear a little makeup, just enough to augment my natural beauty.
3. Dressing for the occasion: it is important to remember that dress is a form of non-verbal communication. With our dress we say things like, "I respect you," "This is important to me," "I really like you, come closer," or "relax and play." In my world it is just rude to show up to a funeral in jeans and a t-shirt as if you are going to have a fun family picnic. I'm careful what I choose to wear to work, because I know I'm making an impression. And I don't wear play clothes (shorts for example) to church or synagogue because I'm there to worship, not to have schmooze fest with the ladies.
4. Sometimes an outfit will meet all the other requirements and I still won't wear it simply because it makes me look old, or it makes me look fat, or deformed, or whatever. I adore peasant skirts, but I absolutely never wear them, because I no longer have enough of a waistline to look good in one. Indeed, I don't wear skirts at all, and very few dresses, even though I'd much prefer to wear a dress than pants. It's because what flatters my apple figure the most is nicely fitted pants with a beautiful long tunic. So I concentrate on the tunic for femininity and style.
5. Comfort is king. I only have two pairs of shoes, but they are both high quality brands well known for their comfort. No high heels for me! Even though I think heels look fab! I'm just not willing to deal with the pain. Another example of comfort being a factor is that although my modesty would rather wear sleeves down near my elbows, I simply overheat in the hot months, and will wear sleeveless tops.
