To Dress, or Not to Dress!
Quite often, I travel with my husband as a part of our consulting work for our company/ministry. This week we have been in the amazing city of Indianapolis, Indiana. As we have walked from our hotel to various destinations over the past week, I have been intrigued with the manner of dress that the summer season has evoked.
First, let me say up front that this blog post is not particularly about right or wrong, or what one should do or should not do in the matter of fashion. It is merely a summation of my thoughts after people watching in one of the greatest cities in America for the last several days.
One thing that struck me right off is the abundance of color. Apparently, this is the summer of bringing out every color on the palate; from jewel tone capri’s with “non” matching tops, to soft pastel pink lace!
In past years, we Americans have loved to have our fashion statements coordinated, even if it was a black and white ensemble with perhaps a little red for accent. Not so this summer!
I have seen an abundance of emerald green, fucia, or tangerine to name a few, in skirts, shorts, dresses and capri’s; with let’s say a brown and white floral patterned sweater top, or a deep royal blue with tangerine bottoms. Interesting and bold. I do like bold! However, I also love the soft old-fashioned styles; of which there seems to be a plethora.
Another thing that I’ve noticed is the abundance of dresses on the American girls and women that I’ve seen. From the youngest to the oldest, dresses seem to be the “in thing” this summer. Out of curiosity, I went online to some of the larger department stores to see what they are selling. Amazingly! It is dresses, dresses, dresses. There are lovely options to choose from in every style and color imaginable! Many of them reflect back to the styles of the 1920’s and 1930’s, which of course you all know is a period that I simply love!
Now if you know me at all, you also know that I love to wear a pretty, slimming dress from time to time. However, as I’ve gotten older, or perhaps with the lifestyle change I’ve adjusted to in the more recent years of not being exposed to the workforce quite as much, I have gravitated to wearing comfy jeans, capris and lounging clothing. To see the summer dresses of 2013 has inspired me!
And of course, as a former pastor’s wife and a teacher/speaker, I simply must at least touch on modesty. In a period in America, where young women can often be seen on the streets looking like common streetwalkers in their tight short, shorts, revealing tops and platform shoes, it is refreshing to see many now wearing soft cotton skirts or lace dresses and summer sandals. In fact, I found myself complimenting a lovely young woman just yesterday in a beautiful emerald-green lacey sundress with cream and gold-colored accessories.
Who knows, a bit of appreciation might just go a long way in the fashion world of today!
I do encourage mothers of young daughters to help them choose wisely and to dress them modestly as is appropriate to show their true worth; not the view that the world would push off on them.
And now, after a week in Indy, I am inspired to go shopping and look for something cool, comfortable, and pretty to wear this summer. Where is my debit card?????
Definition: Modesty is a mode of dress and deportment (way of talking and acting) intended not to encourage sexual attraction in others; actual standards vary widely. In this use, it can be considered inappropriate or immodest to reveal certain parts of the body. A modest woman would not behave so as to encourage the sexual attention of men. Their true beauty is found within, not in what they may wear. (Wikepedia – adapted)