Parts of a Fashionably Modest Wardrobe
Decide what a fashionably modest wardrobe means to you.
Identify what categories are, or should be, a part of your wardrobe. Use the following categories as a starting point. Then tweak to suite your needs.
Tops: T-shirts, shirts, blouses, rompers, overalls, dresses, etc.
Bottoms: Skirts, pants, jeans, shorts, rompers, overalls, dresses, etc.
Headwear: hairstyle, hats, scarves, turbans, tichels, veils, etc.
Shoes: Shoes, heels, boots, sandals, socks, etc.
Accessories: Backpacks, jewelry, sunglasses, purses, belts, etc.
Outerwear: Sweatshirt, hoodies, jackets, blazers, coats, etc.
For each category, identify what you are comfortable wearing. Put your thoughts on paper, real or virtual. Here are some questions you can ask yourself for each category:
Tops: Is it okay if I show skin? Show curves? How tight or loose do I want my tops to fit? A little loose or really loose? Can it be see through? Am I okay with layering? How long do the sleeves need to be? How long should the top be? How low/wide should the neckline be? What shirt/dress styles suit me?
Bottoms: Is it okay if I show skin? Show curves? How tight or loose do I want my bottoms to fit? A little loose or really loose? Can it be see through? Am I okay with layering? How long do the bottoms need to be? Do I want low rise, mid rise, or high rise? What pant styles suit me? What skirt/dress styles suite me?
Headwear: Do I want to wear a head scarf? What kind? Does it need to cover my neck? What fabrics do I want? How does my hair and head react? How will I maintain my hair hygiene?
Shoes: Are open toed shoes okay? Heals? Platforms? Do you want comfortable sneakers or ballet flats? Are see through socks okay (for example, knee high stockings)? Do you want dress socks or comfy cotton ones?
Accessories: Are these optional (for example, you don’t need the sunglasses for work but you do if the outfit is for the park)? Do I need any (for example, do you have enough purses)? Are these in my budget? Do I want a practical solution (for example, backpack versus purse)?
Outerwear: These are generally used outdoors and taken off when you go indoors. Whatever you wear under the outerwear, be sure you are comfortable with your outfit if you have to take off your jacket, coat, etc.
Once you have some thoughts on paper, go through your closet and see which items meet your needs and which ones don’t. If you need help with going through your closet, there are many systems to try. As a starting point, I recommend Marie Kondo’s “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and “Spark Joy”. I found her method helped me learn more about myself and my relationship with clothes. Others I know who tried it found similar experiences. I found that her method allowed me to come up with a system that works for me instead of trying to use a system that works for someone else. I have found it more helpful to read both the books because the second book builds off of the first book and gets into some of the fine details that make the decision making process so powerful and valuable. If you would like my help with your closet decluttering or have more questions, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation with me here.