This post is not intended to offend anyone or to stereotype. Your beliefs are your own, and you will, in no way, be criticized for them. You have free will to express yourself the way you see fit. These are strictly the author's views only and the post is written to present a new perspective on the topic of modesty.
I recently read a book by a prominent figure in the modelling industry. What was written was beautiful and uplifting, but the photos of the author were shocking. A majority of them were showing way too much skin (in one photo, her shaved bikini line was extremely noticeable, for example) and in some of the others, she wore very low neck lines. I know that these photos were taken because she is a model and that's what the photographer wanted, so in a way, she had only so much say in the photo shoot. My problem though, lies with the choice to put those type of photos in her book, which aimed to help young girls realize their inner power and beauty.
Your clothing says a lot about what you stand for and what you think about and care about. Your passions and personality are important, because they define who you are as an individual, but you must take care to remember that you will always be giving some sort of impression everywhere you go, to everyone you meet or pass by. That is why one of the first things people notice about you is your clothes and what they say. Halloween-inspired, risqué or prejudice images, accessories or text on your clothing might lead a person to assume that you are someone who does not care about life, only lives moment-by-moment or has a dark or depressing mindset. On the contrary, if you were to wear clothing that was ironed, professional or more casual, you would most likely seem more approachable, confident and kind. Dressing this way would also tell people that you care about looking presentable and that you take the occasion seriously. You would've put a lot of thought into how you present yourself, and from a Christian point of view, dressing in this manner would say that you respect God's Will for you to be respectful, modest and mindful of how we choose to act. I personally have the mindset that i f it is not appropriate to wear around a boss, chances are, it is not appropriate apparel for any other occasion. There is definitely a line that can be crossed for both extremes, so finding the balance of how to let yourself and others enjoy your appearance while also no flaunting.
The following are the guidelines I set for myself (and might include in my parenting) regarding clothing:
GIRLS: skirts should not be any shorter than knee-length, and dresses should cover most of the body. Showing arms, legs (below knees) and back (half only) are allowed. Necklines should cover all breast. "Transparent" dresses, skirts or tops are not allowed unless a camisole or modest undergarment is worn. Leggings are not allowed to be worn as "pants" unless you are alone, at home in the company of girls, or wish to wear them as pajama bottoms.
It is all about being what I to call, "appropriately attractive."
For me personally, one of my most cherished pieces of clothing is my kerchief. I chose to start wearing them when I was 15, and more recently purchased two reversible Amish-made ones, which I often go for instead of the dollar-store kerchiefs (though I have a collection of them). Many people ask me why I wear the kerchiefs. For me, it is my way of honoring God's view about purity. Though I am not required by God or anyone else to cover my hair, doing so is a reminder of what I stand for. One of the common traditions in the Amish church districts is for a single woman to keep her hair covered at all times until her marriage, at which time she will "let down her hair" for only her new husband to see. When I learned this, I thought it was so sweet and it moved me. The Bible says that the woman's hair is her glory (1 Cor 11), and the Amish believe that they should take care of their hair, but not be prideful of it. It is a very wonderful moment for newly-weds when the bride takes off her headcovering for her husband. It signifies her loyalty, love and respect for the man that God gave her to spend her life with. Some days, I choose not to cover my hair, but often I do. I want to ensure that I am presenting myself in a loving, decent way. And that's one way I do it. Other days, I let my hair be uncovered and there is no sin in that. Sometimes I like to add subtle makeup for important days, or even on regular days. I strongly believe it is important for men and women to appreciate their beauty, and to respect their bodies for what God made them to be and why. It is important to humble yourself as well and present yourselves as such.