There's something to be said about the power women find in the clothes they are wearing. It's hard to replace the feeling a pair heels clicking against hardwood floors, or the confidence that can be found in the perfect outfit.
In that same term, another set of clothing women have lay claim to is the bikini. It's considered empowering for women, helping them to lay claim to their own bodies and their beauty. Society has displayed the bikini as something empowering and beautiful for women, while they couldn't be more wrong.
In a study done by Princeton University released in 2009, researchers discovered that when men perceived women dressed in less and less coverage, the more these women were perceived as objects instead of people.
Which, is of course, disheartening. How do we as women win in this situation? We are modern women, we have the right to feel beautiful and desirable without giving up the right to be seen as a person. So, what do we have to give up?
In truth, nothing. We don't have give up anything in return for bring perceived as person worthy of respect. Blouse seems a little low cut? Throw on a scarf. Shorts a little too short, that one's a little tricky, maybe you should buy ones that are a little longer.
All around, the concept of modesty isn't the most popular one around. However, the concept of respect has a nice ring to it. Don't think about it as dressing modestly, think of it as dressing respectfully. Or perhaps an even better goal could be classy.
Without beating a dead horse, I would like to recall the old concept of our bodies being a temple. Dress like it, and be amazed at the way people will receive you.
The positive attention I've received while dressed in a classy, more appropriate manner is some of my favorite compliments I've ever received. I'm still my tattooed, pierced, and feminist self, all while dressed like a lady.
Modest is hottest, and classy...well, that is just the icing on the cake.
Totus tuus,
LeAnn
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