How to Dress Modestly (for Teenage Girls)

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: October 3, 2022

So you want to look tasteful without displaying certain parts of your body? You also want to look conservative, but not like a nun. This tutorial will show you how to achieve a fashionable but modest look.

1

Choose looser clothes.

Don't wear things that are too tight. This includes spandex, and other stretchy materials. If you wear leggings make sure your underwear lines don't show and wear a longer shirt, tunic or dress on top. Remember to buy clothes that fit comfortably and don't purchase clothes that are too small.

2

Be aware of skirt and short length.

Know when shorts/skirts are too high. If you can't bend over at the hips without showing your underwear (check in your door mirror), it's too revealing and also consider wear some spandex under your skirt or dress to hide your underwear.

3

Wear higher waistline pants.

Watch the waistline on your jeans. It's not modest if you reach up to grab something at the grocery store and your jeans are so low-rise that we can see your lacy panties!

4

Make sure your shirt is not too short.

Sometimes it's easy not to notice this when you've grown in height; if you can reach all the way up without the shirt hem peeking up to show your midriff, you're golden.
- You can still be trendy, though. Try pairing a cropped top with high-waisted shorts or "mom jeans" to get more coverage while staying up-to-date with the current trends.

5

Buy clothes that fit well.

Wear things that have a fitted or tailored look. Your clothes should be about the same shape as you are, while not being clingy. This also makes you look older in a professional, college-age sort of way.

6

Try basic makeup.

There's no harm in trying it. It can hide flaws and just make you look polished. If you do try makeup, keep it simple at first. Some mascara, light eyeshadow blush and some gloss or Chapstick.

7

Wear camisoles.

Wear camisoles under transparent or low necked shirts. This will keep your bra from showing and will allow you to wear trendy clothes without revealing too much.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I tell if jeans are skinny?

Community Answer

Try looking at the bottoms of the legs of the jeans. If they hug tightly, they are skinny jeans.
Question

It keeps getting harder to find modest dresses and pants. What are your suggestions?

Graeme Matsuo

Community Answer

Learning to sew or looking at vintage options are both interesting and cost-effective ways to help with this.
Question

Everyone else is wearing slutty things and I don't want to be an outcast. What should I do?

Community Answer

If everyone else stuck their head in a fire, does that mean you should do the same? Try standing out by following your own instincts. Wear the clothes you feel good, secure and happy wearing. You might even start a trend with others who value your strength of purpose.

Warnings

Don't look down on others if they decide not to dress as modestly as you. This does not make them any less worthy of respect.

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