How to Dress Modestly and Attractively (Girls)

Co-authored by Natalie Tincher and Emily Liu

Last Updated: July 11, 2024 Approved

If you’ve recently decided to start dressing more modestly, you may feel a little lost about how to do so while still looking fashionable. Contrary to popular belief, though, "modest" and "fashionable" aren’t enemies! Decide what your standards of modesty are, and find trendy pieces that fit within those standards. Once you’ve established your personal guidelines, you’ll be able to start building an incredible wardrobe that’s perfect just for you!

1

Layer a cute cardigan on top.

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Make your outfit extra cute with a cardigan. Cardigans are great for any kind of season and setting, and you can wear them over dresses, skirts, and pants⁠—whatever suits you! They also come in a variety of colors, lengths, and materials, making them super easy to customize for your outfit. ^{[1]
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- A thigh or knee-length chunky cardigan can keep you warm in the winter⁠, and a short-sleeve cardigan over a floral skirt could be perfect for spring.
- You could layer a black cardigan over a dress for a formal event, or choose a fun, colorful patterned cardigan to wear with your favorite jeans.
- Outerwear is versatile in general for layering, covering up, and making your outfit more chic, so stock up on cute pieces⁠ like shawls, leather jackets, sweaters, blazers, and more⁠!

2

Go for midi and maxi skirts.

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Midi and maxi skirts and dresses are super stylish and elegant. If you don’t want to show too much of your legs, shopping by hem length and choosing longer styles is a great way to achieve the look you want and be fashionable at the same time. You can easily dress them up or down and choose the right materials for different seasons. ^{[2]
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- For instance, you could dress down your skirt by wearing a graphic tee as a top.

3

Try on an A-line dress.

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The A-line cut is universally flattering. It brings your waist out and then flares out, giving you a feminine shape. They’re not super difficult to find, so you can easily customize and keep it modest while still looking great and elegant in this silhouette. ^{[3]
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- For instance, you could pick out an A-line dress with a floral pattern and long sleeves.
- You could also cinch in your waist with a chic belt.

4

Throw on leggings under skirts and dresses.

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Leggings help you cover up and add extra style to an outfit. If your legs are cold or you don’t want to show skin while wearing a skirt or dress, leggings provide the perfect way to stay while giving you another route to bring out your personal style with colors and patterns. They can go with pretty much any length or style of skirt!
- Avoid wearing leggings alone, as this can be seen as too tight and immodest.
- Tights or pantyhose definitely work for leg coverage, too, but they can be uncomfortable or made of sheer material.

5

Put on a sophisticated turtleneck.

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Elegant and versatile, turtlenecks keep you warm and covered in colder weather⁠, and are also super comfortable. You don’t have to create an elaborate outfit⁠—just pair them with jeans or a skirt or even overalls to create a simple but chic ensemble. ^{[4]
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6

Cover your neckline with camisoles or tank tops.

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Make a top more modest by layering a camisole or tank top underneath! There’s no need to fear V-necks or other low-cut necklines if you really love a piece, since adding an undershirt layer can help cover cleavage and hide other revealing areas.
- You can choose tank tops with colors or patterns for an extra style boost.
- A camisole with feminine lace detailing at the neck can easily add elegance to your look.

7

Play with sleeve styles.

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You can easily mix up a basic t-shirt or long sleeve with a fashionable sleeve. Choosing a fashion-forward sleeve is a great way to stay modest and covered up while also looking trendy: many sleeve styles provide skin coverage and add flair at the same time; for instance, look for short-sleeve tops with cap or puff sleeves, or long-sleeve tops with kimono, lantern, or bell sleeves. ^{[5]
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- Different sleeve styles cover different amounts of your arm, so you can choose the styles that suit you best!

8

Pair your look with kitten heels or flats.

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Stick with classy shoes over sexy ones! Mind your heel height; thin, extremely high heels can be associated with sexiness, so consider varieties like kitten heels or low heel pumps to keep up a modest appearance. If you want to go more casual, a cute pair of sneakers or boots can also be a stylish and versatile addition to your outfit. ^{[6]
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- For instance, you could wear chunky white sneakers with a maxi skirt.

9

Wrap on a trendy scarf.

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Scarves can add an extra boost of style. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and looks, meaning that you can customize the look however you want. They also have the added benefit of covering more skin at the base of your neck and top of your chest.
- If you have a larger bust, scarves can cover revealing areas and allow you to wear more pieces.
- You can wear scarves year-round⁠—just pick out lighter materials in hotter weather.

10

Pick out a cute hat.

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A fashionable hat instantly brings flair to your outfit. Pick from a broad range of fashionable styles, from sun hats to berets to bucket hats, and more! Look for one that suits the shape of your face and your personal taste. ^{[7]
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- Try on a cute, floppy straw sun hat in the summer, or a cozy, colorful beanie in the fall!

11

Add on hair accessories.

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Your options range from headbands to clips to pins to scrunchies. There are tons of styles to pick from, too⁠—you could go more classic with something pearl-studded, or pick out a chunky statement piece.

12

Stay chic with sunglasses.

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Sunglasses can do a great job elevating your outfit and they only take a second to throw on. They come in lots of styles⁠, like aviators or cat-eyes⁠⁠—so pick out a pair that matches your top or dress, or find a staple that works for pretty much any look!

13

Accessorize with jewelry.

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The right jewelry can really accent your look. Try wearing pieces that will match your wardrobe best⁠—for instance, bring in a bright yellow or red if your clothes tend to be dark and muted⁠—or pick out a versatile silver or gold necklace that goes with many of your cardigans and dresses. ^{[8]
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- If you want to keep your jewelry understated or you’re not sure where to start, try wearing one key piece at a time first and seeing how it looks before adding on more. In time, you can work up to coordinating multiple pieces at once!
- You could opt for a more fun and colorful look, like wearing colorful bracelets and chunky earrings. Or you could try an elegant look with a classic pearl necklace and delicate gold studs.

14

Complete your look with a fashionable bag.

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Handbags can be the perfect finishing touch for your outfit. You can go with something classic and versatile, like a leather bag in a neutral color, or mix things up with a large shoulder bag or patterned clutch. ^{[9]
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- Try out different styles⁠—maybe you’ll like a clutch or tote bag best, or even a mini backpack!

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Question

How can you look modern and modest?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. Since 2010, Natalie has specialized in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

Some popular fashion trends are long-sleeve maxi dresses; wearing T-shirts under slip dresses; turtlenecks; high-neck, long-sleeve blouses; midi-skirts; oversized button-down shirts; one-piece swimsuits, and knee-length walking shorts.

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Can you dress modestly even if you're not religious?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. Since 2010, Natalie has specialized in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes! Modest fashion has become more prevalent and widespread in recent years. While modest style was generally associated with specific religious requirements in the past, it has now moved into the mainstream.

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Why should I avoid halter tops and backless garments?

Community Answer

If you dress modestly, you should try to cover plenty of skin. Halter tops and backless garments also tend to be associated with sexiness, which isn't the look you want to achieve if you are trying to dress modestly.

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Tips

Try your clothes on in front of a full-length mirror. Bend over, sit down, jump, and wave your arms around. Make sure your clothes look the way you want no matter how you move.

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Don’t throw out old clothes just because they seem immodest. Look for ways to reuse them by layering, or donate them to second-hand stores so someone else can use them.

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If you’re looking for ways to get inspired, check out sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Youtube⁠, which contain tons of outfit ideas and fashion advice! You could even ask your mother for input⁠—she might have great ideas about timeless styles.

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If you have any doubts about how modest an article of clothing is when you're buying it, try to think of the pros and cons. If there's more negative things about it than good things, it's probably best not to get it.
If your straps are a little too thin on your favorite dress or top, consider wearing a short or long sleeve shirt in a complementing color underneath.

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How to Dress Modestly and Attractively (Girls)

Steps

Layer a cute cardigan on top.

Go for midi and maxi skirts.

Try on an A-line dress.

Throw on leggings under skirts and dresses.

Put on a sophisticated turtleneck.

Cover your neckline with camisoles or tank tops.

Play with sleeve styles.

Pair your look with kitten heels or flats.

Wrap on a trendy scarf.

Pick out a cute hat.

Add on hair accessories.

Stay chic with sunglasses.

Accessorize with jewelry.

Complete your look with a fashionable bag.

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