How to Dress Modestly and Attractively (Girls)

Co-authored by Natalie Tincher and Emily Liu

Last Updated: October 29, 2021 References 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!

Method 1

Method 1 of 14:
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!
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Method 2

Method 2 of 14:
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 14:
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.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 14:
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!^{[4]
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- 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.

Method 5

Method 5 of 14:
Put on a sophisticated turtleneck.

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Turtlenecks are instant style boosts. 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.^{[5]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 14:
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.^{[6]
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- 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.

Method 7

Method 7 of 14:
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.^{[7]
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- Different sleeve styles cover different amounts of your arm, so you can choose the styles that suit you best!
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Method 8

Method 8 of 14:
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.^{[8]
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- For instance, you could wear chunky white sneakers with a maxi skirt.

Method 9

Method 9 of 14:
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.^{[9]
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- 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.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 14:
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.^{[10]
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- Try on a cute, floppy straw sun hat in the summer, or a cozy, colorful beanie in the fall!

Method 11

Method 11 of 14:
Add on hair accessories.

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This is an easy way to make your look even cuter! 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.^{[11]
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Method 12

Method 12 of 14:
Stay chic with sunglasses.

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You’ll look put together and stylish. 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!^{[12]
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Method 13

Method 13 of 14:
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.^{[13]
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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.
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Method 14

Method 14 of 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.^{[14]
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- Try out different styles⁠—maybe you’ll like a clutch or tote bag best, or even a mini backpack!

Community Q&A

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. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes 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.
Question

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. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes 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.
Question

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.
Question

What should I wear if I have skinny legs, but skinny jeans are too tight?

Community Answer

You don't have to wear skinny jeans! Normal jeans, nice track bottoms, and trousers are all fine. Long shorts and knee-length or lower dresses and skirts are also fine. If you want something to wear underneath a skirt, leggings or tights should be okay if the skirt isn't too short.
Question

I'm very thin and all the dresses I wear are loose and baggy on me. What can I do to fix this?

Community Answer

Try adding a belt at the waist. It will make you look like you have an hourglass figure and wont look as baggy.
Question

How should I dress nice/formally for a sacrament of reconciliation?

Community Answer

Wear a dress that is about knee length or longer and that has sleeves or two inch or longer straps with some nice flats/pumps/heels.
Question

How do I dress attractively if I'm a little fat?

Community Answer

You can accentuate your curves while still dressing modestly. Show your figure without showing skin. For example, you can get an empire waist dress or high waited jeans to make your waistline appear higher and thinner, or a tulip skirt to accentuate your hips. Get measured so you can buy a bra that fits you properly (and shape-wear, if you want it). A well fitted bra will help shape your figure, and it will make your clothes fit better.
Question

My boyfriend is really Christian, and he gets really uncomfortable if my shoulders or even my stomach is exposed. Should I take this seriously?

Community Answer

You should take it seriously as something that bothers him, but not as an indication that you're doing anything wrong--bare shoulders and stomach are perfectly acceptable in public. If you're comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, there's no reason to change your fashion due to his discomfort. That's his issue to deal with--if he can't appreciate your choices and the ways you express yourself but rather feels the need to control them because of his own religion and beliefs, then he needs to find someone whose beliefs (and wardrobe) more closely align with his own rather than trying to change you into someone "suitable" for him. Any insecurity he may feel about others looking at you is usually a reflection of how he views other women, which should definitely be taken seriously--as a red flag.
Question

How do I dress modestly at the gym?

KuroetheUnicorn

Top Answerer

You could wear a t-shirt (to stay cool, wear one specially made for working out) and leggings or sweatpants.
Question

Are cute cardigans modest?

Emily Liu

Community Answer

A cute cardigan provides great coverage and can definitely be modest! You could go with longer and thicker knit cardigans if you want to be extra safe while layering.