Embracing Modesty, No. 2
Knowing what looks good on you is important no matter what your size. But when you’re a bigger gal and you choose to only wear longer dresses, you don’t show your cleavage or your upper arms or your curves….finding things to look good in can be monumental!
I like to start with a basic foundation. I wear skirts in solid colors and t-shirts that match. White, gray, brown and black are my main sets. Anytime I find a plain skirt or top that fits me nicely I buy it if I can. That way I can always put together something to wear that I feel pretty in. But to be clear, it doesn’t happen very often. I only have about 6 skirts not counting my really dressy ones.
Next weekend at the Homeschool Moms’ Winter Summit I will be wearing my brown and my black.
Brown Skirt-Dillard’s, Brown Shirt-Target, Black Skirt-Cato, Black Shirt-Cato
Once you have your foundation pieces, you can add whatever tops, jackets, vest, jewelry, etc. that you like. Pick up simple things that fit your style, or you can make them!
One of my favorite shirts to wear over my brown set is this teal linen top. I love the ruffles on the sleeves and how the hem is longer in the back. It’s one of those things that I tried on one day when I had a little extra time in town. I loved how it looked on me so I splurged. It’s the only thing in this post that I paid more than $20 for, but I’ve had it for a couple of years and never regretted buying it.
Teal Shirt-Dillards, Scarf-I made with a piece of lace, Pin-I made it also (it’s my monogram)
This next outfit is a cute jacket over my black skirt and top. I got the jacket at Target, then I added some vintage buttons. Now I have an original jacket for under $20.
Jacket-Target, Pins-anthropologie, Scarf-gift from a friend
Target is one of those places that is good to check often and dig through their clearance. Occasionally you find a cute piece at a good price. But be sure to try it on! Bigger gals definitely need to check the fit, but even my tiny teens often find that Target’s clothes are too tight fitting for our taste.
Oh, and I monogrammed the back of the jacket. It brings me joy to have a monogram on me as much as possible.
If you struggle with your body and finding clothes that look good, I hope you will try this. You will see throughout this series that most of my outfits have these basic pieces underneath, yet each outfit looks unique.
And if you will be at the Homeschool Moms’ Winter Summit next weekend, look for my monograms….I’d love to meet you!
And don’t worry, I will move that ridiculous trash can before I take any more pictures. NOT the thing you want to be standing next to when you’re trying to look pretty.
Check out the rest of this series in our Embracing Modesty Gallery!
Follow me on Instagram for daily updates of what we’re wearing!
Beautiful Lisa!
I do struggle with this but like your helpful tips! I am a plus sized and short woman and wear mostly skirts too! Tops are a struggle for me – to find without being too low-cut.
I have been learning about accessorizing this year and it makes a huge difference!
You look great!
Deanna, it is really hard to find tops that are not low cut. We wear a lot of tanks under tops. We will be talking a lot more about accessories in the series. Thanks! Lisa~
I am a fashion disaster. I’m 6 foot tall and don’t feel like anything fits me right. It’s hot here 88.9% of the year so I pretty much live in tank tops and shorts. I’m definitely stuck in a rut. I love how you took something ordinary and totally jazzed it up by layering and accessories. I must learn from you. *wink*
Kim, I completely understand the heat problem. Here in Texas where we have such unbearable hot summers we have to be creative about coming up with things to wear. We will be sharing more about that as it gets warmer here.
Your last comment got me gigging. You’re so funny! Lisa~
As usual you give me great ideas. I am a plus size gal and short and struggle with finding long skirts that don’t make me look frumpy so I usually wear ones a few inches past the knee. I loved your idea of wearing monochromatic as a base and going from there. Love that! Thanks for this great series! What about shoes? Do you have a hard time wearing shoes that look great with a skirt, but functional for working. I have terrible time with shoes. I have rods and pins in my back and everythings hurts my back and my feet well……that is another long story. Any tips for shoes? Thanks again!
Donna, the key is finding the length that looks best on you. We are definitely going to talk more about that in this series. And shoes….I have whole posts planned for shoes. I have many of the same problems you have (no rods in my back, but foot problems). Hang with me, we’re going to get there. Lisa~
Try Clarks on QVC, they have more sizes and widths than in retail stores. Their “unstructured” series are especially comfortable. I’ve taught first grade in them for many years, while struggling with pins in hip, fused discs, etc. Best wishes! Debbie GSP
Great ideas. I love the teal top. The ruffles make it. Also, your poses are awesome!=)
Barefoot, I couldn’t stop laughing. The daughter that was taking my pictures was mimicking my poses and cracking me up. LOL!
OK, Erma, you’re looking pretty stunning girl! Don’t look now: Someone monogrammed your back(side). Don’t break your neck looking at your cuteness back there.
You go, girl!
Dear Kelley, but how am I supposed to embrace all of my cuteness if I can’t break my neck over it? Love, Monogrammed in Texas 😉
Thank you for the advice! I am loving this series. I do wear pants, but I still dress modestly and love these tips! I really just wanted to tell you that your hair looks SO cute in these pictures!
I must agree… This is a great messy look for you.
You look so pretty I didn’t even notice the trash can! I love your hair wavy- it’s so youthful and fun. You are right about Target. Their stuff does run snugly quite often. Try it on and try a bigger size. Love, love, love the monogram!
I must be so boring because I usually start with what you had for a foundation(but with jeans) and stop there. Sigh. I must really try a little harder.
I love this post! I have a hard time finding cute stuff to wear. Actually, my hubby is better at picking things out for me. I usually buy a piece I like and then don’t have anything that works with it once I get home. I’m getting a little better as I get older. But this post is still helpful:) You look gorgeous!
I really appreciate your modesty!
I only wear skirts/dresses and I’m pretty modest with my clothes as well. Thankfully maxi skirts and dresses are the style recently because even though I love knee length skirts, the ankle length make it easier to get on the floor with my 2-year old!
Thanks for sharing!
Ha, I had to scroll back up and look for the trash can, because I was too busy looking at that great black and teal outfit! I agree with the other commenters about your hair looking good that way too!
Lisa, I love this! I saw a long black skirt at Target yesterday and thought of you and the girls…towards the back, almost to maternity. It had sort of a heavier than tee fabric but not sweatshirt and could be hemmed – it was a “maxi” skirt.
Take care!
Bev
I love that last outfit! That scarf looks great on you & I love the jacket too! You’re such a pretty lady Lisa!
Lisa,
Thank-you for this post. I have been fighting my plus size since my sixth child was born. Well I have been fighting my clothes whatever size I have or happened to be. I too love modest clothes and I really love long skirts. I have been off on and on with skirts afraid they would be frumpy looking(, but wear them anyways). Your examples are so cute! I am looking forward to more of your great ideas. I have been a follower for sometime as a home school mom. I have one girl out of the six kids and she just turned 7 years old. She is not on board about modest-style clothing and is more influenced by friends etc. We are a Catholic family and I share all the ideas you post about clothing rules. She has to wear what I buy or make, but she will hide things (like skirts). How can I get my daughter to see modesty as a beautiful thing when there are so many worldly ideas fighting against it? God’s Blessing , Melissa
a monogrammed jacket? why did I not think of that? I think you are doing a great job of staying in your comfort zone of how you want to dress but still being stylish. it’s not an easy task!
Loving the series. I’m a shorter, rounder gal and find long skirts make me look squat, not attractive, so i’ve been living in slacks or jeans and long sleeve Ts. I do find that Old Navy tank tops tucked in work beautifully under T shirts and other things to cover the chest, bra straps AND keep the gap in the back from flashing skin or underwear. I am taking some inspiration from your daughters and will look into skirt styles that are flattering and modest and maybe even try some creativity. Thanks for the series!
I love that jacket. I love this whole series. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much for putting on this series! Flowy skirts and blouses really look good on your figure.