On Sunday I managed to get ready for church in 15 minutes or so, but somehow I managed to throw together an outfit that left me feeling sassy and cute.
Until I got home, and then I started to second guess myself. Unlike fashionista Tiffany of I am Style-ish I have no confidence in my ability to combine pieces to make a stylish wardrobe, but would really like to get there someday.
Would you be willing to give me some feedback on what I came up with? Am I headed in the right direction? Is this the wrong look for my body type? Do I just need a different top? Do my breasts look really weird to anyone else? (A new bra perhaps?)
Remember I do have limitations surrounding what I can wear. This top represents the most neck/shoulders/arm I can show, and the skirt is the shortest I can wear. The top is by DownEast, the skirt is from Nordstrom about 5 years ago, the belt is from an Ann Taylor dress I wear to shoot weddings in, and the shoes are the most comfortable peep toes ever made by Sofft.
Yes? No? Maybe with improvements?
That Husband always laughs at the faces I make while doing these photos (I have to take at least 50 to get one or two that I’m willing to put on the blog!). I call them “Myspace Facial Expressions”.
I’ve been thinking it might be fun to do a “Fashionably Modest” series, where people send in their outfits with sleeves, necklines without cleavage, shorts/skirts that come within an inch of the knee (or are longer), bathing suits (I can’t wait to show you the one I bought!), etc. Would anyone be interested in reading something like this? Or contributing?
June 30th, 2009 on 12:23 am
I think it’s a winner! You look adorable!
I for one, would like to hear more about being “fashionably modest”-sounds like a great topic to me.
Thank goodness we are out of the low-slung jean/belly button baring phase fashion wise.
And what lens is that on your camera (if you don’t mind sharing?)
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June 30th, 2009 on 12:46 am
i think it’s great! looove that skirt.
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:23 am
Sounds like a great series! I don’t have much fashion sense, so I don’t think I will be contributing, but I am all about modest dressing!
And I like your outfit!
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:36 am
totally works. and funny enough, i wore an outfit JUST LIKE IT on saturday. skirt. belt. t-shirt.
in order to make it a little more exciting, try putting wearing a big black bead necklace (or just a necklace)… and if you are going for an even trendier look, pull up that skirt so it hits your waistline a little higher…. but you look fabulous.
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June 30th, 2009 on 6:33 am
I like it!
And I would like to see the fashionably modest! I work in an office where I am barely comfortable wearing anything that shows my arms so any ideas would be great!
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:23 am
You look great! The one thing you could do (and it’s optional) is what @Amanda said… wear a black beaded necklace (on the longer side). It would balance the black out. It looks fine and stylish as-is, though.
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:27 am
I think your outfit is very cute. You look great.
I would love to read a modest series. I tend to be a modest dresser and sometimes have trouble finding outfits that are modest and still stylish.
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:28 am
I think you look very cute!
And I am all about your idea for a fashionably modest series. It would be great for all women (even non-LDS) because a lot of times you need to be modest for the office as well. Bonus points if they include where they bought it
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:34 am
Love the outfit!! I would probably add a fun necklace though.
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:35 am
I think the modest outfit series would be a great idea! It would really help me pick out summer outfits that are appropriate for work.
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:44 am
You look really cute, Jenna!
To really push the outfit over the top, I would suggest a wider belt and some sort of chunky necklace. Ooo, and maybe when it gets cooler, you could wear it with a thin boyfriend cardigan. So cute!
I would loooove to contribute to a fashionably modest series. I’m not LDS, but I don’t like to look like a floozy.
I think it’d be really fun!
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:50 am
I think you definitely hit the mark on sassy. I think you look great. And while I don’t always dress modestly, I would still love to see a series like “Fashionably Modest.” Also, I think you have more fashion sense than you give yourself credit for. I’ve always thought you looked very cute in all the pictures of yourself you’ve posted.
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:54 am
That outfit is really cute! I think a “Fashionably Modest” series would be so fun! I think over the years I’ve gotten better at dressing for church and picking out clothes that make me comfortable, but I always like to see new ideas and how others manage to be both modest and fashionable
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:18 am
I agree with most of the others. I love the pop of color that the blouse gives to the outfit. But something around the waist is lacking for me. As some suggested a wider belt may help. Or perhaps untuck the top? I personally hate tucking things in! It makes me feel a bit claustrophobic. But I’m weird like that.
I would love to read/participate in a modest clothing series. It’s funny now that I’m older I find myself straying away from short skirts and low cut tops. I just feel so much classier. Either that or I’m turning into a grandma before I’m 30.
P
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:23 am
I like the outfit and agree with the commenters who suggest a chunky black necklace.
I agree that you might need a more supportive bra. Maybe you could get your bra size checked at a bra store or somewhere like Nordstroms? (Not Victoria’s Secret, most of the salespeople are short termers and don’t really know how to measure correctly.) Remember that your breasts change size any time you gain or lose weight or go on/off birth control.
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:23 am
I think it’s cute! But I wear scrubs to work every day, so I have pretty much zero style.
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:34 am
Jenna:
This outfit is super cute! I wear stuff like this all the time! The only thing I might add are a beaded necklace. Alternatively, you could invest in a jacket (like a black blazer) that you could wear over it (which helps with modesty issues), but obviously that is not be an option now in the Texas heat!
I agree with other posters, I think you need a better bra. Nordstrom is super helpful when it comes to being busty.
I would definitely be game for a fashionably modest series, because while I am not mormon, modesty really is the best policy at work.
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:47 am
I think outfit is a good look for you-A-line skirts are everyone’s friend! As for the bra, well, I’m kind of a busty girl myself (I showed off styles that fit my chest on The Today Show here: http://shenaniganist.wordpress.com/2009/05/20/the-today-show-recap/) so I know how hard it is to find the perfect bra!
If you did a series like that, I would totally be interested in contributing (and with less cleavage than my Today Show outfit!!)
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:55 am
I love the look! You look confident and the shirt gives the outfit a great pop of color!
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:58 am
My sister does this kind of thing: http://picasaweb.google.com/amerricka72/WhatIMWearing#
On the occasional days she doesn’t update, I am frantically refreshing the page ALL day long.
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June 30th, 2009 on 9:00 am
I’d certainly be interested in a Fashionably Modest series. I’ve never liked to put it all out there but at the same time, it can be difficult to find fashionably modest clothing.
By the by, I agree with previous posters, the only thing I would change is to add a necklace and/or blazer. It’s a great outfit without them though too. And I love the sofft brand of shoes.
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June 30th, 2009 on 9:01 am
I think this looks great. I agree with commenter that mentioned a necklace- this outfit would look perfect with one.
I am ALL FOR the modestly dressing series. I do wear tank tops and shorts in the summer though, so I am not sure I’d be able to participate.
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June 30th, 2009 on 9:04 am
Fashion-do indeed! You can never go wrong with that color combination or those pieces. An A-line skirt and fitted top are effortlessly stylish. I agree that a bold necklace would only enhance it more. The best part is your confidence in it.
The series is a great idea as well. And I think an important aspect is price as well. Affordability in these times is very important for many women.
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June 30th, 2009 on 9:17 am
You did well. There are just a few minor things with this outfit. Overall, the shape is good for you. You did a good job of selecting a classic color to compliment a striking pattern. My initial observation was that the skirt has a dropped waist - note the band below the waist. A dropped waist is very flattering on us curvy girls, so good work there. Your desire to add accesories is good, as that really shows thought and polish. However, in this particular case, I think a necklace or some earrings would have been a slightly better compliment. And, I say that only because there’s a visual break beneath the band on the skirt as is, which highlights your shape. The addition of the belt, in a sense doubles that visual attention. And, in this case, it sort of confuses the eye. A drop waist can elongate your figure, and the seam under the skirt band emphasized that. The belt in this case adds another break, and what you focus on in the picture (other thank your lovely face) is the space between the belt and the white seam.
I’m not LDS, so I might not always hit the mark exactly when it comes to picking out clothes that follow your standards. But, I’d be willing to give it a shot. Are there guidelines with regard to shoes? A slightly taller heel creates more balence with a skirt of this length.
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June 30th, 2009 on 9:19 am
I go a bit shorter in the sleeves than you would, and probably also in shorts, but yeah, I would like to see and maybe participate in a Fashionably Modest series… although at this point I’m kind of going with modest and comfortable because I’m in the weird not fitting in normal clothes/can’t justify maternity clothes yet stage.
As to the outfit, cute! Looks like what I wear to church. I think a lot of the breast-weirdness might be coming from the angle and lighting of a few of those pictures, at least on this end. Because it’s more shadowed and at an angle, the curvature of your right breast is disappearing. I’d recommend better bra (I always go for the smooth padded ones now, best for clingy shirts) and if you’re ever in doubt about them looking weird on a certain days, go for a necklace or a scarf like other readers said, to give another focal point, or switch out the shirt for one that is a little softer cut/less clingy. On weird boob days, clingy shirts can make the best set of girls look a little shelfy/weird.
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June 30th, 2009 on 10:17 am
Jenna I think you look fantastic! I really like that outfit!
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June 30th, 2009 on 10:24 am
I think it’s way cute! And I love that idea, I would contribute! I LOVE my swim suits, but Cory might be appalled at that idea…:)
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June 30th, 2009 on 10:45 am
I like that skirt. Very cute.
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June 30th, 2009 on 12:04 pm
Great idea for a series…although some of us don’t have requirements about what we can wear- we should. The older I get the longer the skirts, the higher the neck lines get!
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June 30th, 2009 on 12:10 pm
Love the outfit! I’m a jewelry kind of person, so I personally would add a necklace of sorts, but it’s something that I would wear!
I would love to see a series on modest fashion! I teach, so I’m always super aware of where my skirts fall and where my shirt is. Camis with high necklines are my friends
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June 30th, 2009 on 12:18 pm
I’m not LDS, but the paramaters you gave sound like most of what I wear, so I’d love to see some “fashionably modest” styles, especially the swimsuits.
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June 30th, 2009 on 1:22 pm
Very cute! I was just watching this and if you don’t think you’re stylish, check out the chick at the one minute mark:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1913584
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June 30th, 2009 on 1:23 pm
I think you look great!!! Love the red with the b&w! And love the idea of a series!!
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June 30th, 2009 on 1:31 pm
you’re adorable jen. I TOTALLY sold you that skirt when i worked at Nordies…i remember you coming in there with your mom and shay, so funny!
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June 30th, 2009 on 1:56 pm
I can’t see the pics at work but I”m certain you look adorable! I would LOVE to read a series about cute, appropriate outfits for the stylish young woman. Great idea!
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:08 pm
I think you look very sassy cute! Something about the shoes makes your legs look a bit short in the first shot. Maybe more of an open sandal? Lovin the skirt!
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:16 pm
How do you like your Sofft shoes? I heard they are for wide feet and I have very wide feet. I love the outfit. Your hair would look really pretty swept into a low side pony tails with loose curls.
I think the idea sounds great. I am not LDS but because of my job I have to dress a certain way at least at work.
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Emmie Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Oh and if you ever do fashionably modest work clothes I would love to add!
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:24 pm
I would absolutely love a fashionable modest series! I’m not LDS, but my church has much of the same parameters as far as modesty goes, in fact, I think they (my church) would be happier if the sleeves were even a little longer than that!
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:26 pm
I think a fashionably modest series is a great idea! I’m not LDS but I like dressing modestly and fashionably for work and church, and I’m just a modest dresser in general.
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:35 pm
I think it’s a great idea. I’m not very fashion savy at all, and I must admit, I’m a boob girl, so most outfits show cleave. But I’d love to see what others do.
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June 30th, 2009 on 2:45 pm
I think it looks so cute on you! Great job!
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June 30th, 2009 on 3:23 pm
I agree on the black chunky necklace but still think it’s a cute outfit. While I do wear tanktops and the such outside the office, I would meet all the modesty guidelines in the office (and especially when I have to do plant visits where we are forbidden to wear skirts for safety reasons) so I’d be all in favor of a Fashionably Modest series and would really love it if they included source & pricing!
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June 30th, 2009 on 3:29 pm
I’d also love a fashionably modest series — I tend to get stuck in a fashion rut and never try anything new. This outfit is adorable on you!
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June 30th, 2009 on 3:36 pm
Very chic! Two thumbs up!
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June 30th, 2009 on 4:30 pm
I think you look awesome…and always do! I also LOVE your photography!!!!
I hope you are having a blast in Houston.
Live it up …..
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June 30th, 2009 on 5:07 pm
I think this is a really nice outfit - classic but cute. The only thing I would consider is a wider belt, but that’s totally not an essential to make this cute. I am actually searching for that sort of skirt in numerous colours for next summer.
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June 30th, 2009 on 5:07 pm
P.S. A fashionably modest series sounds great. Whilst I don’t have any restrictions on what I wear ther than what suits me, I dress pretty modestly most of the time, and would love some inspiration.
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June 30th, 2009 on 5:35 pm
Cute outfit! Very sassy and stylish. I think your boobs look fine - it’s just that awkward angle in the first shot making them look a little funny. But your outfit looks just like something my oh-so-stylish NYC wears - straight out of Vogue
I’m also not LDS, but would LOVE a modest fashion series… just a personal preference and a hubby who’s old school - a little bit of leg = much sexier than leg up to you-know-where. And as a plus, people tend to respect your brain more when they don’t have to concentrate on your boobs in their face!
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Laur Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
*should read “my oh-so-stylish NYC *friend* wears”
oops!
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June 30th, 2009 on 6:07 pm
Cute! Reminds me of an outfit I’d find at Ann Taylor or something.
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June 30th, 2009 on 6:31 pm
you are too kind to me Jenna. thanks for the mention
you are stylish! I think you always look great. But since you asked, here’s what I would change: I love the skirt and the shoes but I would pair it with a different top. I think a cute white short sleeve button down, tucked in with a wide red belt would be super cute.
Being a small asian girl with big boobs, I get a lot of wrong attention if I don’t dress modestly so it’s always on my mind, especially at work. of course I didn’t mind it when I was in my early 20′s but once I graduated and started working and people would ask me if my boobs were fake was when I was like OK, time to change the way I dress. You probably dress more modestly than I do, but I would love to contribute as well
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June 30th, 2009 on 7:52 pm
For 15 minutes, that’s pretty darn cute. I have a battle with my closet almost every Sunday (um, and most other days of the week too) so I’d love to see the series!
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June 30th, 2009 on 8:46 pm
Love your outfit…it looks great on you! I would love to see a Fashionably Modest series and would totally contribute! I’m a teacher so I cover up but I love clothes and coordinating outfits…I’m a true girly girly!
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June 30th, 2009 on 9:50 pm
Definitely a cute outfit! One of my friends just turned me on to DownEast, and I am obsessed! Everything there is adorable. And their sales! Shade Clothing also has cute, affordable and modest stuff.
And I think you always look stylish in your pictures. I had a feeling of what you’d be wearing when i started to scroll down, I think (from what you show on here) you’ve developed a style of your own and it’s pretty timeless.
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July 1st, 2009 on 1:46 am
I think it’s a great outfit! I just love that skirt.
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July 1st, 2009 on 7:18 am
I just happened to stumble across your site and this post…I would love a some fashionably modest posts and I would love to contribute
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July 1st, 2009 on 9:09 am
I love the skirt/belt combo, but I would try it with a button down shirt or something with a little more structure or a heavier knit. Maybe something like this - http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=19978&Nty=1&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_273&N=1200057&pCategoryId=270&categoryId=273&loc=RN&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Ruby%20Grapefruit&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
I would very much like a fashionably modest series - I’m not bound to modesty, but I work in a business casual (and very cold!) office and can’t comfortably show too much skin.
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July 1st, 2009 on 11:50 am
I love it. As others suggested, I’d add a chunky black beaded necklace to it. Maybe even a bracelet if you have one.
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July 1st, 2009 on 5:25 pm
I think you are cute!
And I would love to participate in ‘fashionably modest.’
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July 1st, 2009 on 7:52 pm
I would love to contribute — I’ve been working on my tumblr blog for posting what I wear everyday, mostly just to make sure I keep it classy. I need to learn to take better self portraits though!
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July 2nd, 2009 on 11:20 am
Oh! Yes! Please do a fashionably modest post!!! I would totally contribute!!! I wear pants a lot but when I wear skirts/dresses they are never shorter/higher than knee length….I would love to see other peoples contributions!!! Modesty is beauty!!! Sexy is keeping some things private!!! And I don’t care to see anyone’s belly button (except maybe hubby’s, our future kids etc).
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July 2nd, 2009 on 7:12 pm
liking the outfit, and the suggestions of a bulky necklace and/or wider belt!
And, I’d love to see a modesty-themed photo post.
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July 6th, 2009 on 11:13 am
Those are both great pieces, but not together. The black and pink are both a little too saturated. It divides your body into two big blocks of bold color and makes you look a little stumpy.
Next time, change out one of the pieces for one with a less intense color. Or try a higher heel to make you look taller and balance out the effect.
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