Explore Urban Modesty with Friends

Unique, Artistic, Comfortable, Feminine, Classy, Timeless, Simple and Elegant.

When I asked a variety of my friends, who are scattered throughout the United States, to define their style and why they dress the way that they do, these were just a few of the words that I received.

Modesty is more than just the outward appearance. And, I hope, that through these voices, you will get to see a glimpse into each of their hearts.
As a young girl, I would have loved to have read an article of many different voices coming together to shed light on the topic of modesty and the importance of it in a time and culture where this idea has slowly dissipated away.

Today, you will meet many different women who I admire and have great respect for. I echo each and every one of their words and am thankful for the time that they took to share each of their hearts with me.

This is Urban Modern Modesty.

Meet Lizzie Hill.

She stated that throughout her life, she has experimented with fashion, style and fads(which have come and gone), but her love for "the comfortable, colorful, twirly-dress, Disney-Princess-wannabe, artistic, hippie-born-several decades-out-of-time look" hasn't left her heart. After graduating from college and now entering the work force, she hopes to translate her "free spirit into a professional look that works for both business meetings and creative setting."

 Lizzie states, " However, the most fundamental aspect of my wardrobe that I consider before any fashion factors, due to scriptural principles found throughout the entirety of the Bible, is definitely modesty, as well as femininity. I've found that I can have fun with fashion while staying within certain guidelines that (hopefully) keep me looking modernly creative and classily respectable."

Meet Gabi Chavez.

"For me, being comfortable is the most important thing when picking out an outfit. Also, I like to try and stick with a neutral color pallet because then it's easier to transition into the seasons' latest fashion trends. Being modest in the way I dress shows people that I respect myself and don't settle for the worlds standards of how I'm 'supposed' to look."

Meet Lizzy Chavez.

"Modesty is important to me, so when it comes to skirts and dresses I automatically gravitate toward the A-line cuts and silhouettes. I like to mix classic staples with trendy pieces to keep my look simple yet unpredictable."

Meet Mary Chavez. 

She states, "From a young age I was taught and realized the importance of modesty, and the role it played in my walk with God. I dress modestly to display a separateness from what this world defines as trendy and beautiful. True beauty always comes from within, and is displayed by action, not skin. Once I realized how God sees true beauty, dressing modestly has become an enjoyable part of my lifestyle."

Dressing modestly is a part of her lifestyle. Our modest style echoes the life that we live for the One whom loves us more than we can imagine. It is a way to love Him in return and share to others that this body is not our own.

Meet Elycia Ruggiero.


"I love fashion and dress the way I do to be modest. And to me modesty is more than a fashion statement, it's a decision to dress in a God honoring and self respecting manner. Plus, modesty is always beautiful!"

Meet my Maryland friend, Destinee Coots.

She shared this quote with me from Shara McKee: "Modesty is... A wall to the uninvited, a guardian to what is protected, an invitation to the respectful, a statement of values to the unbeliever, a sense of dignity to the culture that wages war on our worth & a gift of honor to the ONE we represent." 

Meet V Reyes.

"My style is Vintage Bohemian. I don't think high fashion should have to be high priced or revealing to be appealing. I want to be an example of eye catching attire that instead of showcasing my body, (like most modern styles) showcases my uniqueness and femininity."

Meet Rachel Westerhoff.

"I never really considered style a part of my identity until I went to college, but back then it was more about attracting others than expressing myself. I had a major shift in my self-image when I reconnected with God and He helped to show me how I can be feminine and beautiful without needing to dress like a pop star. Now my style is…eclectic, I like comfortable, beautiful, different, versatile clothing that lets me feel like me."

Meet Mariah Chavez.

"God has called me to a much higher standard then to dress seductively. The way that I express myself in fashion, is an expression of my love for God, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Trendy or not, I am the Lord's ambassador and I want to represent Him well."

Meet Alysha Hodges.
"I get asked a lot why I wear skirts and to be honest, I love getting asked that question because it's a perfect opportunity to witness to someone about Jesus. I dress the way that I do, not because I have to, but because I choose to. Some people may think that being modest means that they can't dress cute, but that's far from true. You can still dress cute & be "trendy" while still being modest. For me, modesty is a part of my lifestyle and it always has been. I believe that women are more respected when they dress modestly. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:9 (NLT), "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves..." My father, Art Hodges III, always says, "Modesty is striving to publicly dress 'attractive' without being 'attracting', appearing 'classy' not 'trashy'." I couldn't agree more.

Meet Veronica Gonzales.

"Choosing to dress modestly and the way I do, in a time where popular culture practically yells at us to do otherwise, had everything to do with my relationship with God, other than religion or what some may call “church rules”. Growing up, I was a fashion crazy girl in a Pentecostal church with certain standards, but none of those standards really meant much or even made sense until I was deeply in love with my Creator and had a direct and true relationship with Him as well as an honest understanding of why I do what I do and why it's far more important to be set apart. 

This personal choice and understanding came in my late teens. I wanted people to know there was something different about me before even speaking or getting to know me. I wanted them to see God through me.  I know I'm not the only fashion crazy Pentecostal girl out there and it’s important to know that as young Godly women we don’t have to sacrifice our personal style to dress modestly in this modern culture. We can be just as in style as the next girl without having to conform to the things of this world."

13 and going on 18.
Meet Caymbria Brown.

"My style, I would say, is timeless, elegant and classic. I dress modestly because I respect my self and those around me. I also dress modestly because of Who I represent and belong to. I believe a woman can be lovely, beautiful, and modest too."

Meet Jennifer Malech.(That's me.)

"When I was young, I was told that I had to dress a certain way. I didn't quite understand the "why" part of what I did. In elementary school, I would tell my friends that it's because of my religion. At this age, I didn't quite understand,YET, the biblical principles to dressing modestly. It had to become a personal decision in my walk with God. After some self-searching, it became personal in my late teens and the answer to the question then changed.

So, then, why? Today, I choose to dress the way that I do to honor God. We are meant to be a light to this world and through the way that I dress, I (hope) to send a strong message to others that says 'I don't need to dress a certain way to be accepted by culture. I am already accepted by the King of Kings. I want to represent His temple well.' While the quiet and inward beauty of the heart is what truly matters, our outward appearance speaks to our values and one's inward beauty. When I dress modestly, I hope that people are able to see a glimpse of the One that I represent."

I am His and He is mine. Modesty is about the One whom we worship. The importance of modesty is seen throughout scripture, in both the way that we dress and act as we live our lives for God. 

Explore Urban Modesty,
Jen (and friends)

Thank you to each and every one of you who made this vision possible!