Part 2: Is Modesty The Most Attractive Style of All?

 

Photo by jeffjacobs1990, via Canva (originally from Pixabay) 

This article explores the spiritual and timeless principles of modesty and style. It is for educational and inspirational purposes and is not intended as a product claim.

Jesus' Focus on the Heart

While Jesus walked the earth, Scripture gives no physical description of Him.  The Old Testament portrays Him, in my opinion, as unremarkable –without the royal form or beauty we might expect of a king: 

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.” (Isaiah 53:2)

The New Testament centers on who Jesus is rather than what He looked like.  We read He has compassion toward the brokenhearted, authority in teaching and healing, and humility and obedience to the Father.  By not emphasizing His physical form, Scripture points us instead to His divine nature and the beauty of His Spirit.  In Matthew 11:29, Jesus tells us that He is “gentle and lowly in heart,” extending an invitation to receive rest for our souls– in other words, peace with God.  

The love within Him flowed outward in all He said and did.    

Our Hearts Matter Most to God

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

God looks upon one who is humbled by His Word, who recognizes their sin, and sincerely desires to make it right:   

“All these things my hand has made,
    and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
    he who is humble and contrite in spirit
    and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2-4)

Jesus' love was fully revealed when He died on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins so that we could be made right with God: 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The Beauty of Modesty in Scripture

The Bible speaks of modesty not as a restriction, but as a reflection of inner beauty anchored in humility and love for God:

"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works."  (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

At first glance, these verses may sound like a strict dress code. But they are really about being clothed with righteous behavior in Christ.  Read them again and notice the words: respectable, modesty, self-control, proper, godliness, and good works.  These describe godly character - offering a full and practical picture of how to adorn both heart and body in worship to Jesus.

Consider the opposite words: indecent, flashy, excessive, vulgar, ungodliness, and evil deeds.  The instruction here is to be respectable, not showy or provocative - in other words, to be decent and self-controlled.

If we truly tremble at God’s word, we won’t be focused on flaunting ourselves outwardly or neglecting the character God values most.  In the first century, women often displayed their wealth through elaborate hairstyles, weaving gold, pearls, and jewelry throughout their braids. 

By Jamie Heath (modified by Choliamb) - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

The Beauty of Modesty in Action

In Proverbs 31:25, the excellent woman is clothed not just in garments, but in her attributes:

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." 

The days to come may be difficult, but the excellent woman faces them with grace, composure, and confidence that the Lord will see her through.

In Christ, His gentle and lowly heart shapes our hearts to be like His own:

“Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:4)

The heart of modesty is being treasured in God's sight, not measured by the world's standards.  The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in His eyes.

While the passage in 1 Peter addresses wives, the principle applies broadly: a quiet spirit is a refuge - a place of calm and peace where others can find rest and comfort.  

Modesty is not harsh, loud, demanding or overbearing.  This type of spirit drives others away: 

"It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife."  (Proverbs 21:9)

Photo by Val Burger, via Canva (originally from Pexels)

Simple Ways to Be Modest and Stylish

Modesty doesn't mean sacrificing fashion altogether. Taken to the extreme, 1 Peter 3 might sound like we shouldn't wear any clothing – but of course, that's not the intent! 

With thoughtful choices, you can create outfits that are both captivating and refined, much like the Proverbs 31 woman described in verses 22-24: 

"She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple." 

By God's grace, she had access to beautiful, fine materials and rich colors - and even made linen garments to sell. 

Photo by Karola G, via Canva (originally from Pexels)

If you long to match your modest heart in Christ outwardly, here are a few simple ways to dress modestly while staying stylish:    

1. Tailored Silhouettes

• Midi or maxi skirts with a defined waist create balance and ease. 
• High-neck blouses in soft fabrics offer comfort and grace.  A blend of polyester or rayon with a touch of spandex often provides a soft, flowy look that's easy to care for.

2. Delicate Accessories

"Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels".  (Song of Solomon 1:10)

• Choose face-framing earrings - drops or small hoops - for subtle polish.
• Layered necklaces or a simple bracelet can add quiet sparkle without distraction.

3. Balanced Layers

• Pair a structured blazer with a flowing skirt. 
• Lightweight cardigans or shawls create movement while adding coverage.

4. Elevated Neutrals with a Pop of Color

• Soft neutrals—ivory, taupe, slate—exude quiet sophistication.
• Add a handbag or shoes in burgundy, emerald, or cobalt for a refined accent.

5. Makeup with Intention

• A soft matte lip, natural brows, and a light glow enhance features while keeping the look balanced.

6. Soft Hair 

• Gentle waves, natural curls, or simple braids are timeless and easy to maintain. 

Why Modesty Is So Attractive 

1.  Christlike Meekness: People see Christ in you: a humble servant who is gentle, gracious, and holy.  It's a different kind of radiance.

2.  Confidence: Dressing modestly shows that your worth isn’t defined by trends or approval, but by Christ.  

3. Timeless Appeal: Classic silhouettes and refined details never go out of style.  A modest wardrobe feels effortlessly graceful and enduring. 

The Takeaway

Is modesty the most attractive style of all?  Under God, yes. 

Modesty isn't about rules—it's about reflecting love, trust, and strength in the Lord. When a woman dresses with dignity, she commands respect and admiration in a way that is truly captivating.

In a world chasing fleeting trends and sensuality, the most attractive look may be the one that stands the test of time: modesty with quiet, eternal elegance.