From Crop Tops to Cover Ups

We can all look back a decade ago at our 14-year-old selves, cringing at our outfit choices. The clashing colors, overly tight jeans, and questionable hairstyles still make us wince. This experience transcends generations—most of us outgrow our teenage style choices and later look back with a mix of regret and amusement.

Somewhere around our mid-twenties—often post-college for many—something changes. We start reevaluating our fashion preferences and realize that “revealing it all” might no longer align with how we want to present ourselves. That skin-tight, cropped “going-out top” paired with a mini skirt just doesn’t feel right anymore. Instead, we opt for shirts with a bit more length when wearing leggings, add a safety pin or an undershirt if a top feels too low-cut, or trade a too-short skirt for something more modest. This shift isn’t typically a deliberate decision; it’s more like a switch that flips in our minds. Over time, we feel prettier and more confident when we dress more modestly.

This realization can be difficult because society often promotes the idea that “you can wear anything you want as long as you feel beautiful.” Whether it’s nipple pasties or booty shorts, the narrative says it’s all fair game—and if people stare, that’s their problem, not yours. But where’s the balance? How can we express ourselves and stay fashionable without pushing the boundaries of modesty?

Personally, I like to follow a few simple rules to strike that balance. It’s not about being overly strict or judgmental; it’s about setting boundaries that make me feel comfortable. One common rule revolves around the three areas of concern when dressing modestly: cleavage, legs, and midriff. The concept is straightforward—if you’re showcasing one area, keep the others covered. And if showing even one feels too much for you, that’s perfectly fine too!

For example, if your outfit highlights your legs, make sure the rest is reasonably covered—no flashing with ultra-short skirts, please. Consider adding a pair of tights for extra coverage. Yes, this might make me sound like a bit of a grandma, but I know I’m not the only 25-year-old who wants to avoid being mistaken for a freshman at a frat party.

In the end, it’s about finding a style that allows you to feel confident, authentic, and comfortable while aligning with the person you’ve become. Subscribe to the blog for more and consider following Conservative Women of NC on instagram to connect with a like minded community of girls! 

Xoxo, 

A Once Closeted Conservative