**I know this is Tuesday. Since the Windows 10 update a few days ago, I have been having trouble with my computer. It has taken me two days to get this short post written due to the stalls and Blue/Black screen issues. Frustrating, yes, but I pray it will be resolved soon.

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Hello Hello,

Welcome to the 1^st installment of Modest Mondays! It is my desire to provide some things to think about when trying to wade through today’s fashion to find Modest clothing that work.  I think the first thing we must understand is how to dress the body we have. Not everyone is blessed with a modelesque body type; I know I’m not. Some of us are short, some are tall. We may be petite, slender, pleasingly plump, or heavyset. No matter the figure we’ve been blessed with, we must learn how to dress it modestly.  That being said, let’s talk Pencil Skirts.

Ah, the pencil skirt; the skirt by Christian Dior that had its debut in 1940. It is a beautiful skirt and definitely feminine. If worn correctly it can be flattering to a number of figures (not all). This 78 year old garment has undergone some tweaking over the years, and it has definitely gotten tighter. This slim skirt works well with a number of blouses (remember those) and tops.  Skinny or plump, it needs to be chosen carefully and worn properly in order to be a modest and flattering choice.

You see pencil skirts a lot these days – short, long, mini and midi. I have seen plenty worn totally wrong; oftentimes too tight and improperly fitted. Individuals who have a little more in the stomach, hips and thigh area have to be especially careful with this type of skirt. Those who are small and shapely also have to be careful with fit in order to keep their outfit modest and flattering. Most will have to be mindful when choosing a pencil skirt these days because so much of the fabric is made with stretchy materials, designed to really hug the body. Though some should, not everyone will have to pass on this skirt if they will keep some things in mind when shopping for one.

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN CHOOSING A PENCIL SKIRT

1. PREPARE THE FOUNDATION: Shapewear is made for a reason; use it! If you’re gonna wear the pencil skirt then you need a foundation garment; the skirt is not supposed to show lumps and bumps. Foundation garments (shapewear) cut out or down on the jiggle factor and gives you a smoother look. Find the one (Rago, Spanks, etc…) that fits and smooths you best.
2. FORGET THE SIZE # ON THE TAG AND GO FOR THE PERFECT FIT: Try the Skirt on. Choose the Skirt that fits you well.
   1. Purchase the skirt that best fits the widest part of you – the hips and backside. You can always alter it (or have it altered) if a little too big in the waist.
   2. If the skirt singles out your stomach, try another size.
   3. If it shows every lump and bump, try another size.
   4. If it hugs your back, hips and/or thighs too tightly, try another size.
   5. Not all pencil skirts are the same. You want to find the skirt that is flattering on you. If it makes you look odd, boxy, misshapen… try a different one (for example, if you have a fuller figure you may need a pencil skirt with darts).
   6. You do not want it too tight; there should be no pulling or puckering in the skirt.
3. SAY NO TO SHORT: The skirt should not be too short. Opt for skirts below your knee.
4. HAVE A SEAT: When trying your skirt on, take a seat. Can you sit down and stand up easily? If not, try another one. How does it fit?  Does it ride up? Does it bunch at your thighs? If the answer is yes then try on a different one.
5. TAKE A WALK: Can you move freely? Can you take full steps? Or do you have to literally wiggle your way across the floor? If you can’t walk normal then choose a different skirt.
6. DON’T BE AFRAID TO CAMOUFLAGE: If you find a pencil skirt that fits nicely below the stomach and buttocks but not so good above them, all is not necessarily lost. Before you swear off the skirt, try pairing with a top that is long enough and flowy enough to softly drape over the problem areas. If you can’t find a top that works well alone, consider adding a soft draping cardigan or a light weight cocoon kimono.
7. BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR FIGURE: Pencil Skirts can look good on various shapes; however, we must be truthful about the skin we are in. Be honest with yourself; if you know it is not a flattering style for you then move on to a more suitable type skirt.
8. REMEMBER WHO’S CHILD YOU ARE AND WHO YOU REPRESENT: Would Christ approve of the skirt you’ve chosen? If you can’t honestly answer yes, then choose a different pencil skirt or skirt type.

It is worth taking the time to discover what styles work best for your body type. Whatever your size and shape, you can look nice and modest at the same time.

Until next time!

Juanita Deloris