Can young people be stylish while wearing conservative clothing? I don't wear strapless, backless, or styles that don't allow me to wear a regular bra. That means ruling out a lot of the dresses that are currently trending. Is it wrong to have such a rule in the first place (or is it just awkward?) Do we need to show more skin to be fashionable, or is it okay to cover it up? ? — Jessica, Denver
It's true that the word “conservative” is often treated as a pseudonym or a synonym for “boring,” at least when it comes to style. And that nude look has proven surprisingly resilient, not just on the red carpet or during award show afterparties, but also during urban summers for a variety of reasons. And it tends to attract a lot of attention. Because it's shocking. (At this point, that's actually not the case.)
But it is also true that we live in an era where all trends are always present, and it is not impossible to cover, chic and contemporary at once. And not only thanks to “modest fashion”, a huge market segment that officially emerged at the beginning of the 21st century.
This is when labels like Alessandra Rich and retail sites like Modist were born. Although modest fashion is often associated with religious maxims, it is so much a part of life that it can hardly be distinguished as “modest” anymore. After all, a good pantsuit provides just as much coverage as any kaftan. Even on TikTok, which seems to be the home of handkerchief-like dresses, the hashtag has about 800,000 posts.
However, if you're looking for a role model, consider John F. Kennedy Jr.'s style-setter wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Until her tragic death in 1999, she often wore high-necked, long-sleeved, under-the-chest clothing. Wearing a knee-hugging outfit (by Yohji Yamamoto), she epitomized the appeal of privacy. What's more, Duchess Kate manages to be very stylish despite not showing much skin, thanks to the dress code that still governs royal behavior.
Or, if you need more inspiration, “look outside the United States,” says Sarah Miyazawa LaFleur, founder of the MM LaFleur label. “In my hometown of Tokyo, it's rare to see bare shoulders, even if it's 100 degrees outside. But Japanese women always find a way to have fun with fashion.”
For how to start building such a wardrobe, Ms. LaFleur and stylist Carla Welch, who has worked with Tracee Ellis Ross and Eve Hewson, recommend a great blazer that can hide numerous cutouts. I suggested starting with . Ikram Goldman, owner of Chicago's Ikram Boutique, adds crewneck dresses with three-quarter sleeves and empire waist dresses. And Welch added that a wardrobe of sheer tights is always a useful hack.
The point is, the only dress code that's actually still not violated is that you should wear your clothes comfortably and confidently, and don't feel uncomfortable about it, even if it means being hidden. There's nothing wrong with that.
What's offensive (and misguided) is wearing something thinking the crowd is telling you to wear it. That's the definition of a fashion victim, and no one wants to be one. In fact, it's probably best to think of your version of “conservative” fashion as your “personal style.” Doesn't everyone want that?
Answer your style questions
Every week on Open Thread, Vanessa answers readers' fashion-related questions. You can always send your questions to her via email or Twitter. Questions have been edited and condensed.
