March
24,
2009
Regency: Modest?
Posted by Miss Kathryn under Modesty | | 8 Comments
Lately I have seen a lot of Christian young ladies, particularly homeschooled ones, who are very enthusiastic, you might say, about Regency style fashions. I’ve been wondering if this style is really modest or not. Obviously most of the original gowns of the period were not, being very (very) low necked, but most girls these days are making them with higher necklines. But is the shape of the gown modest?
This is not going to be a long post about my opinion since I am still rather undecided myself. I have a poll up, and I would love it if you would vote and afterward, comment on this post with WHY you voted that way (why you think it is/isn’t modest).
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12:26 am, 25 March 2009
Yes, I like the way the Regency style looks, and the high empire waist, but as my mother reminds me, it might look okay on some girls, but on some figures it is not modest. So I wouldn’t say across the board it is immodest, it depends on the material, and style, and neckline, but as for myself, I really don’t wear Regency style clothes, just because I don’t feel it is modest looking on myself. So there’s my two-cents worth, if you were wondering.
6:14 pm, 27 March 2009
I have seen a few different patterns for these dresses, but they do not look very modest to me. I particularly have never liked empire waists anyways, but most of the ones I’ve seen in these patterns is sort of gathered under the chest area, drawing more attention to where it should not be. I don’t think the neck line is modest either, because the lower it is the more you see, but also the lower it is, you can see WAY To much when bending over!
Anyways, that is what I think.
Your site has really been an encouragement to me!
God Bless!
Hannah
6:34 pm, 31 March 2009
I think the Regency style is or is not modest depending on how you wear it. Obviously if the fabric is stretched tight around the chest area or it gives the impression that you are “spilling over” (even if the neckline isn’t low) it is very immodest. The way you act when wearing it is a big indicator, too. Individuals know when they are dressing to attract attention. For me, however, the classic long, white, loose Regency dress is the very picture of modesty, contentment, and a quiet spirit. (This is coming from a Jane Austen fan though, so it might be prejudiced- no pun intended.)
8:15 pm, 31 March 2009
I recieved your entry to the contest!
9:36 pm, 3 April 2009
Yes and no. Most of the regency dresses that are tight in the chest are NOT modest. And I agree with Hannah, most of the dresses do cause attention to be show were it should not be!!!
Also most of the Jane Austin movies do not show modest dresses.
And, most of the patterns are not modest either. But Mrs. Chancey’s patterns are very modest.
I guess it very, much depends on your opinon!
I for one, would not wear a low necked regency dress.
That’s just my thoughts!
Blessings,
Miss R.J.G.
4:03 pm, 8 April 2009
Thanks everyone for the comments! It’s been very interesting to see what others’ opinions are. I’m curious, though, to know if any of you (or anyone else reading these comments) think that simply the position of the waistline draws attention where it shouldn’t be. A couple of you said you thought if the fabric is stretched tightly around the bust it isn’t modest, which is pretty obvious – what do you think about the high waistline?
I agree with Danielle that the style is definitely less modest on certain figures, and obviously like Hannah said, the low necklines are not appropriate. And I liked B’s point that even if you have a higher neckline, it doesn’t help much if you wear it “spilling over” as she said.
I personally like the simplicity of Regency gowns and the way they look; I am just trying to evaluate the modesty element. We’ll be talking to Dad about this… he’ll know better than we do what would be a stumbling block.
Thanks again for all the comments!
12:25 am, 28 April 2009
In my thinking,as well as my parents, a regency dress can be modest and it can be immodest also. As my Father says..,” You may be able to pull this off now, but you won’t always be able too”. Thanks, I think.
It can however be unflattering to the wearer sometimes.
9:14 pm, 30 April 2009
I would say no. I personally think they draw too much attention to the chest (which is where the attention should NOT be!). They are also rather wide and low necked, which can be fixed, but that doesn’t help the chest.
Your site is a blessing.
In Christ,
Miranda
I Thess. 5:24