Both of your points about why girls dress that way are so good. The Rebelution should SO publish their modesty survey as a book!

I’m with Erin…I would probably wear this outfit to church too. And it was interesting that she wondered if it would be too young for her. I too am 25, and I think the outfit is fine for my age. But I do admit, there are plenty of days that I wonder if something I like is too young for my age and stage in life.

And, Rebecca, I feel your daughter’s pain about not being able to find the “certain” things she has in mind. It is difficult! And then when you DO find what you’re looking for it’s waaayyyy out of your price range. So yeah…not fun.

I have a million thoughts about girls dressed inappropriately. I agree with what has already been said, and would also add two things. 1) Desensitization…You see it everywhere you go: movies, magazines, street corner, beach. So you try a shirt with a slightly lower neckline, and the next time it’s even lower, until *bam* before you realize it you’re one of “those” women. You have to stay vigilant to stay modest. 2) Attention…We need and love attention! Growing up, my dad gave me all of the appropriate love and attention I needed, so I felt no need to go looking for it in other places. (He also monitored and approved our clothes. Mom helped, but Dad had the final say.) Too many girls (sometimes unconsciously) think if they use their bodies correctly (or incorrectly as it may be) they will get the attention they crave. We live in a sad, fallen world. (And I’ll get of my soapbox now!)

This particular young lady struggles, like we all do, to find certain items. She would love to have a black skirt, at least the length of the one pictured, but she has not been able to find one. In over two years!

Shoes are a particular challenge for her, due to a slight anatomical difference in her toe. Since she has a mandatory need for a flat shoe coming up, all of her shopping energy has been going in to finding a pair she could spend time walking in. But she could have worn heels to this event.

She’s probably too picky, but I allow it. When she’s grown up, it will be a benefit to her.

Another spin on black and white would be to keep the skirt pictured and wear it with a black or black and white top. She probably could have done that.

“Friending” instead of parenting, I’m sure you’re right about that.

Thanks for taking time to comment.

As for the inappropriate clothing, I agree that many mothers are living vicariously. I also believe it’s the current epidemic among parents of “friending” instead of parenting.

I think you are so right in what you say Jenn. I’m not sure why people who spend alot of money on piano lessons, make their child practice and participate in these events, and then drive them there and watch, don’t teach their kids these things. My mom did, and she isn’t all that interested in fashion. Or at the very least teach them to follow the teacher’s instruction (she always says “no jeans, no flip-flops”).

My suspicion, and it isn’t very kind, is that some mothers are living vicariously through their daughters. And that many people get confused between “models” and “pin-ups”.

Young people run into this same problem with job interviews “well, why can’t I go in flip flops and jeans?” Well, because you appear not to give a *** and a company doesn’t want to hire that sort of person.

OK. Rant over.

Good. This teen feature is going to be fun!