The Sisterhood of the Travelling Skirts
There are three reasons why I'm writing this post:
1- I've just been wanting to.
2- I'm tired of seeing that picture of me from the post below.
3- I haven't posted anything at all in forever, so it's time for something new. : )
At Wal-Mart on Saturday I was reminded again of something that is special amongst us skirt/dress-wearing girls. I was in the children's department, holding my 5-year old sister's hand, admiring the baby things with her. I was dressed in a skirt and blouse, with my hair twisted up; Hannah was in a printed jumper and pink turtleneck. Her hair was down, and it's l-o-n-g!
As we stood there, with the rest of my female family members nearby (also wearing skirts), a "skirt lady" and her teenage daughter strolled down the main aisle. I noticed they were dressed femininely, and they had their hair all up and pretty, and the mother glanced at Hannah and me-- and then I caught the knowing nod she tossed over her shoulder to her daughter. There it was- the look that says it all amongst us girls: they're wearing skirts!
My family classifies conservatively-dressed women and girls as either "bun ladies" (the ones who wear skirts and long hair, and are usually seen sporting a Gibson-girl pompadour) or "skirt ladies" (ones who may or may not have particularly long hair, but who dress and live femininely and modestly). Many times we don't complete a shopping trip anywhere without meeting one or twenty. I'm not always sure of their religious background, but when we see each other, we see a kinship, an encouragement that we aren't alone in our stand against immodesty.
Besides the knowing nods we occasionally see, one time in particular that stands out in my memory was once when I was in the grocery store with my family. Another family passed us in the store, and this family was full of little girls in dresses. As they walked by, I heard the littlest girl whisper to her mother, "Look, Mommy! They're wearing skirts!" Even to that little girl, it was obvious that femininity is not popular. She was shocked to run into us at the store, happily attired in girly clothes.
I don't wear skirts because my church tells me to. I don't wear skirts because I just like being different and having people talk about me. I don't wear skirts so I can belong to some sort of "secret club." I wear skirts becase to me, they are the most appropriate way to be modest and feminine. I like being a girl, and that's why I wear skirts.
**This post is not meant to offend anyone's beliefs about the way she dresses. I believe we have Christian liberty to hold differing views as to the standards of women's dress, as long as the biblical principle of modesty is always sought to be honored. The way I apply the principle of modesty may look different from the way you do; this post is only about my application of modesty. These statements have not been approved by the FDA and are not to be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. I just had to throw that in.**
1- I've just been wanting to.
2- I'm tired of seeing that picture of me from the post below.
3- I haven't posted anything at all in forever, so it's time for something new. : )
You may have caught the allusion in my title for this post, coming from the title of a book I've never read and movie I've never seen... but working in a public library exposes me to a lot of liberal stuff out there! It just seemed fitting to "steal" the wording of that book, and use it for my purposes.
At Wal-Mart on Saturday I was reminded again of something that is special amongst us skirt/dress-wearing girls. I was in the children's department, holding my 5-year old sister's hand, admiring the baby things with her. I was dressed in a skirt and blouse, with my hair twisted up; Hannah was in a printed jumper and pink turtleneck. Her hair was down, and it's l-o-n-g!
As we stood there, with the rest of my female family members nearby (also wearing skirts), a "skirt lady" and her teenage daughter strolled down the main aisle. I noticed they were dressed femininely, and they had their hair all up and pretty, and the mother glanced at Hannah and me-- and then I caught the knowing nod she tossed over her shoulder to her daughter. There it was- the look that says it all amongst us girls: they're wearing skirts!
My family classifies conservatively-dressed women and girls as either "bun ladies" (the ones who wear skirts and long hair, and are usually seen sporting a Gibson-girl pompadour) or "skirt ladies" (ones who may or may not have particularly long hair, but who dress and live femininely and modestly). Many times we don't complete a shopping trip anywhere without meeting one or twenty. I'm not always sure of their religious background, but when we see each other, we see a kinship, an encouragement that we aren't alone in our stand against immodesty.
Besides the knowing nods we occasionally see, one time in particular that stands out in my memory was once when I was in the grocery store with my family. Another family passed us in the store, and this family was full of little girls in dresses. As they walked by, I heard the littlest girl whisper to her mother, "Look, Mommy! They're wearing skirts!" Even to that little girl, it was obvious that femininity is not popular. She was shocked to run into us at the store, happily attired in girly clothes.
I don't wear skirts because my church tells me to. I don't wear skirts because I just like being different and having people talk about me. I don't wear skirts so I can belong to some sort of "secret club." I wear skirts becase to me, they are the most appropriate way to be modest and feminine. I like being a girl, and that's why I wear skirts.
**This post is not meant to offend anyone's beliefs about the way she dresses. I believe we have Christian liberty to hold differing views as to the standards of women's dress, as long as the biblical principle of modesty is always sought to be honored. The way I apply the principle of modesty may look different from the way you do; this post is only about my application of modesty. These statements have not been approved by the FDA and are not to be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. I just had to throw that in.**
14 Comments:
I agree with you TOTALLY! Living in Lancaster County, we don't go anywhere without seeing someone wearing a dress or skirt (usually a cape dress) but it is really nice to see someone wearing feminine attire!
This post made me smile because I really know what you mean about sharing a kinship with other "skirt-wearers." Not in a hierarchical "just-as-righteous-as-me" sense or anything, just a kinship :). And the title was too cute! It's fun to dress in pretty skirts :).
Very cute title. :-)
Wonderful post! I, too, wear skirts for the exact reasons you mentioned. They're so fun and feminine! It is also so very nice to run into others who feel the same way. Somehow, you can just tell. I really enjoyed your post!
You are awesome - here's a nod to you too!
- just passing by :)
Thanks for the comments, girls! I'm glad y'all stopped by. Thanks to Susan for linking me on her blog!!
It is fun to meet other women and girls who appreciate femininity, like all of you : )
And yes, Susan, we don't ever want to have a skirt-complex, and start looking down on others who don't appreciate the higher, nobler things of life ; ) Seriously though, it is an issue that can be taken to an extreme, and even divide Christians. Brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Thanks agagin, everybody, for your comments!
Lovely blog.
God bless you.
http://z6.invisionfree.com/denominations
I came upon you blog by chance, I love it. You post is so wonderful. I just started wearing skirts a little over a year ago, for the same reasons as you suggested. I don't see many other ladies in my area that share the view. I live in a very small community that prides itself on modesty, but not femininity. Desses and skirts come out for funerals and formal events. It is also very cold now this time of year, any tips on how to stay warm???
Hey Jenifer!
Glad you stopped by! It is getting cold, finally, around here! I live in NC and lately our weather can't make up its mind ; ) Some days it's in the low 70s, and the next it's the 50s. We've only had 40 degrees a few times so far.
That said, we usually don't have to worry all that much about very cold temperatures in skirts, but being cold-natured, I'm always layering up.
Some thing I find helpful for keeping warm, is to wear extra slips, especially cotton ones- with a nylon one closest to your skin for "bunching" protection. I find that cotton directly against my legs tends to wad up as I walk. Certainly not attractive, and not in the least bit comfortable!
Also, shy away from skirts with slits, as they only draw cold air in.
Thirdly, you may be able to find thermal or lightweight cotton leggings/snuggies that come just near the knee (or even longer if you want). I found some for a couple dollars each at a "general store" in Lancaster Co, PA when I was visiting there once. The brand I have is called Cold-Pruf. With these, you can wear knee socks or knee highs and still be completely covered. You can also add these over tights or hose for extra warmth on really cold days.
During winter, bring out those nice wool skirts and thicker denims/khakis, and especially corduroys! Paired up with a nice sweater or turtleneck, and a cute pair of toasty shoes- you'll be warm and pretty!
Hope these suggestions help. I always remind myself that ladies have been wearing skirts for a long time, and they managed to stay warm in winter, even without heated houses. There has to be a way!
(Another favorite tip is to stand over a vent in your house when the heat is on!! =D )
It was an interesting post.The key part of the post is that skirts and dresses "are the most appropriate way to be modest and feminine." It was also a nice title.
I enjoyed reading your perspectives on this, Jessie. I don't wear skirts exclusively, but I have chosen to wear them increasingly over the past couple of years because I do think they are more feminine. I have struggled with the coldness factor, so I'll have to see what I can do about getting some petticoats! I find them difficult to get. I have looked for them, but the only ones I've seen are nylon.
I know this comment is a little late, but...I was wondering what kind of shoes you wear w/ your skirts? I love to wear skirts, but find I can only do it in the spring/summer, cause then I wear sandles/flipflops. I wear skirts on Sundays to church, but then I wear panty-hose and high heels, which are not very practical to wear all the time...just wondering if you had any tips for me. Thanks!
Anonymous,
I'll do a post soon on my shoes, if you'd like, so you can see what I wear with skirts : )
My favorites are Mary Janes, because they're practical and look nice.
I also wear clogs in wintertime, plus those little flat shoes that have come out since a few years ago. Like ballet slippers or something. Mine have a cute cut-out flowery thing on the toebox.
Next time, can you at least use a penname if you don't wish to share your real name? I like to know "who" I'm talking to : )
I just happened to stumble along and find your get blog. I really enjoyed reading, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Skirts.
I totally agree with you and wanted to let you all know that you are not along.
I'm the owner of a Christian Modest Women's and Girls Clothing site. I started my online store specifically for women that only wear skirts/dresses. I also try to help make dressing modestly affordable. Brooke's Closet on my site was created just for that reason, in that section nothing is over 10 dollars!
COME CHECK US OUT AT:
www.sierrabrooke.com
For all the women out there that would like a place to call there own, Sierra Brooke is here for you! We pride ourselves on offering MODEST women's and girls clothing. Say goodbye to frumpy and hello to stylish & chic! Help support our MODEST clothing industry. Feel free to spread the word!
*New Items coming soon for the Fall!
If you have a blog and like our store, feel free to spread the word. We are a new Christian-Based online site, and need all the help we can get to let others know we are out there. :-)
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