LDS Living magazine got into the fashion commentary game with a story about the women who wore black as part of the #TimesUp campaign. Except, instead of celebrating the drive to stop sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, it was about which outfits were “modest” and Mormon-approved.

“We understand that not all of these dresses may fit within LDS standards,” the magazine’s disclaimer said. “This photo gallery is merely meant to provide inspiration, not promote celebrities, lifestyle choices, specific wardrobe, etc.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The photos included Debra Messing, who wore a pants that flowed like a gown and short sleeves with a high neck. Salma Hayek, who also wore a very high neck dress with full sleeves and a full length. Gal Gadot wore a lovely long skirt with a slit up the side that some Mormon traditionalists might frown upon. Her decollete was also exposed, though her jacket covered her shoulders and arms.

Saoirse Ronan also had a high neck and one long sleeve, but her left sleeve was not present, which might violate the modesty clause. Oprah also wore full sleeves and a full gown, but her shoulders were revealed in her dress. That too would probably violate the modesty requirement.

“Prophets of God have continually counseled His children to dress modestly,” the LDS website explained. “When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and you can be a good influence on others. Your dress and grooming influence the way you and others act.”

The LDS church has recently begun allowing women to serve as missionaries. A Business Insider report revealed that the dress for those women requires they wear “professional suits, skirts, blouses, jackets, sweaters, and dresses.” Women can wear jeans or pants but they’re only acceptable during certain activities, like exercise. Not the Golden Globes. Shirts must have “cap sleeves,” as Messing’s did. However, those shirts can’t be worn alone. That said, the women don’t have to tuck in their shirts.

The article has prompted a backlash.

Religion News Service columnist

ADVERTISEMENT

“So Mormons respond by dishing out more of the same, objectifying and judging women’s bodies and perpetuating the lie that women exist for purposes of ornamentation,” she wrote.

“As if critiquing women’s attire is a Mormon right. As if we are divinely appointed to praise women whose fashion choices conform with our own narrow and culturally conditioned standards.”

Commenters on the LDS Living magazine Facebook page also offered criticism.

ADVERTISEMENT

“LDS Living, drawing attention to women and their bodies for ‘covering up’ is just the other side of the coin of drawing attention to women and their bodies for showing them off. Just stop,” one woman wrote.

“I am a Mormon who can’t stand this line of thinking because it alienates strong women and perpetuates rape culture,” another added.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, many commenters also supported the message of the article.