Fashion is a big part of any Christian teen's life. Yet, just as in every other part of our lives, discernment is important. Many fashion magazines promote low cut blouses and dresses alongside revealing skirts and shorts. While many Christian teens want to be fashionable, they also want to be modest. So, what advice does the Bible offer about modesty and how can it be applied to today's fashion?

Why Should Christian Teens Be Modest?

As a Christian, your behavior sets the tone for how others see you and your faith. Being modest in your appearance is just as great a witness to those around you as your words. One issue many non-Christians have with believers is that they tend to be hypocritical. If you are preaching purity and modesty to others while wearing revealing clothes you may be seen as a hypocrite. By being modest you allow people to see your inner faith rather than your outer appearance.

1 Peter 2:12 - "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." (NLT)

How Can I Be Modest and Fashionable?

Discernment is always necessary when shopping for clothes. One way to discern if an outfit is modest is to ask yourself why you are buying it. Is it something you like or is it designed to draw attention to yourself? Are you buying the outfit to attract the opposite sex? What type of attention are you seeking?

Remember, it is not Christian to tempt others through your dress, so if it is something revealing or you find that people are getting the wrong impression through your clothing then it may be good to evaluate that piece with a discerning heart. There is plenty of great clothing available for Christian teens that are both modest and fashionable. It is not a sin to like nice clothes, but it is a sin when that desire for fashion becomes more important than your faith.

1 Timothy 2:9 - "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes." (NLT)

1 Peter 3:3-4 - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (NIV)