An Ask Nomi Question for the Frum and Fashionable

[gnomi]

A friend of lcmlc has a wedding to go to and needs a dress that is tzniusdik (conforming to Jewish modesty standards) as well as fancy. What do I know? I make my own for stuff like that. So I turn to y'all... where (in the Boston area or national chains) would you suggest she shop?

Thanks!

Comments

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

So, since no question is too odd, having been brought up in a conservative/reform household I feel the need to ask exactly what are the Jewish modesty standards? I know that there's covering of the hair. My impression is that there is also covering of the chest and legs. I'm sure, however, that there's more to it than that. I need to be edumacated.

::embarrassed::

[mamadeb.livejournal.com]

This is the medium standard - some are stricter, some are less strict.

1. Skirts to the knee.
2. Necklines to the collarbone.
3. Sleeves to elbows.

(I'm on the strict side, so my skirts are below my knees at all times, my necklines cover my collarbones and my sleeves cover my elbows. I also do not wear skirts with slits. I often regret the sleeves over elbows thing, but not enough to change it.)

Only married women cover their hair - communities vary in how and how much, and if done by women who were married but are not anymore, and some women only wear hats in synagogue.

[llennhoff.livejournal.com]

[sings]

Tznius, that is our battle cry!
Tznius, its either do or die!
Tznius, don't show your kneeus,
Don't show your elbows, or ankles, or thighs...

La da da da da da

Ah, the joys of LTF Kallot. Warning: I'm a guy, and I am limited by both vocabulary and knowledge for what follows:

More seriously, while exact standards vary by community, a brief summary of the rules for most Ashkenazim AAIU is elbows covered when arms bent, knees covered while sitting down (some suggest skirt line 4 inches below the knee), no exposed feet, no pants, and covering collarbone or just below(*). Many also suggest/require no slits in dresses and avoiding bright colors (especially reds). After that things get more specific by subgroup, but opaque stockings, no floor length skirts, and avoiding color altogether are some of the restrictions.


(*) I occasionally remark to my wife when we pass a particularly provocative Cosmo or whatever "Check out the collarbones on THAT one".

[ghilledhu.livejournal.com]

no floor length skirts

Um, pardon my ignorance, but why is this bad? One would think this is more modest, not less.

[llennhoff.livejournal.com]

[no sarcasm] I'm sure my wife will be along shortly to explain this. I just know it is true in some communities - I can make guesses as to the reason, but she will know.

[malkaesther.livejournal.com]

The reason I've been given/read "it is going in the way of the goyim" specifically talking about skirts that drag on the floor. 200 years ago the shorter lengths would have been in the way of the goyim and floor length skirts would have been the appropriate length for a Jewish woman.

I know its all a bit counter-intuitive.

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

Tznius, that is our battle cry!
Tznius, its either do or die!
Tznius, don't show your kneeus,
Don't show your elbows, or ankles, or thighs...

*splorf* Good thing I wasn't drinking anything right then!