Modest on a Budget – Changing your Wardrobe
Recently I’ve been feeling very pulled by God to change my wardrobe. But clothes are expensive!! How are we supposed to change the way we dress on a tight budget? Let’s talk about it!
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
It’s no secret that my husband and I don’t have much cash lying around right now (like most people). We are in a season of life where my husband is in college and doesn’t have much time to pick up extra hours at work, so we have to keep our budget pretty tight.
When I felt God pulling on me to think about changing my wardrobe, I tried to push it aside because I knew we couldn’t afford (and honestly it’s a little scary) to flip my closet upside down. So I ignored God… for months! That obviously was not the right choice. Since I’ve felt God telling me to change the way I dress, I’ve thought of a few different options on how to change my wardrobe, but not spend an arm and a leg.
Why Change my Wardrobe?
What exactly am I wanting to change? I want to wear more skirts, get some long shirts for when I do wear (loose-fitting) jeans, and make sure my shirts are not too tight or too loose. What made me want to change?
God has spoken to me for months on this, but one day I was reading my favorite book, Living Virtuously by Erin Harrison, and came across this:
“As women, we have power with our bodies. We can tempt or shield temptation.”
Something else that caught my attention was a letter she put in her book from a reader. It says:
“So when I see girls (who call themselves Christians) dressing immodestly, it is pains me. When the world looks at us, they should see something different than what they are used to. We should stick out. No, not like sore thumbs, but as different.”
The first thing someone sees when they meet you is your clothing. Your clothes speak many words. What are you saying to the person standing in front of you? That you’re a flirt because you’re showing cleavage and wearing skin-tight pants or that you follow a loving God because you care about covering up?
I’m choosing to shield temptation from my brothers in Christ and even men who do not know Christ. I am keeping my body for my husband only, not for other eyes. I want to separate myself from the world so that they can see Christ in me. Skinny jeans and a tight T-shirt don’t show Christ. It shows the world.
Where to Find Affordable (Quality) Clothing
1.) ThredUp – ThredUp (this is a referral link: when you sign up you get $10 store credit and so do I!) is by far the best place to find clothes that are cheap, but great quality. All the clothes on ThredUp are gently used, but look brand new. They are sold way cheaper than buying them new, but the clothes are name brands so they will still have a larger price tag than going to Goodwill. So if you are willing to spend a little extra for better quality clothes, go to ThredUp. Keep in mind that you can find really super good deals here (but you do have to pay shipping).
2.) Thrift Stores – Goodwill is definitely where I am going to go first when searching for new clothes, but I always have a hard time finding things I like there so I really don’t have high hopes. Just because I’ve had issues in the past with it though, doesn’t mean I’m going to give up! This is probably the most cost effective option when changing your wardrobe. Plus you can try things on before you buy it unlike ThredUp. And ladies, there ain’t no shame in shopping at thrift stores! I find it shameful to spend over $20 on a shirt….
3.) Sew your own Clothes – If you know how to sew (or even if you don’t know how to sew) this is a great option! I really don’t know much about sewing except how to push the peddle on the sewing machine and a few basic things, but I was able to sew my own skirt a few months ago and it actually turned out okay (if you squint and stand far away… Just kidding)! If you think you can’t do it, you can! There are also countless YouTube videos on how to sew skirts and shirts easily. This could be the most cost effective option if you can find cheap material, but don’t buy material at full price…. It’s not much cheaper than buying the clothes new.
I have never ordered from this website, but they sell super cheap material. I hope to order from them soon so I will update this when I do!
Other Tips to Keep in Mind
We will be talking about these other tips in future posts, but for now, I am just going to put them here to get you thinking!
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Set a budget for how much you are going to spend (and don’t go over that!)
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Clean our your closet – get rid of what you never wear and what is immodest
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Figure out what you need – don’t go to the store and buy whatever you think is cute. What do you really need?
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Plan out where you are going to shop – consider the stores above!
I’m so excited to start this journey of changing my wardrobe with you! In upcoming posts I will be sharing with you guys how to clean out your closet, get the most for your dollar, and more.
What are you going to do to change your wardrobe? Where do you find affordable clothing?
