LA, and modesty are not two words you often hear in the same sentence. In the City of Angels, where the sun sets over palm-lined streets, stars are born and trends are started under the glittering lights of Hollywood. You can understand why out-of-towners have branded it synonymous with vanity.
While the fashion-hungry mob fearlessly pushes the boundaries of avant-garde, a new movement is quietly making waves: modest fashion. Tapping into Los Angeles’ laid-back culture, where less is often more, this conservative way of dressing is gaining popularity outside of its traditional roots in religious communities.
Leading the way with stunning elegant designs including dresses, tops, and skirts (and not a shoulder in sight) is Dainty Jewells, a family owned, woman-run business headed up by Charity Walter. Frustrated at being unable to find modest clothing that was both fashionable and classy, Walter began making her own clothing at the sweet age of 16 in North Carolina, where she grew up. Her efforts expanded and eventually, Dainty Jewells was born.
That was over 14 years ago. Today, Dainty Jewells has grown to be something much greater than the 80,000 pieces of clothing it creates annually; it’s a symbol of purposeful, intentional living for the modern modest woman. The brand has turned the notion of modesty into a statement of elegance and empowerment.
The clothes at Dainty Jewells are a refreshing alternative to the quirky, often revealing and loud styles that dominate LA’s fashion scene. However, make no mistake; there’s plenty of eye-catching designs, with gorgeous patterns, lace details, and bold silhouettes.
Walters’ mission is to create beautiful, feminine clothing that allows women to feel confident without compromising their values. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with a growing demographic in Los Angeles; women and girls who want to express their style without sacrificing their beliefs.
In a city as diverse as Los Angeles, with its kaleidoscope of cultures, it should come as no surprise that modest fashion is finding its niche. And it’s not just about covering up; it’s about redefining what it means to be stylish. Riding on the wave of matching sets, a.k.a. co-ords, Walter has found success creating clothing that finally blurs the lines between fashion, functionality, and comfort.
This southern belle isn’t the only one bringing these fabulous flowy garments to the streets of LA. With the reappearance of country house chic and, yes, boho on the fall runway from the likes of Burberry and Chloé, we’ll be seeing a lot more long skirts and maxi dresses around town.
The modesty and catwalk crossover doesn’t end there, either. After a brief summer hiatus, ribbons and bows are back in a big way (a big feature of Dainty Jewell’s original line). And thanks to Miu Miu, prep school is re-emerging in all its blazered glory. Speaking of, Dainty Jewells has their own collection of stunning blazers in their modest tops for women.
That’s another factor that defines modest clothing and, debatably, one of our very deepest and innate fashion obsessions: layers. Sheer layers and long cardis are modest fashion staples that are in the fashion world everywhere right now, making it easier than ever to dress with grace and style.
As LA’s fashion scene continues to evolve, it’s clear that modest dressing isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a movement that’s here to stay. Where true style often means breaking the mold, modest fashion is having its moment in LA, and it’s one worth watching.
Sebastian is an accomplished author with a passion for storytelling. His works span various genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romance novels. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for character development, Sebastian weaves engaging narratives that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds.