Dressing with Dignity

by Colleen Hammond

In this ground-breaking book, Colleen Hammond challenges today's fashions and provides you the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones from the onslaught of tasteless, immodest clothing. Colleen Hammond shares real-life examples of how women can accentuate the grace and beauty of their femininity, and she shows that modest definitely does not mean frumpy !! DRESSING WITH DIGNITY covers it all . . . The history and forces behind the changes in fashion. How to talk to teenagers about the privilege of femininity so they will want to dress with dignity. How to awaken chivalry in men and be treated with respect. How to regain and teach the lost charm of interior and exterior femininity! How to dress in an attractive, dignified, classy manner! Specific documents about manners of dress from the Magisterium, the Popes and the Saints. Comprehensive guidelines for choosing tasteful attire. Resources on where to find beautiful, modest clothing. And much, much more!

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Fashion, Self Help

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2005

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this book. I've read some of the reviews already posted and concur with some of the problems others had with the author's handling of the subject matter. However, it challenged me to look at the BIG picture, not just taking exception to what others thought were extreme positions on chastity and modesty and how they should affect how we dress and comport ourselves. To me, whenever I read something that seems "old-fashioned", I have to question myself as to whether my initial reactions show whether and to what extent I have been brain-washed by the morally corrupt America in which I live. I'm not saying I'll blindly follow the author's recommendations, but I have and will continue to evaluate everything I wear, both here at the homestead and out in public, with a keener eye to what message I'm sending by what I'm wearing and how I'm conducting myself. A few modifications I will make for myself (and with a clear conscience) are (1) I will continue to wear sleeveless tops here at the homestead because we have no air-conditioning and I tend to overheat in hot/humid weather; (2) I will most likely look for knee-length or slightly below the knee culottes or something of that nature while mowing the grass, cutting brush, gardening, exercising, etc. Since my husband is disabled and not able to do "men's work", I must do everything and, frankly, that means performing chores during which wearing a skirt or dress could be downright dangerous as the skirt/dress might get caught in some kind of machinery. Overall, however, the recommendations are reasonable, and how refreshing it would be to just ONCE to go to Mass and not see skin-tight jeans/slacks, bare midriffs, etc., and to be able to do shopping and not see even WORSE. As for feminine behavior, come on, folks, if you don't see how masculine and downright trashy teenage girls and young women talk and act, then you simply are not paying attention! You might have simply become desensitized to filthy mouths and behavior, and maybe you've just "given up" seeing a better, more courteous and modest acting/appearing America.

[Rachel Thooft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really agreed with a lot of the things that this author had to say about femininity and the role of women vs. men in the world. It's something I've really been growing in my understanding of over the last couple of months. The difference between femininity and feminism is stark and worth investigating.

I may not agree with all of her fashion advice, but I agree with all the princliples of dressing as a woman and with modesty and grace. It's something that is quite needed in our society today. I still don't think wearing pants is wrong or immodest, but I do prefer skirts because they are pretty and feminine.

I recommend this book to any Catholic woman who desires a deeper knowledge and appreciation of their femininity.

[Rebecca Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might seem like a tough pill to swallow, but it's a good pill! This book changed the way I perceive myself in relation to the world - how I dress (obviously), how I handle myself, how I present myself.

The first few chapters did move a bit slow and seemed repetitive, with the real meat beginning once she got to tracing the history of fashion. I'd love to read more about the Freemason influence, which some readers seem skeptical of, but there's legitimate evidence to support Hammond's claims; I'd like to have seen more of that.

Overall, a must-read for all ladies! Kudos to Hammon for writing something counter-cultural enough to make people mad. :)

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though she makes some good points and traces the fascinating history of modern fashion, I find Coleen Hammond's book to be too legalistic in it rules of modesty for my taste. I believe there should be a standard of dress and that modern dress is a far cry from what it ought to be. Nevertheless, modesty should not be measured by inches so much as by the type of person and the occasion.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very thought provoking read and has drastically changed the way I think about modesty. Colleen brings forth some pretty strong arguments for why many of the ways we dress in today culture is inappropriate, including a few of the ways many more conservative people consider to be modest. At first glance I think that many of her ideas of what dressing modestly do seem rather drastic, but once you think it through, I think its evident that this culture's drastic immodesty has tricked us into justifying more "modest", yet still immodest, fashions. I definitely recommend it to all, just be ready to take it with an open mind.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book written for Catholics. Since I'm not one, some parts didn't have any meaning to me. In particular the constant reference to the virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. I didn't mind it, since I knew going in it was a Catholic book, and in fact I found it interesting. Colleen Hammond did an amazing job with her research. The history of the swimsuit caught my attention, because I recently gave mine away. Every time I wore it, I was constantly tugging it up to cover my chest, or down to cover my butt.
Her points on covering shoulders, and upper arms isn't something I have considered before.
Some of the reviews I read, before I bought this book called her legalistic. I didn't find this so at all. Legalism is the adherence to the letter of a law instead of the spirit. In having modestly you are both expressing and nurturing your spirit of humility, and temperance. All in all, I found this book worth reading, and thought provoking. I do think she should have researched the Freemason thing better, or left it out. On the other hand I do agree on not taking our cues for modesty from the culture. A culture is basically the common attitudes, actions, and beliefs of a people or country. A culture is of the world. I would rather try to be an imitator of Christ than of the world.

[Amy Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I ABSOLUTELY agree with this book's thesis, there were a lot of rabbit trails followed by the author that almost made me give up reading it at least three times. The masonic stuff didn't serve to strengthen her argument, in my opinion. The historical connections to the feminist movement were certainly topical and understandable, so I don't want to get it twisted. However, at the end, Scripture, the Catechism, and simple scientific studies (like the eye tracking study - yikes!!!) are all the sources she really needed to cite to indisputably make the overall case for Marian modesty. In retrospect, I think all the good data and arguments in this book could've been compiled into an essay or an article.

I hope the author doesn't see this, because I wouldn't want to her to be hurt by my opinion. I can tell her heart was absolutely in the right place. Perhaps her editor should have worked with the author and her text a bit more before publication.

[Nada Sheppard · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I was just hoping for something different from this book. I was expecting more about how to actually dress, in this book, and less about the why. I found the author spent more time discussing her political views, which I found repetitive, despite my agreement with many of them. The final chapter was pretty much all there was about the actual dressing and fashion suggestions. She also promoted her website and the links she provided to modest companies frequently throughout the book; however, when I went looking for it, it seems to be taken down and the author seems focusing on finances and life coaching now. I wouldn't recommend this book now. It may have been better back when it was originally written.

[TheRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for the modern Catholic woman. I only wish the chapter on the Freemasons' involvement in 20th century women's fashion evolvement was better written/researched. It was unclear exactly how they were connected; just one letter from one mason to another was cited. Other than that, this book is an excellent argument for being a nonconformist when it comes to current clothing styles.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the author makes some very good points on having pride in one's femininity and dressing like it. Citing Church documents to back herself up on differences between male and female, masculine and feminine, great. That, you've convinced me despite your overuse of anecdotes and exclamation points.

But seeing confusion of the sexes as a Masonic conspiracy? Not so much. If she hadn't been so convincing on the first part, she'd have half as many stars.

[Stefanie Lozinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, unapologetically Catholic introduction to the importance of feminine modesty in dress. I would have enjoyed it even more had I not already researched the topic heavily, having written on it myself in the past. Some of what is said in this book will likely frustrated women, drowned as we are in feminist ideals, but it's worth reading all the way through and praying about. No one said striving for Sainthood would be comfortable :)

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman should read this book

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Short but straight to the point. I feel like everytime I read about modesty it’s more on the principle of what modesty is and not how to practice it, but this book gave me the specifics of what is too far. It quotes scripture, the saints, the Popes, etc. It is crazy. It goes through the timeline of fashion and shows how certain styles came to be and it’s mind blowing. This should be mandatory reading for all women!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is thoroughly convincing. It was just what I needed as I began my own modesty journey. I've made the switch and I know in my heart I'll never go back. This book is well researched and nicely presented. I love how the author not only looks at modesty throughout history, but more importantly highlights the reasons why the Church has always applauded and encouraged this most beautiful virtue. The Church, in her wisdom, has always inspired and promoted the inherent dignity and God-given worth of women. Modesty is a natural and integral part of the Catholic feminine genius. This book opens the heart to experience this life giving, beautiful, and authentically part of being a woman.

[Kassie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fascinating look at fashion and how the trends have not only come about, but why. It isn’t a mistake that we see women and young girls dressed in short skirts and crop tops (or worse) these days. This was filled with information about that, but also why one should be modest and how. Definitely eye opening, convicting, and interesting.

Yes, it is for Catholic women, but if you want to know more about fashion and how/why it evolved (…went downhill…) this book tells it like it is!

[Selah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fascinating book, to say the least! I really appreciate the message, thoughts, and info shared, even though I don't agree with absolutely all of it. Definitely from a Catholic standpoint, lol. Great for MC development in my current WIP. :P

[Estella Boger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book about the lack of modesty in women's clothing. The author writes from a traditional Catholic point of view about the decline in the dignity of the way women dress and its effect on both women and men.

[Juliana Tomingas · Rating 4 out of 5]

My views are not completely in line with hers, but still an excellent presentation on the roles of modesty and femininity in the life of a Christian woman.

[Carina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm ready to re-read this book right now. It was that good :)

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoing the warnings of Our Lady of Fatima.

[Emily Ignatius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m almost embarrassed to admit I read this book. I’m not a ‘rad trad’ but I’m interested in fashion and the psychology of the traditionalist mindset so I picked it up out of curiosity.
There are many excellent points about human dignity, how it is being eroded today, and how we can try to bring it back. I tend to be sympathetic to traditional ideas about femininity because they give women inherent value that is counter to the modern-day rat race career woman stereotype, which seems to make women burnt out and miserable. However, there can be a danger in defining gender roles too strongly since it can alienate people who do not fit the mold.

The section about the history of fashion was very interesting. I would caution readers against believing the conspiracy theories. It is tempting to blame a general cultural erosion on an evil Masonic conspiracy, but in reality it probably happened as a result of many complex and unrelated factors.
I do not agree with the extent to which the author recommended covering up, it’s too extreme. Some of the quotations from Saints, Popes, Bishops, etc are very difficult to take and verge on misogynistic, but they were not meant to be cruel, so it is interesting to question why those statements were made. Is it Puritanism, or is there some inherent truth in modesty that seems wrong in the modern day because we are conditioned by the trends of our time? It is true that history disagrees with modern standards.
Ultimately what I take from this book is that I have dignity and don’t deserve to be exploited or objectified in any way. For me, this extends beyond sexuality to include the way I am treated at work and in society; it reminds me to treat others with dignity as well. So this book had a positive impact on me, but not exactly in the way it was intended. If women want to veil and wear modest skirts and dresses as a reminder of their dignity, that’s great, but we shouldn’t feel constrained by it. It would also be a violation of human dignity to judge others by their clothing choices. It is absolutely possible to wear well fitting wide-leg dress pants or ‘Mom’ jeans and not run into any of the problems mentioned about pants. Pants are not a sin!!! 😂

[Haley Dessauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t judge a book by its cover (or title)! I can’t believe I put off reading this for so long. Chock full of valuable information regarding the evolution of female fashion, with great emphasize on the quick decline of modesty in female clothing over the last century.

The biggest shocker to me was the advertising tricks clothing companies used in regard to marketing pants toward females, while utilizing what science had found regarding the male gaze.

This stuff isn’t made up. I asked my husband, (a truly virtuous man) if it really was a struggle for most men to resist “filling in the imagination gaps” when it came to specific clothes on women (specifically form fitting clothing). He said it was a constant struggle which most men fight every day.

If you are a Christina woman who cares about your brothers in Christ, this should be something to take note of.

One thing I really respected about this book was that she provided references for nearly every claim she made, which truly helped me feel confident that this was far more than just a woman’s opinion. There were even a few claims I struggled to believe at the time and found myself looking into the references she provided. Why can’t all books do that?!!

I will say I did have a few reservations toward the end when she was talking about femininity and how a woman carries herself. Some of her suggestions seemed wildly over the top, and even my husband laughed and shook his head.
However, I don’t feel that this in any way took away from the theme of the book, and the message it was trying to convey.

Overall, I’m so glad I read this, and found myself feeling a little more prepared/confident in raising two daughters so they hopefully don’t fall into the same traps as I did in regards to clothing/body image, etc.

Edited to say that this was a VERY quick read. I don’t have a ton of time to read these days, and completed this in less than a week.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, even as a conservative Catholic, I felt that this book was a bit ridiculous. While I absolutely agree that men and women should dress modestly, her "guidelines" (which were only given in the very last chapter) were unrealistic.
For instance, her guidelines dictate that a woman's neckline should not extend more than 2 finger withs below the collarbone. Go look in a mirror, ladies -- there is no reason anyone's neckline needs to be that high!
Additionally, she seemed to be totally against women wearing pants. I can't speak for you all, but there are times in my life when skirts are just plain impractical. And sleeping in nightgown? I wear shorts to bed, because I can't even stand it when my sweatpants get twisted around my legs!
Elbows do not need to be covered when I leave my house, and the argument that this is a recent "evil" in women's fashion is incorrect. Formal dresses 150 years ago had short sleeves (and even before that had plunging necklines).
Also, I don't understand what her problem with clothing from the 1920's (or 30's, 40's, or 50's...) is, but those dresses are beautiful, generally very modest, and aresome of the best things that happend to women's clothing.
I will be ignoring her advice: I'll keep my jeans, my sleeveless dresses, and my t-shirts and sweatpants, thank you very much!
(Also, don't try to tell me that I need to have a "feminine laugh". What even is that? God gave me the laugh I have, and anyone who doesn't like it can avoid telling jokes in my presence.)
I think the 2 stars I gave it is generous. I would add more complaints, but this review is long enough as it is. Though if you made it this far through my review, you might just be able to get through her book!

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖍️ This book turned out to be a gem of a read. While much of it were points that I was taught growing up, what was spoken about solidified how debased our world has become, particularly as warned about Our Lady of Fatima. Moreover, this is not only a guide for Catholics, but also a guide for all women.

The following passage rings true:

. . . many women are playing with fire in the way they dress. Dressing like a floozy tells the world, “Look at me, want me, lust after me. I’m easy and you can have me.” Displaying intimate parts of the body is a form of advertising for sex—so if you dress to attract sexual attention, you can hardly blame anyone else if that kind of attention comes your way. But dressing modestly tells the world, “I respect myself and I insist on being treated with respect.” It’s possible to be stylish and attractive without wearing something that is too short, low-cut, or see-through.

The so-called “women’s feminist movement” helped to ruin the order of life. Case in point:

It’s rare these days to see men holding doors open for women, or to hear “please” and “thank you.”

I believe that is because so many women have been taught to hate men and to hate themselves, too.

This is a nicely written book with a comfortable writing style. This is an important guide to supplement Catholic teachings on modesty, manners, and general respect.

*˚˚*•̩̩͙How I happened upon this book: Found it researching Catholic teachings.

🟣 Kindle.
•✩•̩̩͙*˚˚˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book included some fantastic gems of truth and wisdom. However, being Protestant, I have to reject the Marian dogmas and visions the author communicated as well as the Papal authority equivalence with Scripture. There were a few moments that I thought she was being legalistic, however knowing the author is writing as a Catholic I can understand why she may push the edge of legalism. Overall, I don't think she was anymore legalistic than most other modesty writers, perhaps less so when factoring in Catholicism. My greater concern is that twice the author referred to women as the "moral compass" of society. I fear she is implying a moral superiority of women to men, a statement which I would not be willing to make as we are both sinful by nature. Women, after all, are the driving force behind abortion. I can't comprehend how women may be morally superior when we encourage and applaud the murder of our children (the author did address this. Perhaps this is a moment of either her own inconsistency, but I will also be humble enough to admit that I may be reading into those comments more than the author intended). Apart from Christ, we can do nothing moral.

I wavered what to rate this book. While I reject some of the ideas presented, I did find it educational to learn more regarding the Marian visions and the historical context.

Unfortunately I have to end on a literary note. The excessive use of the exclamation point was distracting.

[Natasha Montoya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember reading this book in my (very conservative!) highschool, so I went back and re-read it a few years later. There may have been a few good points in the book, but I cannot remember them due to all the other ridiculous points it made. I can tell the author means well with her views. But still. Her statement on how women should never wear pants anymore? I walked outside and lo and behold, almost every single woman I saw was wearing a pair of perfectly modest, ordinary blue jeans. And no “sinful man’s eyes were being drawn to her crotch”, either. I do agree that our God-given femininity is something that should be respected, but what if someone wants to dress more masculine, just because the clothes are more comfortable for everyday life, and not for any particular reason? That’s not a sin, as the book sneakily suggests. She also says that a neckline should not be “two finger’s breadth below the collarbone.” I mean, come on. Unless you’re wearing a turtleneck in the wintertime, nobody has their neckline that high.
I have more, but I’m not going to rant on forever. Thank you for reading.

[Anna Claxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book is the author’s reaction to fashion 20 years ago, I can only imagine how it would be today. This book has given me a lot of things to think about in how I present and carry myself, not just for my own dignity, but for my husband and my children. It was especially insightful to read Padre Pio’s reaction to women’s fashions in his day!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!

I couldn’t put this down from the moment I started reading. It all just clicked; it makes so much sense! Certainly as important today as it was at the time of original publication.

[Leila Chandler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I automatically tune out whenever anyone mentions Masonic conspiracy theories.
Also, little children don't need to worry about modesty because they are not sexual! Who cares if babies are naked?

[Kim Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and eye opening read.