chapter 13

THE DRESSING

PARTY

Invite your friends.

As I said earlier, I hope you have been going through this book with a friend or two, but if not, it’s not too late to start. For this chapter you are going to have a Dressing Party. What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s a fashion show of sorts. What I want you to do is get a friend or two together and show off your wardrobe. Do a fashion show of all your stuff and talk about each item. How does it fit with your new PR campaign? Do you think guys are going to be all hot and bothered seeing you in it? Is the old man down the street drooling every time you walk by in this particular skirt?

Pull out all the stops. It’s like doing a What Not to Wear party for your wardrobe. Nothing should be left out. You and your friends can make popcorn, put on some funky tunes, and do a little show, just for girls. You might even want to invite an adult, maybe a youth leader or a female youth pastor—someone who can help you make those hard calls on the stuff you really, really like that just isn’t compatible with your new way of thinking and dressing. This isn’t a time to go all Amish on me and throw out everything but turtlenecks and baggy pants; you still need to look girlish and cute. You still have a right to love your clothes—just be smart about them. Which ones show off too much skin? Which ones will lead guys and men down a path of destruction?

Also look for fun ways to mix things you might never have thought of. Take a look at some of these examples that will make you cute without drawing all eyes to your skin:

Spaghetti-strap top too revealing? Add a little T-shirt underneath to cover up your cleavage.

Pants too low waisted, showing off your sexy belly? Why not put a dress over the top of your pants? They can make great funky tops that no one else will have.

Skirt too short? Why not try it on over some of those tight jeans? It will cover up your sexy behind and make your legs look really long.

Layer, layer, layer! A lot of things don’t have to be thrown away if you just think of ways to layer them. Put a long-sleeved tee under your short baby doll tee to cover up your stomach.

Get creative. The cutest girls who make the biggest statement are girls who experiment with clothes. The key is really just to always be wearing something unique. A funky hat or weird shoes will set you off better than low-rise pants and a tank top. Think about adding personality to your wardrobe by going to a thrift store and buying something funky. Think 1970s, or pick another era that you like. There are all kinds of ways to be totally cute and not compromise on your image. So get a group together, do your dressing party, and check out new ways to be really cute without being sexy.

WRAPPING IT UP

Well, the end is here. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed our journey. The plan from the beginning of this book was to help you to create an image you can be proud of. My hope is that you have done or are doing it. Don’t worry if it seems like too big of an endeavor or if things get in your way—like finding cool clothes that aren’t too sexy. It might be hard at times, but it will be worth it when you commit yourself and your body to your God and determine to care for the things he cares for. Don’t let yourself get frustrated. I know from experience that there will be days when you say “it’s just too hard.” But those days will pass when you finally find a style that suits you perfectly or a top that covers you completely without being dorky. I can remember going from store to store looking for something—anything—that wouldn’t be sexy but would still be totally cute. It took me lots of tries, but eventually I found a piece here and there that said “Hayley.” And now, over time, I’ve come to create an image of myself that I am proud of. I think I look unique and cool without looking sexy. I work hard at finding the right stuff but it’s totally worth it. I search thrift stores and discount places ’til I’m dizzy, but in the end I’m happy, and I hope you are too. So dive into setting your perfect image and don’t forget to have fun along the way!!