Ernie wrote: 
Again, the early Anabaptists did not go to the scriptures to see how little clothing a person might be able to wear and still be "biblical" or ethical.
Their goal was to follow Jesus and try as best they could to live up to the teachings and ideals presented in scripture.
I think we would do well to do the same.
i hope this might help kaitlyn.
when i found MD, i had never considered the idea of "plain" clothing, altho (i believe) i dress conservatively+modestly. i have enjoyed reading more about the topic from both scriptural and cultural views. i believe both are relevant.
it did not take me long to conclude (for myself) i would have little or no problem submitting to my husband's wishes, and/or my church or fellowship standards. i'm a widow, but, as a married woman, i looked for leadership from my husband, and, i really wanted to please him. this was "normal" to me, this was how my family role models behaved in their marriages .. it was not one-sided!
the men/husbands wanted to lead, protect, please their wives. each in their own way, their own ability, etc. outside of these most recent decades of rampant divorce, i believe this to be fairly universal, cross-cultural (Neto may have some better informed thoughts on that.)
kaitlyn, here is one thought i have on the absence of specifics in scriptures regarding dress:
i believe what is written, and not written, is genius!
scriptures, or, Truth, is meant for ALL people, in all the world. MN member, Adam, is working on translating scriptures into a remote language in New Guinea right now!
Truth is literally meant for all.
if scriptures had been specific about dress, how awkward+inefficient for people who inhabit drastically different climates+geographies. it wouldn't work. many might dismiss scriptures altogether, due to serious impractical dress standards.
i respect and appreciate most forms of dress, including plain.
i believe considering dress choices from a scriptural view is quite important, and, sadly, something that has been abandoned+forgotten in recent decades in Western cultures (even IN churches!) -
not long ago, most, or all, Christian churches had similar dress standards .. it's shocking how quickly+thoroughly "we" forget ..
each new generation must learn anew for itself.
we don't "like" it, we love "once+done," but, it's not human reality.
kaitlyn, if you care to share, or think about ..
does your present church or fellowship have dress standards? if so, that would be the logical place to begin.
on this forum, i read of others' experiences. some others choose to dress more conservatively than their written church standards require. these have said, they are accepted, even when different; some have shared their reasons with their churches. in the (Catholic) church i've been attending, it's so culturally mixed, dress varies a lot, most modest, with lots of exceptions!! i'm not aware that any are questioned.
i'm not Catholic. never expected to attend with Catholics. but, much of my life experience has not been predicted or expected! i had no idea the plans God had for me. sometimes, i just sit+wonder how it's all been. and, what more yet to come? His Will, not mine.
thankfully, my daughter chooses conservative/modest dress for herself+daughter. i'm not sure she's interested in the scriptural basis (?) .. but, she is conscious of respect for God+others, protocol, etc.
i talk with her a little about how all churches used to have (at least) basic standards, no bare arms, no shorts, etc. .. this seems to resonate with her. it makes sense. honestly, as they attend, i've noticed others making more conservative choices (esp for daughters) - without any discussion!
this is a relief to my daughter. instead of being thought of as peculiar, they seem to be appreciated.
this is important to her. it's a trait she has. she could use a bit more self-confidence.
sorry for writing so much. not my original plan.
hope this might help, though.
it's worth thought. but, as Ernie suggests, keep thinking in perspective of Jesus' instructions. trust that we have been given "enough," that it was never God's plan for us to know in full on earth:
2 Corinthians 9:8
…7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion.
For God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”…
Truth.
