A perception generally exists in the minds of men that says, “When a woman openly displays a part of her body “beyond reasonable propriety”, it is in order to attract attention and even to arouse desire.” Such displays usually come across this way regardless of what is intended. It seems a sort of taunting, tempting tease. The progression of thought in a man’s mind may go something like this:
She displays it, so she must want me to pay attention to it. She knows it is attractive to men, so she must want me to be attracted to it. She’s not saving it for anyone, but offering it up to any man that wants to look.

Sounds awful, doesn’t it? Please understand that I am not talking about the thoughts of moral reprobates and perverts. I’m talking about the kinds of thoughts that go through any normal man’s mind when he sees more of a woman than should be displayed. A respectable man, an honorable man, a Godly man, hates having such thoughts and will never act on them, yet he remains burdened by them.

When physical attributes are over-emphasized in order to attract attention, significant personal qualities are de-emphasized. Dressing to over expose and display your body (male or female) will not put others in mind to consider more important aspects of your character such as dignity, intelligence, virtue, and worth as a person. On the other hand, those who care to do so can dress decently with class and style. You can be wholesomely attractive and lose nothing, without appearing cheap and easy.

To a large degree, you will be regarded by others according to the way you dress. Treat yourself with respect by dressing respectfully and you will be respected (and admired) by others. Dress in a way that cries out for attention and few will be careful with you.
“Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” First Peter 3:3-4

Don’t worry ladies if, while being respectable, you see others seeming to profit by lewdly attracting attention. Those whose attentions they receive seldom offer beneficial relationships (see Proverbs 5:1-14 and 7:1-27). Such men may seem desirable now, but they are not likely to be good boyfriends, much less good husbands and fathers in the long haul. That may sound judgmental, but do you really think that when such a man marries he will quit looking at other scantily clad girls? You might even consider thanking those “displayful” girls for weeding out the bad guys for you.
Marty Kessler