This one is to all of my conservatives out there. I’m talking to the girls who wore one pieces until they got to college. I’m talking to the girls who wore tank tops under their v-necks. I’m talking to the girls who couldn’t wear shorts unless they were finger tip length: This one is for y'all.

I grew up in a conservative home. I love my parents and what they stand for. I loved my small, private, Christian school. I love my home church. But they all lied to me. I was one of those girls who couldn’t wear what everyone else wore. I couldn’t wear bikinis or short shorts or heels. I didn’t wear makeup or get my eyebrows done. When I came to the age where my friends started questioning why I was still wearing a swim team bathing suit and why my shorts were so long, two sayings would rush to my head. “Modest is hottest” and “Dress like trash or treasure.”

I’m now at the age where I can wear almost whatever I want and my parents can’t do anything about it. (That is a wonderful thing about college). But I still find these sayings echo in my head when I try on dresses that are a little too short or wear a shirt that doesn’t cover my entire backside when I wear leggings.

Here is the truth: Modest is not hottest.

Guys like the girls in short shorts and crop tops. Bikinis are more attractive. Girls often look better in heels. The skin tight, short dresses are sexier then A-line knee-length dresses. Excessive makeup, crop tops, heels, pushup bras...the whole nine yards are, and always will be, sexier and more attractive than their conservative counterparts--that is life.

With that being said, there are two sides to the spectrum. There is definitely a point on both sides of the scale where things become ridiculous. Like, shorts that can barely be considered shorts on one side while turtlenecks with long white socks and sneakers on the other. I’m not saying that either side is more right than the other. What I am saying is that we need to teach our girls the in between.

Girls have no need to be ashamed of their bodies. All are beautiful in their own way and should never feel guilty about showing off themselves. On the other side, girls do need to wear real clothes. They shouldn’t feel the need to wear skin tight clothing and pounds of makeup to feel beautiful or receive attention.

Here is what I suggest: Start telling girls they are beautiful as they are and don’t need to do anything other than being themselves. Because let’s be real, being yourself is most certainly the hottest thing you can be.