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squeak: You are absolutely right that everything is between you and Hashem. However, think to yourself (and be honest) about how many of the things you do are things you want to do (right things AND wrong things). Compare that to how many things you do even though you don’t want to but ONLY because Hashem says you must. I think you will agree that wanting to do something is probably the most necessary component to doing. That’s why I suggest that the only way to improve tsnius is to make a culture of women who WANT to be b’tsnius. You can make them want to by admiring their efforts.
I get your point about doing things because you want to do them, but complimenting someones efforts on tznius is on an individual basis and also very personal. What about my neighbor who is dressed on Y”T, in shul, in a form-fitting outfit that empahsizes all the “right” places and is a real head-turning outfit? She obviously thinks she looks good. She is willing for other women, the rebbitzin, and other men to see her this way. I don’t say anything to her. I don’t compliment her outfit, and I usually just wish her a good Y”T. (Inside, I am cringing and wondering why this woman needs to objectify herself this way.) Do you mean when I see her in the street next time, and she is wearing a more tznius outfit, I should say, “Now this is a tzniusdik outfit! You look great!” Ha! You can imagine the reaction I would get from her!
Your suggestion on how to improve tznius with positive reinforcement is applicable for my own daughter, but not for other women in my neighborhood and shul or just another frum woman walking down the street. Should we just ignore this mode of dress? Shouldn’t we discuss it and bring it to open forums like the CR?