Originally Posted by satz

Interesting question...

At this point of time, I am leaning toward saying that the NT application for this verse is not so much as regards clothing, but with the friendship and love of the world. I am always open to correction of course.

Regarding clothing, I think the problem is what exactly are the 'styles of clothing from the nations of the Earth' ? The bible does not set out a dress or style code for NT christians. My present position, and again I am open to correction, is whatever you see in the stores, or wherever, if it is modest and does not violate any other scriptural principle, go for it. Just as Paul told the Corinthians not to worry about where the meat they bought from the shambles came from, I do not believe we need to worry too much about the origin of modest clothing we see in the shops.

I would be wary about taking the plain and simple approach too far, even if it is in reaction to the world's horrible excesses. One characteristic of the virtuous woman was she was clothed in 'silk and purple' (Pr 31:22), even if silk and purple is often used in the bible as the identifying mark of worldly excess (Luke 16:19, Rev 17:4, 18:16). Dressing well or attractively is not in itself wrong, even if it is one of the areas where we are most prone to sin by excess.