These days, much attention is paid to the “rebel Duggars” – those offspring of Jim Bob and Michelle who have rejected some of the more asinine rules that characterized their ultra-strict upbringings.
But there’s a contingent of the family’s loyal basis that’s far more interested in the stories of Duggars like Joy-Anna, who have eagerly adhered to just about every single aspect of the fundamentalist belief system with which they were raised.
These fans saw their faith tested with reports that Joy-Anna got pregnant before getting married to Austin Forsyth, but most have stood by her side and dismissed the allegations of premarital sex as unfounded rumors.
While her sisters have taken to wearing pants, sporting nose rings, and even flaunting temporary henna tattoos, Joy-Anna Duggar has mostly stuck to the conservative customs and traditions that have helped to make her family famous.
She married young, started a family right away, and for the most part, she adheres to the rules of the famous Duggar dress code.
Of course, while Joy might be a wife, mother, and Duggar first, she’s still a 20-year-old young woman.
Which means fans shouldn’t be shocked if she occasionally gives in to the temptation to show a little calf.
The above photo of Joy, along with her husband, Austin Forsyth, and son, Gideon, appeared on Instagram over the weekend.
“Happy Mother’s Day to my lovely bride! She never has ceased to amaze me with her character and love for our Savior!” reads a caption posted alongside the pic.
Joy and Austin share a joint Instagram account, so we’re gonna go out on a limb and assume he wrote that one.
Of course, it’s not the loving husband’s kind words that have captured fans attention but rather, Joy’s attire.
If you’re a longtime fan of the family, then you’re no doubt aware that Duggar women generally favor floor-length skirts made of heavy fabrics like denim.
The fact that Joy is sporting a just-below-the-knee hemline in a lighter fabric is being taken by many as an indication that she’s slowly parting ways with her family’s infamous dress code.
Of course, it’s worth noting that Joy is still adhering to the Duggar guidelines for “modest dress” here.
Jim Bob’s daughters are instructed to wear long skirts, but the preference for floor-length is the result of an abundance of caution.
Joy is still sticking to the rules here, but many fans think this pic signals the start of a slow move toward greater independence.
Comments on the photo have been mostly complimentary, which might be enough to nudge tomboy Joy toward taking a greater interest in fashion – even if that means disregarding some of her family’s famous guidelines.
Watch Counting On online for more on reality TV’s most controversial family.
