Figuring out what to wear to church is a huge decision.
When you’re willingly immersing yourself in your religion, more than ever you want to avoid offending anyone. And there’s no quicker way to offend someone than with the way you’re dressed.
Add to that the different denominations, their expectations, and any extra traditions they hold to, and care with your appearance has never been more important.
Here are some church outfit ideas that will help you fit in and ease your Sunday morning (or whatever day your church chooses to worship.) Take a look!
A Dress and Heels
Back when people only had a day dress and a Sunday dress, there weren’t too many choices for what to wear. That’s where the term “Sunday best” came from. Today, many still dress up to go to church because it’s considered reverent and respectful to God.
Try to determine what the standard is at the church you’ll attend. Most churches have a website where you can go to find information about their practices. Many offer a statement about dress to help visitors feel comfortable.
If you’re lucky enough to visit a friend’s church, your friend can also give you tips.
In general, a dress and heels is a perfect choice for a church. Err on the conservative side when it comes to hem length–at least hitting right above the knee. More devout denominations may require ankle-length dresses or even head coverings.
Pay special attention to the neckline of the dress, too. While regular churchgoers are used to picking dresses that don’t reveal too much cleavage, some people don’t have those options in their wardrobe. If that’s you, try adding a camisole underneath to cover more or a sweater over the dress.
If you’re not sure how much of the time you’ll have to stand up, choose heels that are comfortable for walking and standing. Remember than heels that are too high also send a more liberal message to some, so choose shoes that are stylish but not provocative.
A Dress and Flats
For services where you’ll stand the majority of the time, like an Orthodox service, flats are okay, even encouraged. Choose a conservative dress that pairs well with more casual shoes, like a maxi dress or a denim dress. Add your favorite flat shoes, whether dainty ballet flats or some with a peep toe or ankle strap.
You can also try a skirt and top instead of a dress. This is one way to make your outfit more casual to match the comfortable shoes, along with more simple fabrics and cuts. A plain t-shirt works well with casual skirts but still gives you a nice, respectable appearance for a church service.
Pants Alternatives
You can look great without wearing a dress. If you aren’t comfortable in a dress or don’t own very many, that’s okay because nice pants work, too. Any type of business professional pants will work, as long as they aren’t too tight.
While a suit jacket or blazer may be too office-like for a church environment, it may be normal at some churches. Check with your sources to find out what’s acceptable, then choose according to the answer. A chiffon blouse or flowy satin shirt works just as well with your dress pants.
Perhaps you’re more comfortable with a traditional button-down oxford. You can make it less business-like if you add a statement necklace or a scarf around the collar and a long, loose hairstyle. Remember to wear a belt if the pants have belt loops.
Pair this outfit with your favorite comfortable heels or flats and the outfit will charm even the staunchest church regulars.
Church Outfit Ideas for Volunteers: Comfortable and Practical
For more regular church attenders, you may have the regular Sunday outfits covered. Yet what about those days when you’re scheduled to work behind the scenes? If you’re getting down on the floor in the nursery with the babies or running after toddlers, you’ll want more comfortable clothes that still look dressy.
Try pairing practical jeans with a blazer. You want durable pants that help protect your knees if you really will be crawling around after kids. Ripped pants that already have holes in the knees aren’t as nice looking, and you’ll wind up with rug burns.
Make sure your jeans are high-waisted enough that bending over doesn’t reveal anything in the back. The blazer should help you stay modest and still feel dressed up enough to fit with other churchgoers. The jacket also helps you look more put together, even if you’re dressed down more than usual.
Another casual, practical option is black jeans with a sweater. Try to go with a pair that doesn’t have frayed hems so you look more professional, although any pair of black jeans is less casual than ordinary denim. Then add a nice sweater, one that you don’t mind too much if kids get schmutz on.
Looking Your Best
When you’re heading to church and not sure what to wear, hopefully these church outfit ideas will help. Whether you go with dress pants and a blouse or something more traditional like a dress and heels, you’ll have the confidence you need to find acceptance.
No matter what option helps you look your best, it should make you feel comfortable in your own skin.
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