What Not to Wear …. Church Edition

I wanted to write a post about how good the new Maroon 5 album, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” is. I was going to tell you how I love the 80s groove : the synthesizers brought me back. Even how “Kiwi” is reminiscent of the Michael Jackson sound. I was going to remind you to run out and purchase Musiq’s “Luvanmusiq” I was going to tell you that if “Teachme” did not excite you, you needed prayer.

But there is a pressing matter…….

Recently, BD, a teenager at my church, suggested a What Not to Wear to Church fashion show fundraiser. I think this is an excellent idea and I know Stacy and Clinton would be very pleased. Dressing appropriately has long been a problem, and seems to be getting worse. What I find is that people do do not know how to separate club wear from proper church attire. When I was growing up, Mama and Papa Maven made sure we had school clothes, church clothes and play clothes, even separate accessories. We could never mix the clothes. Being adult now, I still subscribe to the theory partially. There are congregants that feel they should “come as they are.” Well, you are supposed to “come as you” to Jesus. (Yes, Jesus is in the church.) At some point, you have to become the new person in Christ, which means putting the old stuff away.

According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Also Ephesians 4:23-24, “23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

At my church, CG, we have a fashion standard for all rostrum personnel. Each non-elder is given this code in writing and reminded verbally before he or she is to go up front. A male must wear a dress shirt, with tie, and dark trousers (no jeans), while a female must wear dark colors, a skirt that, when seated, covers the knee. A blouse that is not revealing. If participants do not adhere to the standard, they are not allowed to go on the pulpit. Most adults adhere to the standard, but oftentimes, the teenagers do not, which is sad because they are obviously not being taught.

Here are some examples of what not to wear:

The first two selections are self-explanatory. The third option is a fine line. If you really want to wear this church, I would suggest a shawl. If you have big breasts, save it for your cousin’s wedding.

You may say, “Mix Maven, the items you have selected are obviously not appropriate for church.” Of course, the items are inappropriate, but you will be surprised what I have seen in the pews.

I like this dress, but unless you are 10 years old, you should not be wearing this dress to church. Once you sit down, your ki-ki (Jamaican for lady business) might be showing. I am sure it will be a great after-five dress.

Here are some better options for church:

This Steve Madden dress is a classic and I love the silhouette.

Diane vonFurstenberg is another great option. Her ubiquitous wrap dresses are also great for church.

If pants are apart of the accepted attire, I recommend:

pair with or

We have learned that you can be dressed appropriately for church and still be fashionable. Leave the uber-sexy clothes for another occasion.

One of my cohorts, KJ, and I will be doing a seminar on how to dress for interviews. Oh, how that is a problem. You keep us in your prayers.

Dressing for Success,

Mix Maven