Okay ladies, let’s talk church outfits. When you’re heading to services, you want to make sure you look polished and modest – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still look great.
The key is striking the right balance between being fashion-forward and church-appropriate. Different religions and denominations can have varying dress codes, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. But in general, the vibe you’re going for is pulled-together and respectful, not sloppy or too revealing.
This look is all about prioritizing coverage while still allowing your personal style to shine through. We’ll cover dress and skirt options, tops and blouses, pants, shoes and accessories. By the end, you’ll have all the tips and tricks for curating a killer church ‘fit that keeps you feeling confident and holy. Let’s get into it! For those looking to complete their Sunday attire, Designer Church Suits offers a selection of stylish church hats that perfectly complement any outfit.
Dresses and Skirts
Dress and Skirt Lengths
When it comes to dresses and skirts for church, you’ll want to keep those hemlines modest. Midi and maxi lengths that hit around the knee or below are an ideal choice. Anything too short or thigh-grazing is a no-go.
Silhouettes
As for silhouettes, steer clear of anything too bodycon or figure-hugging. You want to avoid dresses or skirts that are overly tight or clingy. Instead, opt for looser, more flowy shapes like A-line or circle skirts.
Necklines
Necklines are another area to keep things covered up. Look for higher necks or tops with a little bit of sleeve coverage. Leave those plunging V-necks and spaghetti straps at home.
Midi and maxi dresses/skirts are a safe choice when shopping for church-appropriate dresses.
The overall vibe is polished and put-together while still leaving a little to the imagination. With dresses and skirts, it’s all about balancing a flattering fit with enough length and coverage to be church-appropriate.
Tops and Blouses
Necklines
Just like with dresses, you’ll want to avoid anything too low-cut or revealing when it comes to tops for church. Opt for higher necklines that don’t show too much cleavage. Crew necks, collared shirts, and modest V-necks are all good choices.
Sleeve Lengths
Sleeve length is also important. While you don’t necessarily need to wear long sleeves, you’ll want to cover your shoulders with at least short sleeves or cap sleeves. Sleeveless tops or tanks should be avoided.
Layering Pieces
If you have a cute sleeveless top you want to wear, consider layering it under a jacket, cardigan or shawl to add coverage. This allows you to get more use out of your wardrobe pieces.
The key with tops is making sure your chest, shoulders and back are properly covered. With the right neckline and sleeve combo, you can still look stylish and on-trend.
Pants and Bottoms
Style Choices
When it comes to pants for church, you’ll want to leave those ripped, distressed or overly casual styles at home. Instead, go for dressier options like slacks, chinos, or tailored trousers. Dark-wash jeans can also work if they’re free of holes or embellishments.
Fit
Pay attention to the fit and cut of your pants as well. You’ll want to avoid anything too tight, like leggings or yoga pants. Those formfitting bottoms can easily veer into inappropriate territory. A more relaxed, straight or wide-leg fit is usually a safer choice.
Skirts vs Pants
If you prefer skirts over pants, just be mindful of the length and fabric. Knee-length pencil skirts in fabrics like ponte or suiting material can look super chic for church.
No matter if you choose pants or a skirt, make sure the overall vibe is more dressy than casual. Denim shorts, athletic wear, and the like should be avoided.
Shoes and Accessories
Shoe Styles
For footwear, you’ll want to leave the flip-flops and athletic sneakers at home. Instead, opt for closed-toe flats, pumps, loafers or dressy sandals. Avoid anything too casual or beachy.
Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, keep things minimal and understated. A simple necklace, stud earrings and a nice watch can add just the right touch. But leave those big, statement pieces for another occasion.
Handbags
Don’t forget a handbag or clutch to carry your essentials. A structured satchel or tote in a neutral hue is perfect for church. Or you can never go wrong with a sleek clutch.
Outerwear Options
Depending on the church, you may need to consider a layering piece or outerwear to stay warm during services. But don’t just throw on any old jacket!
Blazers
A tailored blazer is the perfect topper to elevate your church outfit. Look for structured styles in fabrics like cotton, linen or lightweight wool. Blazers instantly make you look more polished.
Cardigans
For a more casual layering piece, a nice cardigan or shrug can work well. Opt for finer gauge knits rather than chunky, oversized styles. A cropped or hip-length cardi pairs perfectly with dresses.
Wraps and Shawls
Another chic option is a pashmina wrap or shawl. Look for ones in luxe fabrics like silk or cashmere. Drape it over your shoulders or tied around your waist for extra coverage.
No matter which outerwear piece you choose, make sure it has a tailored, dressy look to it. Avoid anything too oversized, sloppy or casual like hoodies or jean jackets.
Fabric and Color Choices
While you can get away with more casual fabrics for other occasions, church calls for dressier textiles. Leave the jersey knits and cotton blends at home.
Fabrics
Instead, look for pieces made from fabrics like chiffon, linen, silk, satin or lightweight wools. These fabrics automatically elevate your look and read as more formal.
Colors
As for colors, you can’t go wrong with richer, deeper tones. Think jewel tones like emerald, burgundy or sapphire. Darker shades of neutrals like navy, charcoal and camel also work well.
Prints
When it comes to prints, it’s best to avoid anything too bold, bright or distracting. Stick to more subdued patterns like small-scale florals, polka dots or pinstripes.
Conclusion
There you have it – all the tips you need to put together a perfectly church-appropriate outfit. Let’s quickly recap the key points:
When choosing dresses, skirts and tops, prioritize modesty through proper lengths, higher necklines and adequate sleeve coverage. For bottoms, dressy slacks or knee-length skirts are best. Avoid anything too tight, ripped or casual like leggings or shorts.
Stick to closed-toe flats or pumps, and keep jewelry minimal and understated. A structured handbag pulls it all together. If you need an extra layer, blazers, cardigans and shawls make for polished outerwear options.
Finally, pay attention to fabrics and colors. Opt for dressier textiles like chiffon or linen in richer tones or subdued prints. This instantly elevates your look.
At the end of the day, you want to strike the right balance between fashion and reverence. As long as you keep coverage and modesty in mind, you can absolutely still look stylish for church services. Now go put together a killer outfit!
