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 are” 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,
I LOVE the Steve Madden dress – I didn’t know he was doing clothes either! Thankfully, we do not have this problem with the adults at my church. But the kids – that is another story. The high school girls wear the tightest jeans they can get in, fitted tops and perform duties at the Altar looking less than professional. We must teach our kids!!!!! Great post Mix!
I saw that too. Too funny!! You know my motto, “When all else fails, show your breasts.” but that was too much. I thought I was bad, but that took the cake.
~Mix Maven~
WTH!!! Has it come to this. I was at church about 2 wks ago and LF walked in the back. HOOTIE-HOO!!! Bosoms for days, and you know she’s blessed. I swear her bust line went to her navel, she has too much for a wonder bra so I know he’s a wonder to have kept those in during divine service. They were ready to burst free like popcorn on a hot august day. Now I sit on the rostrum as an Elder in my church, and we see everything from up there first and I have to keep averting my eyes each time some attention starved woman comes in the door, whooooooooo. I agree with you, decourum needs to be taught on every level, Home, Social, and church. Where did we go wrong stella, where did we go wrong. Don’t get me started on these half steppin brothas either. I don’t think I have enough space left.
The Maroon 5 album is very good and different from the first one, which I totally expected. Wow, I did not know that Steve Madden sells dresses too.