Q&A for How to Dress For Church Services

It depends on the church. Some churches consider red a color that is too vibrant, while others welcome personal expression.

Yes. Just make sure the design is appropriate and moral, and that you aren't drawing too much attention to yourself.

Don't wear black tights on their own. Wear them under a skirt or dress to ensure modesty.

Wearing a sweater or cardigan and a pair of black pants will do. If it's incredibly cold, remember to bring a jacket and scarf, and you can take them off during service.

Choose whatever hairstyle you want. Braids, ponytails and nice buns work well for women and men can comb over their hair.

Yes. A skirt would be fine. And, if you want to be creative, any color of skirt will do.

The dress code is clean and modest apparel, not expensive formal wear. Just bring your bible and you're all set.

For girls, closed-toe shoes are appropriate, such as flats, and try to keep the heel low. For boys, again, closed-toe shoes are best, no flip flops or shoes like casual ankle boots, penny loafers, plain sneakers, etc. Try to avoid flashy and over the top shoes, but nothing too old and dirty. The main thing to remember, is to keep it casual, but neat.

Jewelry is acceptable in most churches, especially the newer ones. However, some of the older denominations, such as Mennonite, would not allow jewelry.

As long as you will be comfortable wearing the dress, and it doesn't ride up inappropriately when you sit, it should be fine. You could also wear leggings underneath or wear a knee lenth sweater/jacket on top.

Try wearing leggings under your skirts for now, but it might be better to get some maxi dresses or skirts for a more modest look. Check out www.modestapperal.com or your local big box or department store for options.

You can wear anything you'd like. Most people will be happy you're there, and God doesn't care what you have on.

In western culture, wearing a hat indoors is a sign of disrespect. This issue is more about geographic and cultural preferences rather than religious ones. To be safe, you should remove the hat.

Yes, that would be perfectly acceptable. Just keep in mind that it should reach below the knees in order for you to stay modest.

A sleeveless dress or short sleeve shirt with a skirt or thin pants for girls. Short sleeve dress shirt and nice jeans or light pants for boys.

This depends on the church you are planning on attending. In some churches, it would be fine as long as the jeans are clean and not ripped. But in other churches, this is not acceptable.

It completely depends on the dress code of your church. Many churches do not expect people to wear a jacket, but some churches expect more formality. It's best to check with a member of the church beforehand if you're unsure. If you can't do that, then a shirt and jacket would be a good choice.

A button-up top and a skirt with some tights. Try putting your hair up and adding a barrette.

As long as you feel good in that outfit, and it fits you right, you're fine. Most Christian churches these days don't have specific dress codes.

I wouldn't recommend wearing anything above the knee just to be safe. If you're at a more relaxed, modern church, I would say to avoid anything shorter than your fingertips when your arms are flat at your side.

It is fine to leave it down. You could pop the one side back with a clip or hair slide. Practice with some styles at home the day before.

Yes, that is a fine outfit, as long as the dress is a conservative style.

You can wear makeup to church; the question is really about how much and what type. Churches range in their level of formality. To be on the safe side, keep your make up understated and conventional.

If you always wear a hijab, feel free to wear it at your friends' church. This should not offend anyone.

I would avoid ripped jeans.

It would be acceptable to wear nail polish to church as long as the colour is not neon, black, or overly flashy.

Yes, women may wear hats in church.

In some churches, jeans are considered too casual. Observe what others are wearing to get an idea of what is acceptable at that particular church.

You can certainly keep your coat on during mass. Some churches are not well-heated, and it certainly can feel very cold.

You could wear your hair loose for church, as long as it looks clean and tidy.