10 Do’s and Don’ts of Catholic Fashion

“When I wear loud colors my heart smiles,” my momma often repeats and she constantly motivates me to add color to my wardrobe so that I can push away the blues.  She claims that a doctor once told her to wear bright colors especially when she’s feeling low and eventually the happiness of the rainbow will reach her inner spirit (smile).  Thus, you will rarely see my momma without an article of clothing in a brilliant shade.  Part of the reason I love fashion is because it was passed down to me by my her; yet she came from a loving Catholic home and her conservative values were something else I inherited.  Thus, I decided to write a fun post full of the wisdom I have learned from my fashion-forward momma. 

The Following is a List of 10 “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Catholic Fashion     

1.    Do Wear Color it brightens the soul and God said it was good, He covered creation in an abundance of hues. Don’t Show Off; wearing clothes, accessories and modifying our appearance to impress others violates our Christian yearning for humility.   

2.    Do wear high heels they are fun and feminine.  Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk-in remember you have to be ready for service at all times.

3.    Do Put Thought into Your Outfit looking frumpy and unkempt doesn’t translate to spiritual maturity.  Also, carefully choose your pieces, when wearing slogans and pictures on your t-shirts think first whether the messages you are promoting are Christian. Don’t try Every Trend they are not always supportive of Christian modesty and they are fleeting.

This is offensive.

4.    Do Dress Accordingly, what you wear to the beach, a sports event or to relax at home will not necessarily be appropriate for Sunday Mass.  Don’t Exploit Your Body since Adam and Eve, God designed clothing to cover our whole body not just our private parts (smile) and He created us in His image not as objects or play things.

5.    Do Invest on Quality, Classic Pieces that will enable you to creatively recycle the outfits for years to come.  Don’t Become a Fast-Shopper treating clothes like fast-food and buying constantly without concern for the planet, creating piles of waste violates our call to be earthly stewards.

6.  Do Wear Pieces that Flatter Your Body, learn to sew up a hem or invest in tailoring so that your clothes fit you perfectly.  The right size and fit make all the difference. Don't Waste Money on pieces just because they are on sale make sure you are going to wear the item.    

7.    Do Think of Your Shopping Actions consider what you are supporting with your purchases; for example, are you encouraging the use of exploitative labor, perverse ad campaigns among other problems within the fashion industry? Don't Imitate Your Friends learn what looks good on you and what you feel your best in.  

8.    Do Focus on Your Inner Conversion More Than on Physical Beauty, remember that modesty is first a matter of the heart and our desire to please and obey our heavenly Father.  Don’t Lead Others Away From God by distracting them with your clothes rather let your carefully chosen fashion choices radiate God’s goodness and pure love.
9.  Do Learn How to Take Care of Your Clothing proper washing and storing will add life to your pieces.  Don't Hoard if you haven't worn it in a year or if it no longer fits find an organization or thrift store that will benefit from your donations.

    

10. Do Invent Your Own Style reflective of who you are in Christ, we are starved for originality so get creative. Don’t Let the Fashion Industry Dictate What You Should Wear while it's fun to learn tips from the pros on how to dress better, how to apply make-up and style your hair guard your creativity...  There's nothing more beautiful than a woman confident in her fashion choices.  Your clothes should say, that girl has really good taste and she truthfully follows God, I like her balance (smile).