GUIDELINES FOR DRESSING

By Women’s Ministries
“…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Guiding principle: When you are participating in any part of the Sabbath school or worship service, your role is to draw the congregation’s attention to God. Therefore, the best way to dress is modestly and conservatively, not necessarily in your prettiest or newest garments. It’s not about YOU; it’s about worshiping God, and the way you dress can add or detract from that.

With that in mind, here are some guidelines for dressing modestly and conservatively to participate in the worship service:

1. Dresses/skirts should cover the knees when sitting and should not cup under the hips.
2. If you have to kneel while on the rostrum, wear a long, flared or pleated skirt that allows you to kneel down and get up modestly.
3. Necklines should cover cleavage and swell of breasts when you lean over or when people look down at you.
4. Buttons on blouse or jacket should not gap open.
5. If you cross your legs, cross them at the ankles, not at the knees.
6. Avoid sheer clothing. A half-slip should be worn with skirts made from thin fabric and a camisole with thin tops.
7. Avoid out-of-the-ordinary clothing that attracts attention, such as avant garde clothing or evening wear.
8. Tops should completely cover the shoulders and should not be tight or sheer. Avoid tops that accentuate the breasts (including, but not limited to, close-fitting sweaters).
9. Sleeveless tops are generally inappropriate. If a sleeveless dress is worn, the armhole should be tight enough to cover the bra and breast—in every position.
10. Dress shoes are appropriate for the rostrum. Flip-flops should be avoided.
11. Jeans should be avoided. If slacks are appropriate for your congregation, they should be dressy, and the top/blouse should cover the hips.
12. A final word: It’s a good idea to check yourself in the mirror from the side, as well as the front and back before leaving home.

References: For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, Multnomah Publishers, 2004
My Secret Weapon by Dr. Susie M. Hill, www.drsusiehill.com, 2010

Research