Is There a Dress Code for Christian Women?
How we dress says a lot about who we are.
Royalty Free Image by Pixabay
Have You Ever Been Asked, "Are You a Christian?"
While exiting the grocery store the other day I saw two women talking in the parking lot. As I rolled my shopping cart past these ladies I heard one of the ladies ask the other, “Are you a Christian?” Her tone of voice was somewhat condescending and at that moment I could not keep myself from turning around to look at them. I wanted to see why the one lady felt the need to ask the other lady such a probing question. The lady to whom the question was posed was dressed in a sheer white blouse with a neckline cut so low that she was exposing all kinds of cleavage. She was also wearing a pair of skin-tight jeans that looked like they were designed by the vicious claws of five angry tigers.
I could not hear the entire conversation, but I deduced that these ladies might have been in a conversation about religion and at some point the question about the person’s character came into play. If the provocatively clad lady was claiming to be of Christian character, I could see how someone might be a little baffled by her attire. Her words might have said one thing while her clothes said another.
Christian Dress Code
To directly answer the question about whether or not there is a dress code for Christian women, no; there is no specified dress code for Christian women. However, while there may not be a specific dress code, there is a suggested way for Christian women to dress. The Bible says…
Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 ESV
In Biblical times, tunics, robes, and hoods were practical attire worn to cover and protect the body from the elements of weather and the environment. Over time, clothing also became a fashion statement. People of nobility were able to dye their fabric. In addition, they were able to add stitching and ornaments to denote their elevation in society.
Nowadays, most people have a choice in what they wear. They choose colors, styles, and fabrics to make a statement about who they are and what they represent.
Psychologists say that it only takes a few seconds for people to make up their mind about a person’s character. A lot of that decision stems from the way the person is dressed. In some cultures, people do not have a choice on what they wear. But, when that is not the case, what a person choses to wear says a lot about their character.
Note: By culture, I include religious groups, social stature, and environmental elements such as whether or not a person is told by their leaders what to wear or is poor and cannot afford to buy the clothes of their choice. I consider whether or not the person lives in hot, cold, rugged, wet, or dry terrain. All of these elements somewhat take away a person's complete choice of what to wear.
Dress Like a Christian
When I was a worship leader, I was very particular about the way the band members, especially the women, dressed. We were a Christian rock band, so traditional choir robes were out of the question. I don’t like confrontation, but almost every week, I would have to give counsel to one or two of the women who chose to wear revealing attire. I believed in second chances, so I kept scarves backstage for the occasion a woman would show up at rehearsal in a revealing top and needed to wear a scarf to cover up. I would counsel them on the value of dressing modestly. This counseling session constituted their first and only warning, in which the next occurrence of indecent dress would get them expelled from the band.
The Band: Mosaic
A modestly dressed Christian band.
MarleneB
Your True Self Will Shine Through
I believe people should dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable. At the same time, I think people should be aware that what they choose to wear makes an outward statement about their inner self.
As a worship leader, I asked the band members to dress modestly while on stage because I did not want the members of the congregation to look upon the band members and then develop the inclination to ask, “Are you a Christian?”
Know who you are and choose to show others the real you, because even if you don’t say a word, your fashion choices will speak out boldly on your behalf.
How to Dress Modestly
In the following video women discover ways to dress modestly yet look absolutely fashionable. Learn about the top 10 clothing items to include in your modest-dressing wardrobe.
Resources:
Fletcher, Ben C. (April 20, 2013) What Your Clothes Might Be Saying About You. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/do-something-different/201304/what-your-clothes-might-be-saying-about-you. Last visited 11/13/18.
Fashion Psychology: What Clothes Say About You. Psychologist World. Retrieved from https://www.psychologistworld.com/body-language/psychology-of-clothing-dating-dress. Last visited 11/13/18.
Pena, Azalea (December 6, 2016). How Should A Modern Christian Dress? Christian Today. Retrieved from https://www.christiantoday.com/article/how-should-a-modern-christian-woman-dress/102734.htm. Last visited 11/13/18.
Laver, James; de Marly, Diana Julia Alexandra; et al (April 9, 2018). Dress-Clothing. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/dress-clothing. Last visited 11/13/18.
© 2018 Marlene Bertrand
Comments
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 02, 2019:
Hello Luis, I am so sorry for the delay in responding. With the holidays and guests, it was so hectic and I didn't take time to go on the internet. To answer your question, YES! I am a Christian.
Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 25, 2019:
Doing great too. You know what, may I ask, are you a Christian?
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on November 25, 2019:
Hello Luis. I am doing well. I hope the same for you, too.
Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 25, 2019:
Hi Marlene. I hope you are now doing okay. Keep up the good work.
God bless you more.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on November 25, 2019:
Hi Luis, of course, there is no specific dress code laid out in plain language, just a personal expression of modesty.
Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 25, 2019:
I don't think so. There is no dress code for Christian women. Anyway, thanks for sharing and God bless you.
Antonio50S on March 15, 2019:
Thank you Marlene. Just wanted you to know that :)
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 15, 2019:
Antonio50S, I know you have a good heart, so I want you to know I am not offended. I do realize you are just kidding around, being light-hearted.
Antonio50S on March 15, 2019:
Hello Marlene again.
If i thought Eric would take anything wrong, i wouldn't have said anything.
However, i am aware how ( sentitive ) to some words you are, and if i thought either you or Eric did take anything wrong ? I would make an ( apology )
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 14, 2019:
Hahhahaha! Well, Antonio50S, Eric has not weighed in on the comment, so I am sure he has not seen it yet. I hope he takes it in the light that it was meant. Have a wonderfully blessed day.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 14, 2019:
Hello Shannon, you bring up a very good point about coming as you are. Like you mentioned, to me it means you don't have to go out and buy fancy clothes. And, if you just happen to be in the neighborhood, just come on in as you are. Thank you very much for your feedback.
Antonio50S on March 11, 2019:
Hello Marlene. It was said in humour. I'm sure Eric will see the humorous side to it.
Shannon Henry from Texas on March 11, 2019:
Interesting article with good advice. I was reading some of the comments and the ones about the "come as you are" church, in particular, caught my attention. I guess because I never really thought of an invitation to come as you are as an invitation to come to church dressed in unmodest attire, although I suppose it does apply to people seeking help who may be in dire need of attending church at the moment, such as a prostitute. But I thought of it as being more for the poor or homeless who may be in torn clothing or for people who do not like to "dress up". Some people don't have many casual dress attire clothing pieces nor do they have formal attire. You made me stop and think for a minute.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 11, 2019:
Hello Antonio50S, I'm staying out of the middle of this one.
Antonio50S on March 11, 2019:
Hello Marlene. Still around.
Just read Eric's comment.
I'm sure Eric is not of the human race or quite normal ? but that's OK.
I'm sure he will find this funny :)
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on February 21, 2019:
Hello Dream On. I know what you mean. There is that old double standard that we must adhere to in order to be accepted in society... the norm. Part of the reason (according to psychologists) that women should not "overexpose" themselves is because men are visually stimulated and seeing the naked flesh of women's body parts is too much for them to bear. For that case, it is best that women keep it all hidden from view. Now, keep in mind, this is what psychologists say.
As for myself, I play it safe and stay on the side of modesty.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on February 21, 2019:
Hello Eric! I am one of those people who sets aside the next day's outfit the night before. Saturday night is my favorite.
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on February 21, 2019:
Yes we dress up, it is fun.
DREAM ON on February 21, 2019:
It is a shame in our society that men can go without a shirt in the heat of the summer and women can't. I think our culture has created a world where certain things are hidden. Too much emphasis on women's breasts. I think in African cultures it's no big deal. I could be wrong. Just my opinion. Please don't take it the wrong way. Then when we wear clothes and women show off more of their legs and cleavage it becomes a big issue.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on February 10, 2019:
Thank you, Rajan Singh Jolly, you saw the exact point I was making. We CAN be fashionable without exposing ourselves.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on February 10, 2019:
Oh yes, DREAM ON, I agree that a person's character IS the most important aspect upon which to determine who a person truly is. Unfortunately, right or wrong, many people judge a person's character by what a person wears.
Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on February 10, 2019:
I believe dressing correctly, whether there is a religious dress code or not, is of paramount importance in sending out the right message as your dress is the first thing that strikes the person across you.
One can be fashionable without wearing flimsy dresses. The video shows exactly this.
DREAM ON on February 08, 2019:
Your article gives much food for thought. Growing up new clothes bothered me and my mother would wash all my school clothes before I wore them. My older brothers had to wear their shirts starched and ironed. I was glad I grew up when I did.I don't know what I'd do. So I understand your position but society finds ways to judge people harshly even if they didn't do something really wrong. If we had different beliefs and were taught to wear only clothes that were white wouldn't we miss out on all the pretty colors? Even though people from that church would believe only white is right. The clothes dont make the man. The man's character and nature count for something. Just my opinion.
Antonio50S on December 30, 2018:
Hello marlene.
Hope you're keeping well. Just letting you know as well, i won't be posting on Hub Pages any longer.
Having trouble understanding what people are saying in "Words" since words can be misread in different ways. I'ts causing all kinds of misunderstandings, unlike face to face communications.
Happy new year.
All the best to you.
No need to respond back.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 27, 2018:
My sentiments exactly Devika Primić. We don't need to expose everything to the world.
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on December 26, 2018:
I think women should dress as they wish. A dress code for Christian women, well that is another topic. Dress as a lady and be comfortable with what you wear. Women don.t need or don't have to show off their bodies in certain public places.
Antonio50S on December 13, 2018:
Had a listen to that song. I like it.
A female responded back to me from her "Hub Page" because i said i like a quote from an article she wrote ( Words have power ) her response was ( Words really are more than words. They define the reality we live )
That sounded very much what Jesus was talking about in ( Mathew 12:31-37 ) All about the words we use.
Verse 32 Going against the holy spirit, is sinning against the holy spirit.
Verse 34 How can evil people say anything good ? Since what comes out of our mouth is what's in our hearts.
Verse 36 & 37 NLT New Living Translation.
36 "And i tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak" 37 "The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you"
( Allowing ) the holy spirit to work within us, creating a new person from within, via Regeneration, Rebirth or Born again, which can take time for some, will create a new person with new attitudes and motives.
( 1 John 5:1 ) "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God"
That carries the idea of gradual rebirth for some, but It's also the same Greek word, same root meaning in ( John 3:3 ) to Nicodemus.
Entering the Kingdom of God in ( John 3:5 ) is the same as seeing the Kingdom of God in verse 3, which could mean we may not enter the Kingdom of God, unless we allow the holy spirit to change us from within, as that happens, we put away the old nature, along with all the Idle & Careless words we use.
We don't always say the right things on the spur of the moment, but we can always make apologies after we thought about what we said, and make effords not to repeat them, by making changes from within.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 13, 2018:
Hello Antonio50S. Right on! As you know, we are nothing without Him!
There is a song titled, "Words." It's by Hawk Nelson. You can find it on YouTube. I like to think of it as my theme song. The chorus pretty much states my intentions as a writer and in life.
CHORUS:
Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You
The "You" is referencing God. I listen to this song every day. It is a reminder to keep me on track and remember that words have power. As the lyrics of this song say, "Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out."
It is always a pleasure talking to you and sharing the Word with you. Have a beautifully blessed day.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 13, 2018:
Hi Janis! And, thank you for your comment. I do like dressing up for special occasions, too. Still, like you, I am mindful of how I am presenting myself.
Janis Leslie Evans from Washington, DC on December 13, 2018:
Great topic for Christian women or women in general, Marlene. I'm a modest dresser but don't mind throwing in a little sexy for an appropriate occasion, but never too much. The video was great and useful for those women who might need some guidance about their appearance. Thanks for this article.
Antonio50S on December 13, 2018:
To Marlene.
Just want to say ( 1 Corinthians 10 ) is a great chapter, lost count how many times i read that chapter in the past ? Maybe 200 times.
I was thinking Marlene, It's strange why men seek the Glory of men, when In the end, theres no real purpose to it. All man made Glory is temporary, all men & women have limitations.
( Just a few things they cannot do ) they cannot stop us from getting sick or getting older, cannot prevent death, or bring us back to life, and cannot give us "meaning to life"
( Philippians 2:5-8 ) are GREAT verses in showing the right attitude by following the "Example of Christ" who never concidered himself equal to God, taking the position of a servant, humbled himself, and in the end, God himself exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above all names.
Paul ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ) "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" ( What Examples )
All true Glory goes to God & Christ alone, but true christians must honour and respect each other, including giving compliments. ( 1 Peter 2:17 )
Some of these women dressed the way they are in churches, maybe looking for compliments, but doing things all the wrong way, even large religions who dress well, have these issues as well, but as long as they walk through them congregational doors, they need help & support, but it maybe good to ask, enquire what motivates them to go in the first place ?
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 12, 2018:
Thank you Antonio50S. Thank you very much, and the glory goes to Him. I am merely a faithful server, trying to do His will in all things.
Antonio50S on December 12, 2018:
That is a "very good verse" God and Jesus are the ones who took the initiative in everything, just for that verse alone, all Glory "HAS" to go to God, everything else falls into place after that.
Who else, and what else can give us meaning to life other than the Alpha & Omega, Firsrt & Last, Begining & End ? ( Nobody )
You to good you are marlene :)
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 12, 2018:
Thank you for your very kind words Antonio50S. One thing I know for sure is that I don't mind not receiving the glory for the work I do here on earth. I would much rather receive glory from God.
As you know, I use to be a worship leader and the one thing I tried to make clear to the band members is that we are not on stage for our own personal benefit. We are there to help lead the congregation through a time of worship. One time, the lead guitarist played a totally cool riff at the end of a song (demonstrating his amazing talent). Afterwards, the audience didn't applaud. He was a little bit stunned and so he held out his hands as if to say, "Well, aren't you going to applaud?" I didn't want him to feel humiliated, so I immediately started into the next song, but you know I had a counseling session with him after that little stunt.
We all want to be appreciated. But, sometimes people do not appreciate us the way we want to be appreciated. I have discovered that seeking approval from people merely leads to disappointment. Of course, whenever I do something I do it to the best of my ability. But, I don't seek approval from people. If the Lord likes what I did, then I am happy.
And, since I use the Bible as my guidebook for life, I refer to
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God (Modern Language).
Have a beautifully blessed day!
Antonio50S on December 12, 2018:
Marlene.
It's always a privilege to give compliments to "humble" people like yourself, people that don't seek Glory from others. How can anybody not compliment a person like that ?
Words from GRACCHUS out of the film Gladiator,
"My lady, as always your lightest touch commands obedience"
"Real gents love inward qualities in a woman, which demands respect and obedience" but have noticed a few Christian Hub Writers who write because they love constant praises and Glory from men, which leads to "Self-Exaltation"
How can people have real faith in "God & Christ" when they seek Glory from one another and to be at the centre ?
According to ( 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 & Jude 16 ) NIV, which i think Charlie will like,
"Flattery & Greed go together"
( Jeremiah 9:24 ) teaches the opposite, "Let him who boast, boast in the Lord"
Also marlene, i could never praise these "Self-Exalted" prolific christian writers who constantly love being praised while there's others who do a lot of good work for society who don't get noticed. That's unfair, since God doesn't show partiality.
Charlie may be a little hard, but at least he knows who he's following, same with you marlene, for that, "I trust both of you"
If i did write any articles, it would be for the right reasons and motives, just like the one you wrote.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 11, 2018:
Yes, Jason M Quinapondan, I totally agree with you. We have a choice of what to wear. At the same time, knowing that people have a tendency to judge us with their first glance, we might as well let how we dress relay a positive image.
Jason Behm from Cebu, Philippines on December 11, 2018:
Interesting article. I agree that we can wear any attire we are comfortable with, but we have to be considerate since it is our outward statement of who and what we are. With that, people then would judge and worse would stereotype. It is inevitable so to avoid it, we have to consider and be mindful. This article really made good points.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 08, 2018:
My dear Antonio50S, you filled my heart with joy. I have never been quoted like you have just done. Certainly, you are a master in the art of compliments. You truly should write a book on the subject, or at least an article, because your talent in this area should be shared.
Because of the concept of Agape love, it is easier for me to love people than to not love people. I see the good in others first. And, if they do something to hurt me, I still see the good side of them. I know that we all operate from a standpoint of our own life circumstances. No everyone is educated, not everyone is trained, not everyone thinks first before speaking or acting. I don't impose my personal expectations upon anyone. I do expect to be treated with respect, but if someone choses to be disrespectful to me, because I must love them, I do love them... I just don't hang out with them anymore. And, I pray for them, because that is also what the good book of life (the Bible) says we must do. I live by that book. The lessons have served me well.
May our Lord bring you a most glorious and blessed day!
Antonio50S on December 08, 2018:
Wish everybody thought like you marlene. We'd have world peace overnight :)
Antonio50S on December 07, 2018:
Quote: Yours.
"I always try to see life from the other person's perspective. And then I ajust my actions accordingly"
( 1 Corinthians 13 ) "AGAPE" love.
The ( GOLDEN RULE )
Agape love is the highest of all loves in Greek. I'ts that self-sacrificing love why Jesus gave his life for "all people" "the world" which includes the very creation itself which awaits liberation ( Romans 8:21 )
When we see some of these females dressed the way they are in churches, our views towards them maybe different if it was one of our own kids.
Something i was reading, "Am I a Noisy Gong" ? Based on 1 Cor 13.
"Deep love and sound doctrine must not be separated. Shepheards teach the word of God from hearts captured by the love of God"
Antonio50S on December 05, 2018:
Yes marlene. Agree.
Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on December 05, 2018:
Antonio50S, of course I agree with everything you mention and accept your views in the context they are presented. You are definitely in line with the scriptures. At the same time, when the love of others come into play, we do well to look at how what we do might affect others.
I dress the way I dress because I respect myself and want to represent what is referred to as a mature Christian woman. I can choose to wear what I want to wear regardless of everyone else, but I choose to dress in a manner that can be respected by all who I come in contact with. I agree that we all must take responsibility for our own selves and it is not my fault if someone is affected negatively by the way I dress. My article is a simple one. It merely answers the question of whether or not there is a dress code for Christian women. The answer is no. We can wear whatever we want. BUT, if we claim to be a Christian woman, we will show respect to ourselves and to God by dressing modestly and not as those of the world.
I also know I can eat anything and everything, regardless of the person sitting at the table with me. I just imagine how cruel it would be to eat meat in front of a person who might not be able to also eat meat for whatever reason. Depending on their reason for not eating meat, it could be like bragging to their face (especially if they are on a restricted diet and meat is off limits on this diet). It would be like eating a candy bar in front of a toddler and not sharing it with them. Or it could be like a slap in the face (if they have religious or social reasons for not eating meat). It would be as if I am saying I don't give a care about them or their belief system.
I always try to see life from the other person's perspective. And then I adjust my actions accordingly. It never hurts to be courteous of others. At the end of my life I am going to be judged by how I lived and not how others lived. I'm trying very hard to live the life of a humble servant.
Antonio50S on December 04, 2018:
To Marlene.
Just looking into that dress code & the law of love a bit further.
I do understad that example of not eating a steak in front of a vegetarian, but was looking up some verses from ( Romans 14 ). verse 3 says,
"The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not ( condemn ) the one who does, for God has accepted him"
Taking that verse into account as well, though the law of love is applicable, it's not something that's imposed, it's something we do "willingly" out of consideration and love for others.
About the dress code ? This is the bit i disagree with others on. Though the bible does talk about appropriate dress in church settings, it isn't really for the benefit of Men or any issues they maybe having, it's about how christians present themselves towards God who they claim to believe in. I think you mentioned that already.
About the "verses" which talk about not stumbling others, we can only apply them to ourselves, and not to others, and also think there's a big different between foods we may refrain from out of consideration for others, but when it comes to Lust or pornography, nobody in any church should blame a woman because of how she dresses. People out and about are dressed in all kinds of ways, christians cannot complain about that.