The Lady's Perspective

Marisa Pereira

Marisa Pereira

Dressing up for mass is outdated!

by Marisa Pereira on June 5, 2012 · 9 comments

  • Shorts, tank tops, plunging necklines, spaghetti straps, cutouts, backless, bandeau, strapless and halter tops and dresses, bare midriffs and tight clothing are not acceptable for mass – These can be covered up with a lightweight jacket or large scarf. Cleavage is NOT acceptable at mass. Wearing long tops or jackets over pants reduces the risk of underwear lines from tight clothing.
  • If skirts are above the knee consider stockings, tights or leggings (yes – for an hour, it won’t kill you. Besides, they are definitely in fashion!). Skirts that are 4”- 5” from the behind are TOPS not DRESSES. Wear pants or leggings (not tights) with them.
  • Most knit fabrics cling. If a garment is lined there is less chance of “clinging” OR, wear a slip.
  • The above are just guidelines – use common sense; some people may be more endowed in certain areas necessitating greater coverage. For example someone with thicker thighs might look inappropriate with a skirt 2” above the knee.

We recognize the importance of our Sunday worship not by placing undue importance on our outward appearance; but rather drawing closer to God in all areas of our lives. As Britain celebrates the diamond jubilee of their queen, we too rejoice as true princes and princesses, CHOSEN to share in the inheritance of the King of Kings!

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Marisa Pereira
Marisa Pereira is a mother, fashion designer, currently runs a Design and Image Consulting business in Atlanta, GA, is a freelance writer and volunteers at her church and in the community. She holds a BA in Fashion Design and a BA in French with a minor in Psychology and has worked in the Fashion Industry for over twenty years. Frustrated at her inability to find appropriate church clothes for her 14 year old daughter, she heeded God’s call, and created the stylish but modest, Michaela-Noel clothing collection, now available on-line. Having lived in multiple countries, she is acutely aware of the emphasis cultures place on visual appeal. She analyzes the importance of presenting the best image of ourselves and passionately insists that it starts within. She regularly addresses adult and youth audiences – encouraging and teaching them to make a memorable first impact but more importantly - to create a lasting impression. Her websites are: www.mpcimage.com and michaela-noel.com.

Tagged as: appropriate clothing, Christian dressing, Church, clothing, dress for church, dressing up, Jesus' clothes, Mass, modesty

  • Judy

    Marisa,
    THANK YOU!  I never cease to be disappointed at dress in the pews — and you hit the nail on the head…. we would all comment if someone was not properly dressed for dinner, a date, a wedding….

  • Brother_Pilgrim

    Marisa,
    Great article…awesome.
    I teach at a Catholic school and the kids here would argue against the Adam and Eve statement because they are taught in their religion classes that Adam and Eve were not real, they are just a story.

  • http://www.michaela-noel.com/ marisa

    At a Catholic School – Adam and Eve a STORY??!! Interesting!

  • http://www.facebook.com/Rana.Razvi.Darvesh Rana Razvi Darvesh

    Great article Marisa. As always you have reminded us all that common sense and logic are all that is needed to be decent. I am happy to read that I am not the only mother trying to instill not only modesty but appropriate dressing in my family. 

  • Frank

    Absolutely Marisa.. reverence and respect.. we show it in many public events, and we should show it when visiting the ‘King of Kings’ … Great Article- I will put some copies at the back of our church..!

  • Florin S.

    Not only on the altar but in the pews we should dress decently – so many men and women, young and old, come to Mass in short shorts and skimpy tops and, for some reason, Pastors are afraid to say anything. I think it would be good during the winter when people are dressed warmly, to begin a catechesis on the Mass, of the importance of showing reverence for the great miracle we witness in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. People don’t mean to be disrespectful but they haven’t been taught. Starting in winter means no one will be offended or hurt because they will be dressed modestly. The Priest could remind people that if they were to go to see the Bishop or the Pope, they would dress modestly (most would)…and take it from there. Then post a sign at each door with this message…at St. Peter’s in Rome if anyone is dressed immodestly, they are not permitted to enter; they are offered a kind of shawl covering…as for reverence for the Eucharist, some Churches allow girls, not women but very young girls, who are serving the Mass, to go to the Tabernacle and bring out the ciboriums holding consecrated Hosts for distribution…even when a Priest and Deacon are present – one very large woman distributes Holy Communion wearing a dress that goes so low she is hanging out, worse when she bends over to give Holy Communion…but people aren’t taught so perhaps they are not responsible.  “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

  • Kansasdad

    St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Mount Calvary, WI, requires its students to wear dress pants, dress shirt, TIE, belt, dress shoes for Mass. I’ve had two sons graduate from this school and a third is still attending. The effect it has had on our family is fantastic. I have for the past five years worn at least sports coat and tie each Sunday and my two youngest sons wear their suits. When visiting other parishes, we are always asked what is the special occasion. When my 9 and 11 year old respond with a smile that this is how we always dress for church, the reactions are amazing. By the way, the 11 year old can tie a terrific double Windsor and his little brother is learning.

  • Julie

    I’m always looking for articles on proper dress for Holy Mass. It has been a constant battle with our daughters in trying to get them not to want to dress as our society would have them dress. If they could at least go to Holy Mass and see a different witness! I know a priest that calls men aside afterward to speak to them if they are wearing shorts. Priests can uphold parents by enforcing a proper dress code. Also, in writing, one way we can elevate the Holy Mass is to not to reference it as “mass” with a small “m”, as in a weight of measure (although it’s weight is of great importance!:). Giving this most important and wonderful gift from Jesus a capital “M” or adding a word like “Holy” raises it up. “Divine Liturgy” (used in Eastern traditions..’transcending time and world’) is another beautiful term as separate from “liturgy” alone which can mean prayer services, etc. If we can use terminology coupled with all of the other means God has given us to bring back the sense of the sacred, dress will follow. We can hope!

  • Lisa Sadler

    Thank you for this post.  I just wish that priests had more gumption to say something about it.  To enforce a dress code, make an announcement, put up a sign.  But I guess “enforcement”  is where things get uncomfortable and undefined.