How to Build a Go-To (Sunday Mass) Wardrobe
Last year when I moved to France with my husband, I had a much smaller wardrobe (which was actually a HUGE advantage)!
I was worried that, with less clothes, I’d get stuck or “bored” of always wearing the same thing.
However, my experience has been completely the OPPOSITE. By paring things down, I learned a lot about my own style and wardrobe… and one of the most enlightening and unexpected lessons was learning how to create a “go-to” Mass outfit.
Growing up, I was always scrambling to blow dry my hair while tossing oodles of clothes across my room. I was always frantic trying to get the right outfit for Mass that was appropriate, modest, and cute.
One time, I was SO rushed that I tried to put my shoes on while running to the car. (You know that awkward jog, where you’re jamming your foot in as you hop, skip and step at the same time? Yup, THAT.)
I got in the car, buckled my belt, and felt an odd squish as we hit the road. I quietly slipped my shoe off and pushed it under my brother’s seat. (I was too afraid to look and find out).
When we got out of the car, I asked my brother to peek in my shoe and he found…
A MOUSE.
Tears and hysterical crying ensued. My Dad got rid of the mouse and I somehow regained the strength of composure to slip my shoe back on and go in to Mass.
ANYWAYSSSSSSSS….
The moral of my story is that being late to Mass and rushing to church half-dressed (or worse) can be AVOIDED.
I recommend that you designate two or three dresses as your “go-to’s” (as in, “go to church!”) If you’re worrying that you’ll be embarrassed by everyone who will say Oh she’s wearing that again… Here are a few tips:
You can make ONE dress look several DIFFERENT ways by pairing it with various jackets, blazers, cardigans, or vests.
Shoes can dictate your outfit! Try unorthodox (sorry, can’t resist the pun) pairings of dresses with booties, or dressing down a fancier dress with a chic and simple loafer.
Pick a dress that can transition you through the seasons. By doing so, it can look remarkably different.
Accessorize! Statement necklaces, silk scarves and belts can do A LOT!
Have you ever layered a sleeveless sheath dress with a long sleeve or button-down shirt? (Hint: TRY IT)
And of course I wouldn’t leave you empty handed. Below are a few dazzling ideas to make you say yes to the church dress.
How PERfect is this Mango Dress? Not only will it modestly flatter your body. But you style it numerous ways. It’s perfect with a denim jacket, a camel blazer, even an edgier leather jacket. In the winter with tights and booties and the summer with a nude flat!
Amour Vert gingham dress Bring on the Americana! (and highlight your waistline at the same time!)
Zara Pleated Dress Stunning, creamy pleats! Perfect to wear casually with a denim jacket or give it a little zip with the pop of a bright heel!
Amour Vert Yolanda Dress Feminine and timeless!
Boden Daisy Ottoman Dress Beyond classy and very K-Mids!
Boden Lace Midi An emerald lace is PERfect to greet the new Spring weather!
Massimo Dutti This is bold and fashion forward to pair with these booties, but you can wear it, too with some classy heels or leopard flats! Add a thin belt around your waistline to chop it up, even pop on a blazer over this!
I hope this helps YOU avoid any pre-Mass -- or post-mouse -- snafus!! And you’ll look polished and stunning while rewarding yourself with a stress-free morning!! Now… can I get an amen?