How to Dress for Easter Sunday

Gone are the days of three-piece suits, fancy bonnets and frilly lace dresses for Easter Sunday. Still, an element of tradition remains as churchgoers put on freshly pressed dresses and starched trousers for spring church services, recognizing the beginning of a new season and the celebration of new life. Consider meshing church tradition with your own personal style as you put together your Sunday best this Easter.

Things You'll Need

• Slacks
• Belt
• Button-up shirt
• Tie
• Skirt
• Blouse
• Dress
• Socks or stockings
• Blazer or jacket
• Matching footwear

Instructions

1. Check with friends, family or the church office to find out what type of dress is appropriate for the church you'll be attending, especially if you are new to the congregation and are unfamiliar with their customs.

2. Decide what you're most comfortable wearing. If your friend tells you that his family always wears jeans to church but you feel it is important to be more formal, go with your instincts.

3. Let your outfit emphasize the celebratory occasion. Easter is a great time to wear those freshly-starched linen pants, floral skirts, or patent leather shoes you bought at a spring sale. Take advantage of the opportunity to don your lavish duds, especially if it is rare that you have the opportunity to dress up.

4. Avoid wearing low-cut shirts, short skirts and sleeveless clothing. Modesty is typically the best policy for Sunday services, especially if you are unfamiliar with church customs.

5. Select accessories (jewelry, scarves and ties) that tie your outfit together without being too flashy or gaudy.

6. When in doubt, consider dressing as you would for work. Business casual is usually formal enough, not too stuffy, and appropriate attire for most churches.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're feeling especially festive, add a boutonniere, corsage or bonnet to your Easter finery.

• While many churches and their members have a casual attitude about what attendees wear to worship, others believe that dressing up helps set a tone for worship by signifying respect toward God and others. Familiarize yourself with your church's viewpoint on formality.

• Make sure your outfit is adaptable. If you're planning to attend a picnic or Easter brunch after church, you may want to remove your blazer and tie so you're more comfortable while socializing.

• Avoid dressing so formally that you feel uncomfortable. It is better to be slightly underdressed and enjoy your Easter Sunday experience than it is to feel stuffy and miserable.

• Avoid viewing the church service as your opportunity to make a fashion statement. Dressing modestly and comfortably will allow you to get the most out of the service without being self-conscious or fashion-driven. In addition, Easter service should be a time to worship without being centered on yourself.