COVID-19 has turned the world upside down in a lot of ways. It’s changed so many facets of our life. Many of us are learning the new normal for moving forward. There are a few constants in life that haven’t changed though: church and fashion. Thankfully, just because you are asked to social distance and wear a face-covering doesn’t mean you can’t still look good doing it.
Sunday Best
Almost as much of a tradition as the act going to church would be dressing well for it. Dressing in your “Sunday Best.” Most of us have memories of our parents and grandparents donning their nicest outfits Sunday mornings for weekly worship. Dad and grandpa would work to make sure their pleats and cuffs were just right. Mom and grandma wore dresses that bordered on fancy gowns. Lipstick and nails were done to the nines.
Of course, it wasn’t just the congregation. The pastor and other members of the clergy’s preaching robes defined elegance and class. Beautifully ornate crosses, sleeves, and other aspects of their clergy robes. Seeing members of the church in their pristine attire has been a part of dressing up on Sundays. All of us being our best selves.
None of this changed as we got older. We just became the moms and dads or grandparents. The only thing that really changed is the COVID-19 virus. But that doesn’t mean Sunday Best can’t still be your thing.
Sunday Best and COVID-19
There’s no doubt that the way we worship has changed, but it hasn’t, and won’t, stop us from prayer. Nor should it keep you from your “Sunday Best.” Before this pandemic, we understood that clothes were more than just fabric you wore to cover up. Now, they are taking another dynamic that we hadn’t expected. Protection.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued several ideas for safely returning to houses of worship. These include many of the same protocols we’ve seen issued for other aspects of life: carrying hand sanitizer, using a disinfectant, and keeping a safe social distance. Staying home when you feel ill and also letting people know when you’ve felt sick. This also means wearing a face-covering in social settings, including at church.
Dressing up for church has taken on a new meaning.
Protecting yourself and others are both fashionable, but also the Christian thing to do. Face masks can be the perfect accessory to accentuate. It is the most noticeable and new focal point. They are also extremely versatile. Combining multiple layers of protection and fashion together can be done with the right antibacterial face mask. These now join the same category like jewelry, hats, and shoes. With such a variety of masks to pick from, you’ll want to make sure to add the right splash of color to your ensemble.
Speaking of accessories, with all of the added items you’ll be carrying like hand sanitizer, you’ll want to make sure you have the right handbag for Sundays. These have been a staple in your wardrobe but can now be used to help with the issues we are facing with viruses. Check what the CDC recommends carrying, and make sure you have the appropriate purse to carry what you need.
As we learn the new best practices the general public should be doing, it’s good to keep alive as many of the traditions that bring us joy as we can such as dressing in your Sunday Best. Wearing a mask is just the new way you and your ministry will interact. You can still be as fashionable as you would any other year.
