What does it really mean to dress for the King?

When I first attended a summer retreat at my Newman Center, I rolled in with shorts and a tee. And that’s what I was working with for breakfast, lunch, recreation, and … Holy Mass. They tell you Jesus loves you as you are, so I felt blindsided that I didn’t get the skirt memo. 

During daily Mass, I saw my peers make their way to Communion in elaborate florals, shirts with ruffles, and nice sandals. I stared down at my tennis shoes, thinking something along the lines of, “Talk about high maintenance.” 

I wouldn’t pick this moment as my finest hour. It’s also not the most impactful of the many continuous re-conversion moments in my relationship with God, but looking back, it was absolutely significant. Yes, God can work in an instant, but, for me, His best work seems to come in hindsight. 

Of course, it’s not hindsight for Him. It’s perfectly planned.

Why I started dressing up, too

Over time, I, too, became “high maintenance.” 

I grew spiritually by reading Edith Stein’s Essays on Women, attending daily Mass, and praying the Liturgy of the Hours. I eventually began to see that dressing up for Mass marks a special occasion when God comes down from Heaven and humbles Himself in a piece of bread. The least I can do is dress accordingly to meet the King. 

The women from that retreat did not decorate themselves because they were consumed with their appearance. They did so to bring honor to God and show Him the respect that He is due as Savior.  

It makes those skirts have power and meaning, doesn’t it?

The importance of beauty 

Beauty points us not only to Heaven, but also to Who God is. Being mindful of beauty isn’t superfluous to our faith. It’s central.

God is beautiful and lovely. He creates lovely and beautiful things. And we, in turn, as His creation, do the same. We create ornate artworks that hang in museums, plant flowers and gardens, stop to watch a sunset, and design churches, transportation, and buildings. 

Through choosing what I wear each day, I participate in creating and showcase the innate dignity God has given me as His daughter. Your clothes point to your humanity and our design. Our religion is fleshy; we are body and soul for a reason.  

Side note: Don’t forget to stay true to what makes you beautiful or handsome. Ultimately, this will bring the most glory to God. It’s also important to note that some Catholic (and secular) trends I don’t wear because they don’t align with my personal style, are too revealing, or aren’t flattering for me, and that’s okay! I’ve gone down that road, but I’m much more confident, comfortable, and able to worship in clothes that I like, even if it’s not what’s trendy. 

Wearing our Sunday best for the highest point of our week draws us and those who see our outfit into the beauty of the Mass. It shows that something special happens inside a Catholic church. You honor God and His bride, the Church.

He made them male and female

It doesn’t just stop there. When I wear a dress or skirt and take time to do my hair in preparation for Mass, I honor my dignity as a woman. Similarly, when a man wears a collared shirt and dress shoes, he reveals his innate dignity and uniqueness as a man. Catholics in ancient times and around the world have different articles of clothing (not dress pants) that are considered respectful and beautiful. Sunday best is not one size fits all.

We not only complement each other, but we also respect one another by dressing up! It’s so uplifting to see everyone looking their best, whether it’s the elderly, families, or little kids. 

An increased reverence  

Dressing up helps you perform better, be more punctual, and make you feel and look your best! When I am dressed up for Mass, I am locked in. I know why I’m attending, who I’m seeing, and what’s about to happen! 

The King of the universe gives His Body and Blood to me on Sundays (for daily Mass goers, every day!) and I am receiving Him. When I dress up for Mass, I am making an effort not for everyone else in the pews, but for Him, the one whom my soul loves. I am not only coming face to face with the King, but He offers me Himself. 

Many celebrations in our lives will finally be insignificant on Judgement Day. We often put in a lot of effort into dressing nicely for birthdays, weddings, and other special life events. It’s easy to overlook Mass as an obligation, rather than a celebration and a privilege. Hopefully, I will come before God and say I dressed up for you each week on the day that mattered the most. 

How should you dress up for Mass? 

Jesus knows if you are dressing up for vanity or to honor Him. He knows our hearts.

There have been times when I’ve been putting on mascara and had to pause. Are the primping and prepping more for my benefit than God’s? It’s really about where your heart is in the preparation. 

There’s no pressure to go all out every single Sunday, except maybe Christmas Eve or Easter. I prefer to wear dresses and skirts to Mass, but sometimes that isn’t always possible on short notice. The most important thing is that you dress with dignity and respect (modesty is a good place to start). What’s important is that you seek to emphasize God, rather than yourself. The outfit is never the end goal. 

Easy-to-follow outfit formulas 

For her 

• Skirt + button-down top + sneakers
• Dress + small block heels + color-coordinated earrings 
• Dress or flowy pants + sandals + white tee shirt + cardigan with a pop of color 

For him 

• Dress pants + white tee + button-down of your choice + dress shoes (or sneakers)
• Dress pants + knitted polo + loafers
• Looser-fitting pants + boots + button-down