Which Outfit For Mass?

[CheerfulTabby22]

Hey peeps!

So, not sure where to post this- forgive me if it’d fit the Casual Discussion forum, better. But since it has to do with mass, thought I’d post it here, instead!

More and more I’ve been thinking how silly it is, that I haven’t even attempted to go to a mass, as fond as I am with all things Catholic!

So…kinda like a deer, emerging slowly from the woods…I think I might check it out.

Now- I’m sorry- Um, I know this question has been asked a TON, and Catholics everywhere are prolly ready to, err, howl in frustration!

I’m just sorta a practical gal, and I like to be prepared! I also know that, no matter what I wear, there’s always gonna be those that may think I’m either over-dressed, or not formal enough~ So I’ll try not ta worry TOO much about this!

I have a couple ideas in mind- what would be more appropriate, do ya think:
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

I’m a fan of cutesy, vintage-style stuff, and I bought this for a really awesome price (Yay bargains) on Amazon, a few weeks ago. (I have it in red, but I um, think that might be a little flashy! And mass Isn’t about me, so I thought the black might be better?)

Also:

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

Something more casual, but similar to what I wore recently, on my visit to see an Alpaca farm? (Apologies for the silly photo heehee, and I know I’ve shared this before, but who doesn’t love alpacas, anyway? WOOT!)

Again, I Of course realize, mass is about God, not about what we or others wear! But, I always try to be as polite as possible, including what I wear, etc. And I know what a special thing the mass is.

 

[LawyersGunsAndMoney]

What you wore to the alpaca farm looks waaaay more appropriate to me. The black dress isn’t inappropriate, it just looks to me like it belongs more at a cocktail party or something.

I’m a guy, so take that for what it’s worth.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

The dressy dress might be okay for a big fancy Mass like Easter Vigil or Christmas morning, but on a normal Sunday, people tend to come to Mass dressed like your outfit at the alpaca farm. Unless it’s an EF Mass, in which case you’ll see more women in dresses and skirts, but less dressy ones than the black one you posted.

The dressy dress would be okay for Mass though. You’d just stand out in it a bit. (People would likely assume you were going to an event after Mass.) I presume at this point you would prefer to blend in.

 

[CheerfulTabby22]

Thank ya very much! I appreciate any and all (name removed by moderator)ut, sir!

 

[CheerfulTabby22]

Ah, thank you, Bear! That’s something I’ve been kinda curious about- and I have no idea since I’ve never been to a mass- much appreciated. It makes me less nervous, to know that it’s not…not usually as formal as I pictured it!

 

[Fraevo63]

I would try to gage how other people at the parish dress and use that as a “guide” for what to wear and kinda blend in.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Fraevo is right, you really need to go to Mass and see what people are wearing to get a “feel” for the particular parish.

However, normal “business casual” is typically a safe choice for Mass. “Business casual” generally means you avoid anything too short, tight, revealing, or overly casual like shorts, gym wear, or beach wear. A top and pants, top and skirt, or dress that would be appropriate for an office job is usually fine for Mass. Also make sure that you’ll be able to stand, kneel, and genuflect easily in whatever you wear.

 

[Mi_Rose]

I would love to see you in something in between those two. I have worn something like the first to a wedding or to a midnight mass. I have worn jeans to a Saturday evening mass. Usually I wear nice pants or a skirt and top.

 

[Irishmom2]

I agree withe the others. Dress is gorgeous, but too dressy for a “regular” mass. The other pic shows you are wearing the most important thing–the beautiful smile on your face!

 

[Bluebright]

I agree with the others, also wanted to say wear what you feel comfortable in as it will be easier to concentrate on what is going on around you. Many churches have websites, or they do here in UK and there are often pictures of the parishioners/events etc and even live streaming of mass so you may be able to get a peek at what people are wearing if you wish to look at the church you intend to visit. Our church has 24/7 live streaming so the sick can view all the masses, this is common here. Oh and welcome to mass, when you go. God bless

 

[TheLittleLady]

For me, I have a “no cleavage rule” for clothes in general. The dress at top will fit different body shapes differently. If you need a little scarf or shawl to cover up cleavage, to for it!

The jeans and sweater are also appropriate and very cute.

 

[lilypadrees]

If you wear the black dress, wear a bolero over it.
https://www.amazon.com/HOTOUCH-Womens-Cropped-Cardigan-Stretch/dp/B0769GC4FT?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3

Robot or human?

 

[Catherinabird]

I have a friend who comes to Mass in beautiful vintage dresses. She chooses floral and bright patterns, and she covers her shoulders with a bolero jacket or shawl. I think they are all knee length dresses.

So if you dress vintage on a regular basic, and if the dress is modest, just be yourself. I’d just not go too formal and fancy.

 

[po18guy]

Cover up cover up cover up! We are appearing before our Lord. We are there to offer ourselves as living sacrifices in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. And, if you ask certain priests, cleavage and form-fitting clothes can be a near occasion of sin for them. They are not blind. Neither are they free of temptation - in fact, the evil one sends them plentiful temptation.

Just a thought.

 

[Hope1960]

I’d wear the jeans.

 

[CheerfulTabby22]

Oh gosh, um, I’ve never had any trouble with the “cleavage,” thing, hehe. I’m shaped sort of…waifishly, so very petite, and also ‘pear’-shaped, so not much err…”Up top” at all!

Thank you for the advice! I will definitely still employ the use of scarves and shawls though, if needed (I love both of those things, anyway!)

 

[lilypadrees]

You can also phone or email the parish you plan to attend and see if they have a dress code.

 

[dochawk]

Uhm, I suspect that the Alpaca would prefer that you not wear her outfit

The little alpaca likely concurs :crazy_face:

Only “to”, and not “past”? Shameless! :crazy_face:

Uhm, this. I hold the cloth most weeks, standing next to the priest (Byzantine Catholic). Some things can’t be unseen, and I can’t look completely away, as it’s my job to catch any that fall . . . my nightmare scenario (the priest drops the host and blood into open mouth with spoon) is it falling down some gal’s cleavage

 

[Limoncello4021]

The dress is beautiful but you’d sure stick out like a sore thumb at my parish! People here tend to dress casual, but not as casual as the jeans. Something in between. A dress you’d wear to work, slacks and a blouse or sweater, should do it. Of course, cultures change quite a bit depending on where you are in the States, so dress conservatively the first time and note the general tenor of what women wear.

 

[Shasta-Rose]

It used to be more dressy, Tabby. Thank goodness, it isn’t now. You can wear slacks, jeans during the week, and shoes and socks. No need to wear hose–I hate hose.

Back in the day, my mother and I both had clothes that we wore only to church. They were nicer than regular nice clothes, and my mother would wear hat and gloves. That is not necessary any more. Nice casual clothes. Not something that looks like you are going to dig up your garden in it.