Honeybuns,
Sorry I’ve been far too busy to write much of late, but I just want to fly in here to mention one concerning* observation:
CAN WE PLEASE AGREE THAT SWEATSHIRTS ARE NOT SUITABLE ATTIRE FOR CLERGYPERSONS?
I’m hoping that we can.
If we can just do that, PeaceBang promises never to use the word “concerning” again.
Merci, pigeons.
I believe that sweatshirts may be a symptom of larger problem. I have watched many seminarians gain significant amounts of weight, never to loose it once they enter the parish. While I agree sweatshirts are hideous, I also feel that we are not focusing enough attention on seminarian wellness and self-care. Perhaps if we weren’t trying to hide our bodies we would also choose clothing that was more flattering, form fitting and professional. Just one angle…
I agree completely that sweatshirts are inappropriate office, Sunday, or adult forum attire — indeed, for most professional functions. But around the campfire at a youth group retreat, for example, I’d wear a sweatshirt if it were reasonably new and didn’t have anything more controversial than the name of my college or seminary printed on it. And for things like service projects involving painting, I have articles of clothing reserved for the purpose — things that are old and probably already paint-spattered, but not with holes or anything. That’s not awful, is it?
Even for the Friday night high school football game? With a nice polo underneath, maybe? And perhaps the team logo, but maybe not? If not, what are we supposed to wear to the game?
Speaking of high school, what am I supposed to wear to my high school ten-year reunion in October? It’s a simple four-hour open bar with “heavy appetizers” at the country club. I don’t want to overcompensate or look too frumpy. 🙁 What’s an artsy former geek to do? Is H&M a bad choice or can I still get away with it at 28? I’m also serving brunch at my house the next morning, and I plan (hope) to be perky enough for real clothes and not my P.J.s. Because that would be bad. 🙂
Ellis,
My advice for 10 year reunion is to look AWESOME! Mine was two years ago and it was definitely worth it to dress up. I don’t know enough about men’s clothes to give you specific advice, but if you are deciding between extra effort and dressing up or not so much effort and dressing down, dress up! And remember that, unless you are still ministering in the town where you grew up, it’s a chance to get out of the ministerial role. I wore a slinky black dress to my reunion that I’d never wear in a ministry setting.
I think there’s a weird cultural thing that conflates “comfort” with “looking like a slob.”
This morning, after a week of looooong meetings and classes, I wanted nothing more than to come into the office wearing a sweatshirt and sneakers. I almost did it, too, and then I saw your blog in my mind, hovering before me (and this was before I read your post!).
I opted for a thin-knit v-neck sweater and Campers shoes instead, and just feel like I’m in a sweatshirt and sneakers.
-m
What’s up with the use of “concerning” when what’s really meant is “worrisome? But then it seems like nobody dies anymore, they “pass away.”
I fully agree on this one. Not that I’m any fashion plate myself (Peacebang was going to use a photo of me as a “bad” example when interviewed by the Boston Globe). But….
Clergy should not wear sweatshirts whilst on the job. And since we’re basically always on the job, that basically means never.
Agreed. No sweatshirts on ministers. I think Chloe has a point too about self care. The V-neck sweaters work for me – especially when I want comfort.
Then again, I’m biased. I hardly ever wore sweatshirts because I felt bulky and self conscious when I did. I never understood how they were comfortable. The only one I wore with regularity was from high school and undergrad where I had cut out the cuffs, the hem, and the collar and romped around in it at youth events and as a theater geek. And maybe around the house in div school. . .
Sweatshirts are not just a problem for the twenty-and thirty-somethings. I’m 49 and am horrifed whenever the clergy women of my generation show up for meetings wearing their “dress-up” sweatshirts. These are the sweatshirts that have extra-cute animals, slogans and huge, bright flowers on them. The really fancy ones also have embroidery and sequins. Isn’t the term “dress-up sweatshirt” an oxymoron?