She Serves a “Casual Church”: The Casually Dressed Pastor

Aloha and shalom, darlings!
Deb writes in with this plea,

I am in a “casual” church. No, we don’t wear the dreaded Hawaiian shirts (God be praised) but most of the (male) staff wear jeans and polos. I look like a truck in jeans and polos. I need something that is casual and neat, yet not “old lady fussy”. And no, tucking shirts into my jeans is a belly-butt “please no”. OH, help help help. Give me a link or a picture.

I know what you think about casual churches… but we need you.

Dearest and lovely Deb,
PeaceBang is HERE for YOU.
Let me jump right in with a few comments and tips for you.
First of all, PeaceBang has no problem with casual churches — her problem is with casual (tr: sloppy) clergypersons.
Second, don’t EVER let what other people wear define your style.
Third, pretty much every woman looks like a truck in jeans with tucked-in polos, so don’t you worry your noodle for a nanosecond, because you know PeaceBang would never recommend such a heinously unflattering look.

Someone recommended wrap shirts to you. I must disagree with that idea. Wrap shirts only look good on firm gals, whether full-figured or slim. They can wrinkle badly, gape open at the bosom, and generally become a disaster in short order on someone who has little or no fashion confidence. Avoid them.

But you could do this, couldn’t you? Or, if tucking in the shirt isn’t flattering for you, belt a crisp white blouse over a nice pair of trousers. Add an interesting necklace and nice flats and you’re done. Detail, darling. Good haircut, a nice wristwatch, a big smile, an elegant pair of earrings — these are the elements of feeling put-together.

Or how about this? —–>

It’s the magic of layering!! How cute is this? A nice pair of trousers, comfortable flats, a bright pop of color in the T-shirt layered over with another lightweight sweater, and a scarf to add some flair.

Because casual does not mean that we have entered the No Accessories Zone. In fact, accessories are often what save a simple, classic outfit from Frumpsville.

Or this,

Just an interesting, stylish shirt (the point isn’t to go get this particular shirt, but to be aware of the new shapes and lines that tops are coming in these days) with a pair of pants. Cute flats and confidence make the outfit. This is just “a shirt and some pants,” but how different it all looks than a pair of khakis and a polo! Casual does not mean “uninteresting” or “I put no thought into preparing for this day.”

And how about,
or,

These are very casual outfits. The fabrics and textures are soft and relaxed, and the fit unstructured. THAT’s what the designation “casual” means. It does not mean to dress in the same clothes we’d wear to work out or go camping in. It does not mean showing up to work in faded denim and sweats, or sloppy, unkempt garments. The word “casual” as it applies to workplace dressing means to look professional without wearing suits and other buttoned-up, more structured attire. It makes PeaceBang CRAZY that so few people understand this, and especially so few clergypersons, so she throws Deb a huge kiss for bringing it up. Deb, MWAH!

Here’s another very simple, casual outfit. The sweater stands out, though, because of a vibrant color paired with crisp white pants (a great combo) and pretty neckline. It isn’t your typical frumpola crewneck sweater with a blouse smooshed under it. Her hair is fabulous and fashionable, which helps a LOT. Why not wear this sweater with a denim skirt and a pair of boots, carry a great tote with it, add a pair of silver hoop earrings, and feel fabulous in this version of casual professional wear? Go for it!

These outfits make color work for the wearer. They may or may not be your color, Deb, but trust me when I say that there are colors out there that will add a lot of energy to your look. Some of these outfits use texture and layering and accessories to communicate a vibrant, put-together feel. They are just a few of many ways we can dress casually for a typical ministerial day in the office. They are too casual for Sundays, of course, which leads me to say, Deb, just because your church is very casual doesn’t mean you have to follow their lead. You’re a leader, remember? And if your attire communicates your respect for ministry and the Church, what’s wrong with that?

Nothing, that’s what.

Let us know if this helped. We love you, darlin’.