Full skirts are just ALL THE RAGE this season. Let’s discuss, boys and girls.
“Full skirt” can mean lots of things. Here are some of this fall’s full skirts that are chic and professionally appropriate for clergy (the middle one is an inch too high but with a pair of opaque hose I wouldn’t pull you over and ticket you):
Next up is a gorgeous skirt and adorable outfit but the moto jacket is not professional for those in a conservative profession (and yep, that’s us no matter how hip and mod you think your religious tradition is. It’s a conservative profession. Don’t argue with your Auntie PeaceBang). The jacket would be find with a classic pair of well-tailed trousers. The skirt is to love, but it’s too short for our purposes and if was cut any longer it would veer into Donna Reed territory. Skirts at the knee, ladies. Not above. Right at the knee. If a full skirt at the knee is frumpy on you, stick with pencil skirts or tulip or kick-pleat or maxi skirts or some other style:
Below is a beautiful, super-feminine look that I think you should also be very careful with, especially if you’re a young woman in religious leadership. If I saw this gal walking around on the streets in NYC I would totally give her two snaps up for looking amazing, don’t get me wrong. But if you want to be taken seriously as a community leader, this is not the image you want to go for. This is too “Disney Princess Gets Her First Job” for your, Reverend. Killer bag, though, non?
If you’re wondering, “Well, what if she styled this differently? Could she use that skirt professionally?” My instincts say… mmmm, maybe. But be aware that the skirt is too ballroom-full to evoke anything but romance. If you want to style it for ministry, here’s what I’d do: pair it with black tights and a pair of black high booties or wedge heels, a nice white blouse, and a black cardigan. Pull the hair off the high knot and wear in a more sedate, low chignon. Go give the talk for the retired men’s or the altar guild’s meeting and be charming, brilliant and impressive. The elders will recognize that skirt shape from their past.
Did I mention that you should always dress up when you do presentations for our church elders? You should. Step up your game for them: it shows respect and generational sensitivity, as they represent a more formal era. Consider also that for more fragile elders who don’t drive during the night or generally get around much anymore you are their cultural outing. You may think you’re just going to give a low-key program for the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) but you may be the only live, in-person learning and socializing opportunity they have this week or this month. Don’t pop over to meet them in chinos and a wrinkled shirt. You will likely notice that many of them are wearing sports jackets, or if it’s a women’s group or mixed crowd, the women are wearing pretty scarves, jewelry and make-up. They made the effort and so should you. Give them something to admire in your appearance. If nothing else, that pretty brooch or snazzy tie are conversation-starters.
This shape, I would avoid all together. It’s too short even with tights and it’s way too girlish for religious leader. See the banded waist and pleats that make it swingy and youthful? It’s adorable but avoid, avoid, avoid.
This is so helpful. I love it when you show us a picture and explain why an outfit works or doesn’t. I can completely understand what you mean about that lovely grey skirt veering too much in the direction of princess even though I love the outfit. Thank you!