Holding the invitation to your loved one’s baptism, you stare at your packed-to-the-brim closet, thinking for the 16th time that month that you have nothing fitting to wear. How exactly does one dress for a baptism?
With all its fashion rules, wedding season is enough to push anyone over the edge, but at least there are guidelines in place. Baptisms truly have no regulations. However, if you’re still concerned about making a fashion faux pas, these tips will help guide you to something appropriate for the occasion.
1. Dress Modestly
Since our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit, we honor God with our clothing choices. As such, we should dress appropriately, especially when entering God’s house. Men’s outfits are usually modest by design, so you don’t have to worry about this tip.
Women, however, have a much broader range of options. Now isn’t the time to pull out your skin-tight dress that shows off your cleavage. You also don’t need to dress like a cloistered nun. Your outfit is probably fine as long as your mom wouldn’t criticize you for wearing it.
2. Wear Layers
Churches are notorious for temperature fluctuations — somehow, the air always feels freezing cold or scalding hot. Your simple solution is to dress in layers. Ladies can wear something short-sleeved or sleeveless with a blazer or cardigan over the top.
Men should have an outfit that looks great with or without a suit jacket. If you do wear a suit jacket, it should fit your form well. There should be a slight “waist” in the middle of your coat when you’re buttoning it. The fabric should narrow around the coat’s center.
3. Base Your Outfit on the Baptismal Candidate’s Age
You should base your accessories on the type of baptism you’re attending. Some denominations believe baptism as an adult is an outward sign of their inward commitment. Others believe infant sprinkling is part of the act of saving grace rather than a symbolic gesture.
Dressing for an adult baptism doesn’t require any additional thought past these tips. However, your outfit may need a few adjustments if you’re attending an infant baptism. Plan to wear short accessories so the baby doesn’t pull on them. You should also consider the washability of your clothing. Wearing something dry-clean only isn’t a great choice when you’re going to be around an infant.
4. Skip Casual Clothes
It isn’t necessarily a rule, but you may want to leave the casual wear at home. Baptisms are an important part of this Christian’s life. Shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops don’t reflect the gravity of the occasion.
Aim instead for a business-casual look to avoid looking underdressed among the other guests. Men should wear khakis or dress slacks with a polo shirt or button-up — ties are optional. Ladies should wear dress pants with a blouse and a cardigan or blazer. Dresses are also an appropriate option for women who enjoy wearing them.
5. Consider Your Comfort
Leaving the sweatshirt and jeans at home doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable all day. Keep in mind the entire day’s festivities. Many families choose to celebrate after the event, which is a more laid-back affair. Wear an outfit that looks dressy enough for church yet gives you the maneuverability and comfort to fully enjoy a party.
6. Choose Any Color or Pattern
Unlike at weddings, you can wear any color you like to a baptism — even white or black. No shades or patterns are off-limits. Do you have a sunshine yellow dress you absolutely love or plum dress slacks? Go for it. As long as the fit and cut of your clothing is appropriate for church, nothing else really matters.
The only caveat should be double-checking your invitation in case the family wants everyone to dress in a matching scheme or avoid specific colors. These instances are rare, but they do happen occasionally.
7. Add a Mask
Nowadays, it’s always a reasonable precaution to bring a mask, especially if you have a runny nose or cough. This accessory is even more critical if the baptism is a sprinkling for an infant, which is the practice in some churches. Since babies have very low immune systems, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
You Can Always Check With the Family
These tips can help guide you to the perfect outfit, but you should always check with the family if you have doubts. Baptisms in the church could have vastly different expectations than one held down by the river with a picnic to follow. The baptismal candidate or their family will be able to let you know any specific requirements for the dress code or give recommendations for what you should wear when there aren’t any restrictions.
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