Style Series Part III: The Black Church and Sunday’s Best

In my last post I mentioned the impact of Black church and related rituals on my style perspective. To expand on these thoughts, this week’s reflection is dedicated to all things Black church and Sunday’s best.

There is a wealth of information available via books, interviews and documentaries on the physical aspects of Black church. From choir robes to the policing of Black women’s bodies to ideas of modesty to church hats to little Black girls with ruffled socks, polyester dresses and MORE! You name it, I’m sure you can find someone who has written or talked about Black church aesthetics.

There is much to be celebrated, appreciated, inspected, RESPECTED, evaluated and even critiqued. And there is no denying that the Black church and all things related had and continue to have a significant impact on my views related to fashion and style.

Growing up in the rural south, Sunday was sacred. My mom blasted gospel music on our record player while preparing Sunday dinner. I knew Sunday meant early mornings, starting with getting ready for Sunday School and long afternoons of sitting on wooden pews for EXTENDED Sunday service (easily, two to three hours, sometimes longer). Sundays meant no chewing gum during service and absolutely no playing or talking while in church. Sundays meant itchy stockings or tights and some sort of dress or skirt ensemble (I was in my late teens before women wearing pants to church – within our denomination – was acceptable and more common). Sundays were for … Sunday’s best.

Sunday’s best was a SPECIAL set of clothing reserved for church. As a child, I literally did not wear these dresses or sets anywhere else. And these items were taken off immediately after I returned home to either be cleaned or preserved in their rightful place until I wore them again. Sundays were sacred and so was Sunday attire.

I believe this sanctity of Sundays was also the impetus for my view on, not only dressing for the occasion, but saving clothing items for a “special” event. Weddings. Concerts. Vacation. These items are reserved for the big, big, celebrations. But what of the dozens of days in between?

In this season I am honoring the “every day is a special day” approach. And y’all, I’ve been having so much fun! I’ve been playing in my closet, seeing just how creative I can be with wearing my existing clothes but in different variations. Can I pair this dress with a pair of sneakers instead? What will a different set of accessories or a baseball cap do to this look? How will adding outerwear – I LOVE a good blazer, a structured jacket or a unique coat – dress up a look? And it has been a blast!

During a recent conversation with friend, we talked about the joy of hobbies. While I’ve long had a love affair with traveling, writing, dancing, spending time in nature – think outdoor walks, leisure hikes, botanical gardens, bike rides at a local park or on a trail – and reading, styling clothes and learning about fashion have become newfound bits of pleasure. I love it! I’m here for it! Thanks for journeying along with me and stay tuned for MORE!