How to Dress Up-to-Date, Please God, and Not Look Ridiculous

1. Know God.

• What are God’s dress guidelines? (See my post “The Outside Picture” for Bible verses and more.)
• Am I following both modesty and moderation?
• Do my clothes reflect Christ’s beauty in me? 

2. Know Yourself.

• What kind of personality do you have?
• What kinds of clothes do you love and wear most often?
• What colors look the best on you?
• What are your needs: Do you really need sportswear? Do you wear a certain kind of clothes for work? Do you dress up frequently? How many different outfits do you routinely need per week (and what are they)? 

3. Shop Wisely.

• What’s “in” this season? Shop. Look in store windows. Know whether big, small, or no prints look good this year. Know whether stripes or plaids are popular. Know whether bags are large or small. Know if one color is predominant. (Example: in Europe this year, day glow colors are back for sportswear, especially in accessories.)
• What do you already have that you love, that looks good on you, and is modest?
• What small detail could you add to what you already have (a scarf, belt, earrings, handbag, shoes) that would update and look great?
• Where do you really want to spend your money: basics, accessories, shoes? (How much money do you have budgeted for clothes? Consider Christian stewardship.)

4. Build your wardrobe.

• Plan your “core clothes” in the same color range. Today, gray is a popular choice, although some complexions look decidedly gray in gray. Black, beige, white, navy, and brown are other core colors that work well. (Make sure whatever you choose is a color that looks great on you.) Choose skirts, slacks, jackets, coats, etc. in your core color or in a color that combines well with it. Make sure your styling isn’t too out of date. Look at what’s being worn. (Pencil skirts are back!)
• Accent your core color with brighter colors for tops, scarves, and accessories.
• Invest in a few pieces of quality jewelry. They don’t have to be gold or silver, but they should look really nice. Make sure they’re fairly classic in style and that they express your personality. These are your core pieces. (They could be hoop earrings, a pearl necklace, a fantastic brooch, etc.)
• Modernize just a little bit by adding or updating according to what you’ve observed in stores. For example, if little prints are in, get your small-print blouse out of the closet and pair it with a classic skirt. If brown is in, pull out your brown skirt and shoes. If you notice navy and white and “sailor” styles are back, rummage around and see what fits this season’s look. You’ll find the core colors can always be worn.
• Buy a few “fun” things—items that look great but aren’t too serious in tone. Maybe some day glow canvas sneakers this year . . . and lime green, lemon, pink, and orange bangle bracelets. 

Remember, your ultimate aim is to be beautiful so you reflect the beauty of the Lord Jesus. Is the whole effect graceful, pretty and modest? If so, you have been successful.

. . . that women adorn themselves in modest apparel (from 1 Tim. 2:9)

God bless!