9 Things You Should Never Wear To Church & 9 That Keep You Appropriate

I get it—Sundays are sacred but also… hectic. Between brewing coffee and finding the other shoe (why is it always the left one?), sometimes my brain forgets that church isn’t just another brunch date.

It’s a place of peace, presence, and yes, proper pants. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that not every closet favorite deserves a seat in the pew. Let’s keep the holy vibes intact without sacrificing style.

Here’s what not to wear to church (and what to wear instead if you still want to look great without side-eye from Grandma in the front row).

1. Ripped Jeans

Look, I love my distressed jeans as much as the next person. They’re comfy, cool, and they make me feel like I’m one guitar solo away from being in a rock band. But for church? Not so much.

So I save the ripped denim for casual Fridays and opt for classic trousers or a knee-length skirt when I’m headed to church. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about showing up with the kind of quiet respect the space deserves.

Besides, there’s a certain peace in knowing your outfit won’t distract anyone from the sermon—or from singing on-key.

2. Graphic T-Shirts

I once wore a T-shirt with a giant flaming taco on it. To church. Yes, really. Let’s just say… lesson learned. Graphic tees may be fun and expressive (and who doesn’t love a sarcastic quote now and then?), but in church, they can steal the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Worship spaces are meant to lift your spirit—not your eyebrows at someone’s shirt that reads, “I paused my game for this.” So, I now reach for something a bit more low-key, like a solid-color top or a subtle print that whispers “I’m present” instead of “I’m punny.”

Trust me, God gets your personality even without the memes.

3. Short Shorts

We’ve all had that “Is this too short?” moment in front of the mirror. If you have to ask, the answer—at least for church—is probably yes. As much as I adore breezy summer outfits, short shorts in a pew are a fast track to fidget central and side-glances from the usher.

The vibe inside a church is more “graceful presence” than “beach day energy.” I like to keep it respectful with knee-length skirts or breathable wide-leg pants that still feel light and look put-together.

Bonus: you won’t be tugging at your hem every time you sit down.

4. Tank Tops

I know, I know—when it’s 90 degrees out and the car’s A/C is broken, it’s tempting to throw on the bare minimum. But tank tops, especially the super strappy kind, tend to send the wrong message in a setting that leans heavily on modesty and mindfulness.

Instead, I’ve learned to layer like a pro. A light blouse or flowy top with sleeves still keeps me cool without making me look like I wandered in from a pool party. It’s all about balance—feeling comfortable while also honoring the space I’m stepping into.

5. Flip-Flops

There’s nothing quite like that flip-flap-flip sound echoing through the aisle when you’re trying to sneak into the back row unnoticed. Flip-flops may be a summer staple, but they also scream “beach mode,” which isn’t exactly the tone we’re going for in church.

Now I opt for something a bit more refined—ballet flats, loafers, or sandals that don’t announce my arrival before I’ve even sat down. Plus, let’s be honest, nobody wants to see chipped polish on aisle four.

6. Baseball Caps

Unless you’re five years old or playing center field, wearing a cap in church might not hit the right note. There’s a certain comfort in throwing on a baseball hat and calling it a day, but covering your head indoors—especially in a sacred space—can come across as a little careless.

Nowadays, I either go hat-free or swap it for something with a bit more intention if necessary (a beret if I’m feeling particularly artsy, anyone?). It’s a small gesture, but it says a lot: I came to be present, not just pass through.

7. Athletic Wear

I’ve definitely shown up to church in my yoga leggings once or twice and hoped my oversized cardigan would work miracles. Spoiler: it didn’t.

Gym clothes are built for movement, not meditation. And while they’re a dream for running errands, they tend to clash with the stillness and reverence of a worship setting. So I’ve made peace with the fact that my leggings will stay in the “post-church brunch” category, and I’ll slip into a pair of trousers or a flowy dress when it’s sermon time.

8. Loud Patterns

There’s a time and place for head-to-toe leopard print, but Sunday morning in the third pew? Maybe not. I once wore a floral blazer so loud it could’ve led the choir.

Don’t get me wrong—I love a bit of flair. But in church, less is often more. So I tone it down with softer hues or subtle patterns that let the spirit shine instead of my outfit. Think: calm, not carnival.

9. Appropriate: Knee-Length Dresses

Ah, the sweet spot. Not too short, not too stuffy—just right. A knee-length dress is my go-to for church because it checks all the boxes: modest, flattering, and still very me.

Plus, it’s one of those magical wardrobe pieces that says “I care” without screaming “I tried too hard.” Throw on a belt or light cardigan and boom—ready to sing, sit, and sip post-service coffee without a single wardrobe worry.

10. Appropriate: Blouses with Sleeves

You know what I’ve learned? Sleeves are your Sunday besties. They don’t have to be stiff or frumpy—just present. A blouse with sleeves gives you that “I’m put-together but not trying too hard” energy. And it keeps you from freezing when the church AC hits like you’ve entered Narnia.

I usually pair mine with a midi skirt or slacks, and voilà—I look like I planned my outfit more than six minutes before walking out the door (even if I didn’t).

11. Appropriate: Formal Slacks

Slacks are basically the unsung heroes of respectful fashion. Not too casual, not too extra—they’re the Switzerland of wardrobe choices. Whether I’m feeling bold with color or sticking to classic neutrals, they give me the confidence of someone who remembers all the lyrics to the hymn (even if I don’t).

Plus, I can actually breathe in them. Praise be.

12. Appropriate: Cardigans or Light Sweaters

Let’s talk layers. A cardigan is like that one reliable friend—never too much, always just enough. It adds instant structure to an outfit without making you look like you’re prepping for a board meeting. Also helpful when the pew is freezing, but the choir loft is oddly tropical.

I toss one in my bag every Sunday, just in case my sleeveless dress needs a little extra backup (or if the sermon runs long and I need something comforting to hug).

13. Appropriate: Closed-Toe Shoes

I used to think my open-toe wedges were totally fine—until one of them made a loud clunk during a moment of silence. Cue eternal cringe.

Now, I go with closed-toe shoes that don’t just look polished, but actually keep my toes from freezing. Plus, they transition beautifully to wherever the post-church lunch spot ends up being. Win-win.

14. Appropriate: Ties or Scarves

If you’re into accessories, a tie or scarf is the perfect way to add flair without going full runway. I have a soft spot for silk scarves—they instantly make me feel like I’m starring in a vintage film, even if I’m just trying to keep my hair from frizzing in the humidity.

A little goes a long way. It’s not about standing out—it’s about adding that finishing touch that says, “I showed up with intention.”

15. Appropriate: Modest Jewelry

Jewelry for church should be like seasoning: enough to enhance, but not so much that it overwhelms the whole plate. A delicate chain, small hoops, or a pretty bracelet—these little pieces say “graceful” without shouting it from the rooftop.

I avoid anything that jingles too much (learned the hard way with a charm bracelet), but a touch of sparkle?

Always welcome.

16. Appropriate: Dress Shirts

There’s something timeless about a crisp dress shirt. It’s like the white button-down equivalent of freshly baked bread—simple, classic, and always appropriate.

Tucked in or left loose over slacks, it makes me feel ready. Not just for church, but for whatever life throws at me after. It’s the kind of staple that turns a sleepy morning into a stylish one, even before the coffee kicks in.

17. Appropriate: Skirts

You can’t go wrong with a skirt that falls at the right length. Whether it’s flowy, pleated, or straight, I’ve found that it gives me the freedom to sit, stand, and kneel without constantly adjusting my outfit. That’s peace of mind money can’t buy.

And let’s be honest—there’s something about a skirt swish that just feels holy.

18. Appropriate: Blazers

A well-fitted blazer is like adding a period to the end of your fashion sentence. It says, “Yes, I came to worship—and also yes, I have my life together (at least for today).”

I throw mine over dresses, button-ups, or even a blouse with slacks. It adds structure, confidence, and just a pinch of quiet power. And best of all? I never have to second-guess if I look appropriate. The blazer takes care of that.