How to dress when out and about


Can you imagine see women dressed like this at your supermarket these days. I can't and haven't in years (since I was very small). Whilst we don't need to go back to the days of hats and gloves, wouldn't it be nice to see women making some effort even when they pop down to the shops for some milk, rather than wearing their track pants and ugg boots.

Of course we live in a world of "I do what I want and if you don't like it, I don't care" with many people not concerned what others think of their clothing and wear almost anything to the shops these days. I think it is important to be respectful of others and one way to do this is via the clothes I wear. Christian women do need to make an effort in all things we do, including the way we dress.  Can you imagine the woman of Proverbs 31 wearing the equivalent to track pants all day as she did her work or out and about in the city. No, I can't, it would have been a sign of disrespect to her husband and to her household. We need to think likewise.


It doesn't take much effort to put on a nice outfit to go out, it doesn't need to be as smart as the two ladies above, but at least neat enough to show that you care about your appearance and you have made an effort. However,  I think it is important dress nicely even at home too, I always try to put on something feminine (avoiding the track pants, except at night) as it makes me feel good (boost of self-confidences) and makes me ready for the day.  I also like to add a little jewellery and perfume, why shouldn't my husband enjoy a nicely dressed wife at home, its much better than being frumpy and showing no care. 


Dressing appropriately for the situation we are in is important - e.g. gardening clothes are for the garden and not for the shops, pyjamas are for bedtime and not for leaving the house in, tight jeans might be ok at home but they aren't very nice out as they are very revealing and certainly not feminine. I might be a bit old-fashioned, but its about time we went back to some of the older ways of thinking and taking more care with our appearance and the way we dress. Because good manners, lady like behaviour and dressing femininely all go hand in hand. 


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Comments

  1. I struggle so with this. I don't have a budget for clothing (we are on an extremely tight budget right now) so i try to wear my nicest clothes to church and other special occasions so i don't wear them out. I have a toddler so my clothes usually get stained or messy during the day so i like to wear casual clothes. I can't wear jewelry because it gets in the way with my toddler. But i do try to be clean and neat. I hope that is good. In summer time it easier because i have soft cotton dresses that are good for everything. Winter is much harder because sweat pants are the most functional. I don't wear makeup a lot because it breaks my skin out and it's expensive so i have to use it only occasionally. I think I could do better but I try to be realistic with my situation. Usually my husband will very gently let me know if he thinks I need to change. He is very kind about it all. I do not want to make excuses for being lazy though. Sorry for my rambling. I just typed my thoughts as they came. Thanks for this blog! It's my favorite!

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    1. Dear April,

      I agree with Farrah, you don’t need to spend very much to look feminine and pretty and feel so much better. I have some older t-shirts that aren’t very exciting, but once I have added a scarf ( I wear lots of scarves in winter), it goes from an ordinary outfit into something much more feminine. This is great when you have black tops (which are very versatile and go with everything in winter) — add a red scarf (or red beads) and suddenly it looks quite chic! Whilst I don’t wear scarves at home, they are perfect for going out. I also have a small selection of beards, pearls, necklaces that I put on – it you keep them short at home they don’t get in the way and longer when you go out. I also wear pretty earrings, even when at home, once again to look feminine and girly! Ever thought of old-fashion brooches, they can jazz up a dull/boring top!! Even a pretty clip for the hair or perhaps a ribbon can make a differences. I buy things via eBay, second-hand stores or during sales which make a big differences when on a budget. Also once your “very best” outfits become a little wore – they then become you’re going to see friends/shopping outfits. I shuffle my things down the line rather than throwing away. Layers are also very handy – a summer top can be used in the cooler months with a cardigan and belt. You might be surprised what you have in your wardrobe that can mixed and matched or made chic with a few inexpensive items (add them to your birthday list!!)

      I am not sure if you are an apron sort of girl, but they really help reduce stains on clothes — I am terrible when cooking! And find an apron does save my clothes

      I plan to do a post on scarves shortly which I hope helps some women when planning their “going out” clothing!

      Have a wonderful and uplifting day

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    2. What wonderful suggestions!! I do love scarves and look forward to your future post. Everyday I try to be sure to take a walk to get the mail (we live in an apt complex) and then let my daughter play. Well yesterday I put more effort into how I looked and I definitely felt less self conscious about my appearance and less worried about whether I ran into a friend on our walk. :)

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    3. So pleased April - you don't have to do anything big or expensive to feel better - even giving your hair a good brush and putting it up with clips or ribbon can make a differences. And a smile on the face also makes a huge differences :)) May you have a wonderful weekend.

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  2. We have lost something in our culture by tossing off clothing. I looked at the pictures of the ladies shopping with gloves... hmm. Shopping with gloves - really probably would save us a lot of disease and germs that are passed around, I would think. Boy, wouldn't you get some looks though if you went out dressed as those ladies to the local grocery store! LOL! Love your post, and I agree that being careful to dress in such a way that is honorable and modest is most desirable! :)

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    1. Once in a while I spot a very well dressed elderly lady and I look twice as its such a rare thing. It is such a pity that women no longer care about the way they dress or if they do, the style is very questionable and often un attractive.

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  3. I wholeheartedly agree with your post. My nieces make fun of me for not leaving the house without my pearls, but that's just me.

    I'd like to take a second to encourage April to try. I have found that buying multiseasonal clothing easier than one thinks. For instance I have a navy dress ($15 at F21) that I've worn for 3 seasons so far this year. It is navy with pink tiny roses on it. In the winter I wore it with leggings and boots then without this spring (it's already 90 here so I'll say summer too). My pearls I bought at F21 for $3. Most people don't need more than bronzer, eyeliner, and tinted lipgloss. Most makeup ban be bought for next to nothing with ECB at CVS. It's all doable. We are on a budget, but Mother taught me to take pride in myself and always leave presentable. It can be done! I promise.

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    1. Thanks so much for the ideas! I do love dressing up. I feel so much better when I do. I also love dressing my little girl up. She has so many cute outfits from family and friends. Her hair is long enough now to fix which is so much fun. :)

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  4. Oh, absolutely, Jo!! I don't wear much jewellery, and I never wear make-up (Dan believes God made me beautiful as I am - which I am thankful for as it means I don't need to paint myself to make him like the way I look ;)... But I do like to wear feminine clothing whenever I can. My winter wardrobe is more difficult than my summer wardrobe - this past summer I sewed myself an array of new feminine things - but for the winter, I haven't bought or made new clothes for many years. I think that's something I could work on. But even with the old clothes I have, I try to make them look as nice as I can. :) And please, no pjs & ugg boots to the store. Have some self-respect!!!
    I love those pics you included in this post! And I think it would be great to go shopping with hats and gloves again - so elegant!!!! The lady in the bottom pic looks so excited about her oranges, it just makes me want to crack up laughing!!! :D

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    1. Auntie Helen and Auntie Dorothy always wore hats (or scarves) to the shops, always well dressed and even today AD still does :) it's nice to have grown up with women who were ladies in ever way:)

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    2. Obviously she is sharing a good deal! I am sure I get that excited too!!!! =) Too bad you don't shop around here, then I would be able to get all excited sharing the deals with you ;)
      love,
      Bets

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    3. I've just had a closer look at the photos, did you notice a lady with the jam - she seems to be buying lots of it, must be on special. I am with Bets, I do love a good deal and do get quite excited!!! (perhaps not over oranges).

      Notice that hubby is also very well dressed too - not a sight you see often.

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  5. I totally agree with you. My kids call me old-fashioned - 'Awww Mum, we don't have to dress up all the time!' just because I won't let them go out in old clothes. We have farm clothes and town clothes - even my three year old asks whether he needs farm or town for the day!
    Again, lovely images - just love the 50s!

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    1. I agree with you, teach children when they are young to dress nicely and they will be far more respectful as adults. I had farm clothes, going out clothes and Sunday best clothes!!

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  6. Femininity at it's best is very appropriate! I agree whole-heartedly and find it strange for women to even wear pajamas out. It literally takes two minutes to change. I've never been a fan of someone who dresses this way in the supermarkets nor do I enjoy seeing provocative/tight clothing. The whole leggings as pants and nothing to at least cover your behind is not my cup of tea. I don't need to see that much of another person's body. Sorry for the rambling but I couldn't agree more with your post. Thank you!
    http://unspeakablejoymovement.blogspot.com

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    1. I read on a blog once that it was all the rage to wear PJs on planes - I am yet to see it, but I have seen it at the supermarket. And don't get me started on leggings, I personally don't like them out casually and even worse when you see professional women wearing them in the office as I did the other day. You are quite right, it only takes a few moments to quickly change but so many women can't be bothered or have enough respect for others to do it :))

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    2. The pjs on planes is true. My husband is a pilot and I've been told that many people find this acceptable. I am most definitely not a fan. But, oh how much would I love to go back to that 1950s era of dressing. I find that time period such a sweet one. Thanks again for sharing about this topic!

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  7. Thank you for this great post! We only have one opportunity to make a first impression ❤️

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  8. Oh I so agree with this!! I often feel like such an old lady when I mention that people take no pride in themselves and the way they dress nowadays.

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    1. Let's be "old" together :)))) you aren't alone in your views, let's start a new movement:))))

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  9. This is such a great post and I wholeheartedly agree. I don't go to town without taking care with what I am wearing, we definitely have town/church and home clothes. I like to do this because it honours my husband and this is so important. Thanks for sharing another great post with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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    1. Agree, it isn't all about "me", it's abut our husbands respect and honoring him :)) have a wonderful week ahead.

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  10. Yes it seems rare to see a lady really looking nice out shopping now a days. When I do I try to stop and compliment her. I have been told by some that they feel people are looking at them and feel uncomfortable. I want to encourage these ladies to continue to take care with their appearance at all times. That they know their taking the time to do so is appreciated and noticed.
    We wore hats and gloves up to at least 1969. Women never ever wore slacks of any kind down town or to church...even after that time. We were not taught to be against slacks for women. It was only there was a place for them. People say that women wearing dresses when cleaning the house is only for the tv shows like Leave It to Beaver or Father Knows Best. Those shows just reflected what we saw our Mother's in every day. Maybe not any pearls or heels but an ironed and starched dress and flats. And apron. But never clothes that were sloppy faded or had stains. They tok care always so anyone that dropped in they were ready for them. Remember back then there were door to door Fuller brush men and many other salesmen and even fruit peddlers. Or your neighbor lady might drop by which was not unusual. Most of my relatives and friends kept a little mirror inside their kitchen cabinet door. They opened the door and gave themselves a quick glance to see if they need to rein a stray curl or if there was any flour on their face! Especially when their husband was due home. :-) When they went shopping they usually changed to another outfit and added the jewelry and hose and heels...and hat and gloves naturally. It never seemed unusual because everyone did it. The men wore a shorts shirt tucked in or nicer shirt and sport coat. Even in summer. We were all taught to honor God, our family,our church,our school and community. If married also naturally highly our husbands. No one wanted to bring dishonor. It was easy to follow and as you grew up knowing all this by example. We tried to instill this in our children.
    Everyone then like today had their own problems but people did not gossip to others about family matters. Your word and a handshake sealed a
    deal. I remember the first time I heard a women swear and I was dumfounded! When I saw two young girls fist fighting I could not believe girls
    would do that! I guess times have changed but some things should stay the same. What we can we keep gentle still. I don't either understand where some people say women were inslaved and made to stay home. That their husbands would not 'let' them work. I asked many women my Mother's age and they said they choose to stay home. Their husbands told me also that they would feel less of a man if they sent their wives out to into the tough working world. They felt it was the man's job to work outside father home. They relied on the Bible for guidance in home matters and every matter. There was respect for women at home. They were honored for the place they served in the family and community. Since women were mostly at home and not at work, they were free to do volunteer work in their church and other places if they had time. They also had time to do things they loved like special crafts or hobbies. They could for the most part set their own schedules. No time in history has ever been perfect but those times were sweet memories to me. Sarah

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    1. What you are discribing Sarah is the way my mother dress and likewise her sisters . And thanks to my mothers guidance over the years, I too dress the way she would when going out. I would feel very self-consious if I step out of the house in my "work clothes", even to just pop down the store . It doesn't take much to look presentable :))

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  11. I asked my seventeen year old daughter yesterday if she was treated nicer by men (opening doors, courtesy) when she wore a dress or skirt and she said yes.

    I wear dresses about 99% of the time and find that I am generally treated with respect, especially by men, young and old. They are old dresses, because I have very limited resources, but I do my best. I love seeing ladies look like ladies. I think they would find that they are treated better if they put the effort into it.

    I'm not religious about it, I just know it changes how we are perceived. Can a woman wear a pantsuit or nice blouse and slacks with the same effect? I'm not sure, but I can tell the ladies who dress for a sales job

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    1. My niece , who lives in the USA, generally wears skirts or dresses to work and she finds she is treated so much better by the men compared to when she wears jeans (which her female colleagues tend to wear).

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  12. I couldn't agree more with you Jo! I have also noticed that when I dress like a lady, I get treated like one when I go out (and by rowdy looking young men also! They go out of their way to open the door which is so sweet!!! It makes me wonder if they would treat the young women in their lives better if they showed more respect for their bodies by dressing feminine and modestly...) Thank you for sharing this wonderful message on the Art of Home-Making Mondays! :)

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    1. I completely agree - ladies do seem to get more respect compared to those who are poorly dressed in jeans and so forth. And even if we don't get noticed, it doesn't matter as it shows respect to our husbands.

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  13. I always feel better when I exercise and dress "nicely" for the day even though I am a stay at home mom (which "nice" for me is jeans and a non- t shirt). I don't always want to or have time to do it but I feel better when I do. I have a chronic condition which makes mornings even worse for me with pain and stiffness so sometimes my frumpy clothes are just out of necessity. I love your ideas about scarves and jewelry to liven up an otherwise bland outfit.

    Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you found some great posts to visit this week!

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    1. Adding something pretty to something "frumpy" can turn the ordinary into something less ordinary!! Even doing the hair nicely can make all the differences :))

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  14. I completely agree with this great Post ! I try very hard to wear nicer things to town than when I am at home . It shows respect for others and myself. I love watching old movies and watch how they dressed up to go to the airport and then onto a plane or when they dressed up to have dinner with their own family ! Great encouragement to bring back and keep alive the classiness of a dressed up wardrobe !
    Thank you for sharing this at Wearing with Wisdom . Please come back again next Wednesday and join the link-up party !!!!
    Leticia from KingMakerBlog.com

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