Having a presence is about more than just looking good. It’s about sending a positive message to those around you and making a difference in their lives.
Whether you’re a man or woman in the clergy, there are ways to enhance your presence that have nothing to do with being loud or flashy. Here are some tips from Laurie Gerber, a Handel Group Life Coaching senior coach.
Choose a Robe That Fits You Well
A robe is an item of apparel you will likely wear frequently, so it should be comfortable and durable. It also needs to be easy to wash, and choosing one made from a soft fabric on the skin is a good idea.
Many people choose a fluffy toweling robe, but other options are also available. For example, microfiber is popular because it’s soft and absorbent. Cotton is another common choice, and you can find a variety of cotton blends that are either lightweight or thick and cozy. For a more luxurious feel, consider a velour robe. This is the same type of pile fabric that your favorite jumpsuit from the 3rd grade was probably made of, and it’s extremely comfortable.
Before choosing clergy robes for women, measuring yourself and figuring out your size is a good idea. Many reputable brands offer detailed size charts correlating measurements to robe sizes, so you can easily choose the right size. Measure your bust/chest by wrapping a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. Then, measure your waist by wrapping the tape measure around your narrowest waist area. Finally, measure your hips by extending the tape down your body from your widest point to your hip bone.
Once you know your size, it’s time to start shopping! You’ll find various colors, unique designs, and styles. Whether you’re looking for a simple white robe to lounge in or something more festive for the holidays, there is sure to be a bathrobe that’s perfect for you.
Add the Right Accessories
When clergywomen began wearing the male-style clerical attire that came with their ordination, they had to get creative to make it fit their feminine shapes. Fortunately, clerical outfitters have since opened boutiques for women’s religious clothing, making it easier than ever for female pastors and deaconesses to assemble a sharp ensemble as they prepare to deliver the Word of God.
To complete their church ensembles, clergywomen can choose from various accessories that perfectly complement their robes. For instance, they can purchase embroidered clergy stoles that feature stunning floral patterns and high-quality fabrics. Alternatively, they can go for reversible pulpit stoles with two appearance changes in one for exceptional value. Other useful accessories for clergywomen include clerical collar studs, quality branded collars, and band cinctures or cincture cords.
The material and trimmings on these clergy dresses create a classy finish, so understated jewelry works best to enhance them. In particular, a string of pearls will pair well with any clerical collar style. In shoes, heels accentuate the elegance of long clergy dresses, while flats are appropriate for shorter garments.
These accessories will compliment the robes and help them stand out in a crowd, reflecting the wearer’s personality and beliefs. By following these simple tips, clergywomen can achieve a polished look that will set them apart from their congregants.
Choose a Robe That Reflects Your Personality
What your pastor wears speaks before they even say a word. It communicates a theological and aesthetic statement to the congregation, conveying the sense of balance and harmony between the spiritual and physical being.
While many religious leaders choose to keep their robes traditional, it is becoming increasingly common for clergywomen to add a bit of their flair to the style. From bright colors and in-season styles to embroidered and lace trim, clergywomen can use their clothing to signify who they are, what they believe, and how they hope to connect with the congregation.
When it comes to women’s minister robe dresses, the key is to pick a style that flatters. A draping dress with a long train will add elegance to your look, while a short robe is perfect for addressing the congregation and greeting guests. Consider choosing a style that is sleeveless or three-quarter sleeves for additional comfort and versatility.
Depending on the length of your robe, avoid wearing jewelry that draws attention to your armpits or hands. Instead, you can select a bracelet that matches the color of your clerical collar or pairs well with stud earrings. If you wear a necklace, go for a simple design that doesn’t upstage the clergy collar.
Wear Your Robe with Confidence
Clergywomen need to be confident in their outfits to wear to church. To do this, they must find flattering clothing that shows off their strengths. For instance, if they’re a petite woman in shape, they should go for styles that showcase this feature. They also need to be comfortable in their robes, so they should look for lightweight and not overly tight types.
Today, women’s clergy robes are designed to be both functional and fashionable. They come in various colors and styles to suit any woman of the cloth. They also include options for women in different sizes, including plus sizes. These robes are tailored in princess lines to achieve a flattering fit. Moreover, they come with weighted hems to prevent them from floating in the water during baptisms.
Women clergy can also complete their church ensembles with clergy accessories like embroidered baptismal towels and clerical stoles. They can even opt for reversible pulpit stoles with two appearances in one garment.
Another way to enhance their presence at church is by adding a touch of elegance with a pair of heels. Regardless of their style, these shoes should complement the color of their robe. In addition, they should also be comfortable enough to walk in.
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