One of the most beautiful parts of Christmas is seeing the church overflowing with people. No matter what your church attendance is like or where you are in your faith journey, we at Blessed is She pray that you know this truth deeply: you are so welcomed and wanted in the pews of a Catholic Church. Especially as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. The more, the merrier!
What to Wear to Christmas Mass?
If this Christmas marks the first time you’ve been to Mass in a while, or if it’s your first time ever, feeling a little anxious is completely normal. Anytime I’m faced with a new situation, I’ve found that confidence I’m dressed appropriately helps make me feel more comfortable and present. That is our heart behind this post. While it ultimately does not matter what you wear to church—your presence means more than anything—some outfits are more fitting for the sacredness and reverence of the Mass than others.
Christmas Mass Outfit Ideas
To help guide your outfit planning for Christmas Mass, and hopefully ease some nerves along the way, I asked a few Catholic blogger friends to share an “outfit recipe.” Each of these looks would be both perfect for the occasion and easy to replicate.
Try recreating your favorite style using pieces in your wardrobe! Or browse the products I found at a variety of price points for more ideas.
Simply Elegant
Outfit Recipe #1:
a detailed blouse + black pants + festive heels
Styled by Lisa of Something Pretty
Especially at Christmas, the smallest details—a delicate wreath, a strand of lights, a perfectly tied bow—can have the biggest impact. I feel the same way about clothes. I love putting a seasonal twist on my signature classic style this time of year. A pairing as simple as a romantic ivory blouse and black pants becomes instantly Christmas-ready with the addition of a bright red lip and d’Orsay heels.
Feminine blouses: ruffle-detailed, embroidered bell sleeve, floral lace, lace bell sleeve
Festive heels: red suede bow pumps, burgundy bow slingback heels, polka dot block heels, tartan bow pumps
Vintage-Inspired Velvet
Outfit Recipe #2:
velvet dress + statement booties + dainty clutch
Styled by Janet of Ever Easter, photographed by Emily Hannon
I can’t think of a fabric that feels more quintessentially Christmas-y than velvet. Janet (who you may recognize from her fabulous online vintage shop, Ever Thrift) put a sophisticated and fun spin on this winter texture by pairing a vintage velvet dress with metallic booties, statement earrings, and a dainty purse. When browsing velvet dresses, she recommends opting for a more fitted style that falls to, or just below, the knee.
Velvet dresses: mockneck midi, twist detail, burgundy pleated, sleeveless boatneck
Statement booties: black embossed, silver metallic, leopard print, gold metallic
Fun and Feminine
Outfit Recipe #3:
black bodysuit + red midi skirt + black tights
Styled by Claire of Finding Philothea
A bodysuit may not be your first thought when dressing up for church, but here’s the beauty of them: they stay perfectly in place so you won’t need to worry about adjusting them as you sit, stand, and kneel. Claire paired hers with a red A-line midi skirt, black tights, and black heels for a festively feminine look.
Black bodysuits: Scoopneck, v-neck, sheer sleeves, three-quarter sleeves
Red skirts: A-line, pleated, jacquard, tweed
Sophisticated Textures
Outfit Recipe #4:
patterned midi dress + faux fur vest + knee-high heeled boots
Styled by Nicole of Nicole M. Caruso
One of my favorite styling tips is to add a “third piece”—an additional layer, accessory, or piece of statement jewelry to take any outfit from simple to memorable. Nicole demonstrates this perfectly by wearing a faux fur vest over her floral midi dress. The resulting combination of textures feels both bold and elegant.
Patterned midi dresses: watercolor red plaid, floral flutter-sleeved, tartan tie-neck, subtle cheetah
Faux fur vests: light brown, medium brown, sheering detailed, winter white
Knee-high heeled boots: cognac microsuede, slouchy suede, espresso suede, caramel suede
Classic and Festive
Outfit Recipe #5:
turtleneck + pencil skirt + heels + red lipstick
Styled by Kelsey of With a Little Grace
Comfortable, festive, and warm enough for the winter, this combination is a classic for a reason. Kelsey styled her Audrey Hepburn-esque black turtleneck with two Christmas-inspired touches: a black watch plaid skirt and a bright red lip. To keep this combination feeling modern and fresh, opt for a skirt that is either knee-length or midi-length and pair it with heels.
Turtlenecks: slim fit, slightly drapey, cotton, wool
Pencil skirts: classic wool, houndstooth, lace, corduroy
The Lord is So Happy to See You at Mass!
Whatever you choose to wear, we can’t wait to welcome you to Mass this Christmas!
Further Reading
Ways to Find Community Within the Church
How to Join the Catholic Church
Do you know what you'll be wearing to Christmas Mass? Give us some more ideas in the comments below!
Christmas Mass Outfit Ideas #BISblog //Click to tweet
Lisa Kirk is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. New York City-born and internationally raised, she now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her study-abroad-crush-turned-husband and their two children. A former wedding magazine editor and fashion copywriter, she now writes primarily for Something Pretty, the Catholic living and classic style blog she began in 2010. She loves learning about the Saints, wandering the city with coffee in hand, and making new friends on Instagram. Read all of Lisa's posts here.
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