Dress for Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Easter occurs in the Spring in the northeast hemisphere, the holiday is often symbolized by eggs, rabbits and baby chicks, which represent images of new life. Likewise, Easter clothing typically evokes bright, spring-like colors, patterns and styles, even though it is in Autumn in New Zealand, Australia and other countries south of the equator! Traditional Easter Sunday attire includes dresses and hats (often referred to as Easter bonnets) for women and suits for men. However, formal Easter attire is being replaced by more casual clothes in many regions of the United States and elsewhere that Easter is celebrated. Use these steps as a guide for how to dress for Easter Sunday.

Steps

Dress for Easter Activities

  1. Select Easter attire based on the activities planned for the day. Recommended dress for an Easter Sunday church service will differ from a family brunch or a backyard Easter egg hunt. To choose your clothing, it is important to determine where and when your Easter events will be. Select clothing that is appropriate for the activities, keeping comfort and location in mind.
  2. Choose attire for an Easter Sunday church service. If you have not attended Easter Sunday worship services at the church, call the church office or ask a family member or friend about appropriate attire. Some churches have traditions of formal attire on Easter, while others are more casual. If the church requests formal attire, ask if the women typically wear Easter bonnets. But do not overdo it.
    • Select modest styles. The purpose of attending an Easter church service is to worship God and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, so dress in a respectful manner that does not detract from the worship service. Women should select dresses with hem lines that are knee-length or longer, and avoid low-cut shirts. If women wear sleeveless dresses, they should cover their shoulders with a cardigan or dressy jacket. Men should not wear shorts or open shirts.
    • Avoid denim. Jeans and denim materials are not appropriate for most Easter Sunday worship services.
    • Choose business attire when in doubt. If you are unsure about how to dress for an Easter Sunday church service, wear clothing you would wear to a meeting at work. Business attire for women indicates a suit or a dress with a jacket, while business attire for men means a suit and tie.
  3. Select attire for an Easter egg hunt. In most cases, Easter egg hunts are held outdoors, so dress for the weather. Choose attire that is comfortable and allows you to move freely. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you may be walking or running.
    • Choose Easter egg hunt attire for women. Consider a sundress with a cardigan, a-line skirt with a sweater set, or capri-length pants with a lightweight top. Cardigans, sweater sets and jackets allow for versatility in the event of hot or cold weather.
    • Choose Easter egg hunt attire for men. Consider khaki pants and a button-down shirt, or khaki shorts and a polo shirt. Bring a sweater or jacket in case the weather is cool.
  4. Select outfits that can go from church to brunch to an egg hunt. Consider an adaptable business casual outfit if your Easter celebration includes both formal and casual events.
    • Choose business casual outfits for women. Select dressy slacks or a skirt with a silk twinset, or a sundress with a dressy cardigan. Wear high heels to church, and bring a pair of comfortable flats with you for brunch or an egg hunt.
    • Select business casual outfits for men. Consider dress pants with a lightweight sweater, or khaki pants with a button-down shirt and a sport coat. Wear the sport coat to church and then take it off for the egg hunt later that afternoon.

Select Springtime Colors and Patterns

  1. Choose spring colors for your Easter attire. Easter attire traditionally reflects the colors of the blooming trees and flowers of spring. Select Easter Sunday clothing in pastel hues, such as yellow, lavender and pink.
    • Opt for colors that flatter your skin tone. Not everyone looks good in pastel colors. If pastels make you look washed out, consider brighter tones. For example, instead of wearing a pastel yellow, choose a canary yellow that brightens your complexion.
    • Pair pastels with dark colors for women's Easter outfits. Depending on your shape, an all-pastel outfit may not be flattering. Women may pair a pastel top with a navy skirt or black pants for a more flattering outfit that incorporates traditional Easter tones.
    • Add color to men's outfits with pastel shirts. Men can add a subtle splash of color to Easter Sunday outfits by incorporating colors like melon, robin's egg blue and mint green into shirts, sweaters or ties. These pastel hues pair well with khaki, wheat and camel tones for a masculine Easter look.
  2. Select floral prints. Because Easter marks the beginning of spring, floral prints are popular options for Easter Sunday attire. Consider floral sundresses, skirts, blouses or accessories.
    • Choose flattering floral patterns for women. Large patterns add bulk and can make women look heavier. Women with larger frames usually are better suited to delicately patterned floral tops paired with solid color bottoms.
    • Consider a floral jacket or cardigan for a chilly day. A floral jacket or cardigan provides layering versatility for an Easter Sunday outfit while also incorporating a springtime motif.
    • Select floral ties for men. Easter Sunday is not the appropriate time to wear a floral Hawaiian shirt. Rather, men may incorporate a sophisticated floral pattern into a tie or handkerchief paired with a suit.

Accessorize an Easter Sunday Outfit

  1. Add accessories to women's Easter attire. An Easter bonnet (or hat) is the traditional Easter Sunday accessory, but experiment with more modern accessories to create a look that reflects your style.
    • Consider jewelry, scarves, handbags and hair accessories when putting together an Easter Sunday outfit. When dressing for an Easter Sunday church service, opt for accessories that add to the elegance of your outfit. When selecting more casual Easter attire, consider bold accessories that add a pop of color or make a dramatic statement.
  2. Select shoes to complement a woman's Easter Sunday outfit. Coordinate shoes with the style and colors of the outfit. Or for greater versatility, choose shoes in a nude shade that can later be worn with other outfits.
    • Consider sling-back pumps or patent leather heels for church attire, or strappy sandals or Mary Janes for more casual Easter attire.
  3. Choose accessories to pull together a man's outfit. Men may choose a matching belt and shoes, such as a brown belt with a brown loafer, for a coordinated look. Dress shoes should be polished, especially for Easter Sunday formal attire.
    • Consider adding color to a suit with a tie and matching handkerchief.
  4. Avoid obvious Easter motifs. When choosing accessories for men and women, avoid prominent Easter prints, which are better suited for children.

Tips

  • Whether dressing for church or an Easter egg hunt, wear clothing that is comfortable for you. For example, if you don't normally wear dresses, you may be uncomfortable in a dress on Easter. Instead, opt for a dressy pants outfit.

Warnings

  • When dressing for outdoor events like Easter egg hunts, don't forget to apply sunscreen.

Related Articles

  • Make Patterned Easter Eggs

Sources and Citations

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