Some of you may have noticed that priests--maybe especially female priests--sometimes have a hard time finding ways to stay stylish post-ordination. I have thought long and hard about this phenomenon and have identified three reasons for priestly fashion violations: (1) The long hours and odd scheduling makes it hard to muster the energy to, like, wash your hair; (2) Clerical shirts are generally un-flattering and can make an otherwise cute outfit to straight to hell; and (3) On a more serious note, I think that female priests are especially self-concious of putting energy into looking attractive, either because they don't want to send the "wrong" message to parishioners or because they are afraid that they won't be taken seriously if they look "cute." Obviously, reason number three is deeply rooted and cannot be solved with a quick fix, but reasons one and two are totally (in my opinion) avoidable! (Quick side note: When I was in seminary I was once told that I should cut my hair short and stop wearing makeup so that men will be less inclined to sexually harass me at work...seriously. I mean, just think about that.)
Anyway, I was really excited on Sunday morning when a parishioner at my church told me that a friend of hers--a 25 year-old priest in Mossouri--was selected to be on TLC's What Not to Wear. Now, I really love this show and I often hear the voices of its hosts, Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, echoing in my ears when I go shopping. Their "rules" for clothing selection have been an enormous help for me as I've transitioned to professional life. Just thinking of them doing a show on a female priest delights me! My mom has always thought that a priest would make a good candidate on the show and she's totally right. Clinton and Stacy will have a lot to work with as they deal with the inherant fasion illiteracy of clergy, the peculiar problem of the clerical collar, and maybe some style resistance. Oh, I can't wait!
The show probably won't air until sometime next year, but I'll keep you posted!
Liz--Thanks for raising this issue.
My Advice, not that you asked: Please avoid two of Stacy and Clinton's fashion "musts" that I find hideous--too short jackets that draw attention to the danger zone from the midriff to the underbelly and super-pointy shoes in bright colors.
You looked professional AND adorable in that black skirt you wore at school with your clergy shirt and collar after your diaconal ordination. And you know how just a little lipstick can brighten your already pretty face.
Keep following your own fashion and makeup instincts. You know what's best for you.
As for the upcoming priestly make-over on What Not to Wear, I'm sure we could nominate a few priests we know who could use some emergency help with clothes, hair and makeup--Lord Have Mercy.
Why are so many female priests (seemingly) afraid of makeup when just the slightest attention to eyes, skin and lips can raise the Dead Look?
Let's hear it for Holy Fashion Resurrection, Anne
Posted by: Anne Dryden McKeever | October 22, 2009 at 10:23 AM