Reader Request - Styling a Clergy Shirt

Greetings Fashion Mavens,

Sooooo my Halloween was a bust :-( Actually, lemme stop with the sad face. I didn't mind not going at all. For one, my Halloween costume was last minute and not what I really wanted to wear anyway. Also, I had a ton of work to do for the job and I had to get focused. Oh well, next year I will be back to my regularly scheduled programming.

Today I have two reader requests to share with you all. This one is from Akeisha. See below.

Hello I am new to your blog and need some fashion advice

If there were a few words to describe me as far as my style (if I do have style) I would say comfortable, modest, and safe. I want sophisticated, classy, modest, and chic. I am 26 years old and a church girl (I’m not catholic). I am a missionary at my church, a wife and I am also plus size. I wanna revamp my look cause I always make the mistake of looking older.

I’m still looking for a casual look & a date look with my husband
 As far as church and being a missionary I have to wear a clergy shirt

…but I don’t want to always revert to a suit…. can you please tell me what ways I can style my clergy shirt while not compromising how I am supposed to look for church?

I am so absolutely excited about this challenge. I love to give people ideas on how to transform their style...without compromising who they are. So let's get started.

Part I - Date Night Outfit Ideas

Below are some examples of outfits that are young, modern, classy, and date night worthy!

Reader Request: Young and Modern - Part V by fashionpad featuring fringe handbags

Splendid, $73
Dorothy Perkins red skirt, £35
Giuseppe Zanotti suede pumps, $650
Fringe handbag, $750
Fiona Paxton chunky chain necklace, $350
Woolen Fedora Brown - One Size, $68

The ever popular midi skirt is still on trend. For this look, go with a tee shirt or sweatshirt and cut the neck hole slightly larger so that it falls off the shoulder a tad bit. I would suggest you tuck in the top so that you can belt the center to emphasize the smallest part of your torso.....the waist! For a stylish spin, add a fedora and statement accessories. This look is young, modern, and chic!

Reader Request: Young and Modern - Part II by fashionpad featuring gold tone jewelry

Gorgeous dress, £55
Dorothy Perkins flannel jacket, £45
Jessica Simpson t strap sandals, $110
H M clutch hand bag, £15
Amrita Singh gold tone jewelry, $80
Ring, $7.99

The maxi dress is such a figure complementing garment. It works for literally ALL body types. I chose the dress above because of the cinched waist. To pull the look together for a more sophisticated spin, throw on a fitted blazer and platforms. The hubby can head out to dinner with a fly diva on his arm ;-)

 

Reader Request: Young and Modern - Part IV by fashionpad featuring metal jewelry

Boatneck dress, $155
Betsey Johnson leopard print heels, $130
Trouve slouch bag, $114
Worthington metal jewelry, $13
14k jewelry, $88

I like incorporating trends or eye-catching details through accessories. These heels reflect the uber popular animal-print trend. They add interest, keep your look modern, and can really dress up an otherwise casual dress. If you prefer to go with a more laidback look, switch the heels up with a pair of animal print or metallic flats. If you are top heavy....always draw the eye downward by going with prints or bold colors on the lower half of your body.

Reader Request: Young and Modern - Part III by fashionpad featuring scoop neck tops

ASOS scoop neck top, $50
Ann Harvey long jeans, £35
Biviel heel boots, $172
Aspinal of London brown tote, £595
Gold earrings, €1.987
Forever21 layered necklace, $8.80


This casual style is perfect for a quick dinner and a movie. You literally cannot go wrong with a pair of fitted jeans, knee high (or ankle) boots, and a cute top. This look is a classic. I would just remind you that if you go fitted on bottom, make sure you go loose up top....and vice versa. But loose does not mean oversized. It simply means a relaxed fit, such as the top above.

Reader Request: Young and Modern - Part I by fashionpad featuring a long sleeve little black dress

Supertrash long sleeve little black dress, $100
Michael Antonio platform sandals, $45
Python clutch, $895
Kenneth jay lane jewelry, $250
Lauren Hutton Aqua Elements Complete Makeup Set at HSN.com
Le Metier De Beaute Fall/Winter Mini Nail Lacquer, $10


If you and the hubby are invited to a banquet or party, I know this chic and sophisticated garment is sure to turn heads. The LBD is a no brainer, and the fab part is that it's super slimming......Score! Add a pop of color with a vibrant heel such as the one above to keep it modern.

 

Part II - Garments/Accessories to Complement a Clergy Shirt

Look #1 - To complement the clergy shirt in a unique and modest way, I recommend the addition of a cardigan and maxi skirt, belted at the waist. This look is young, but it still imparts a conservative vibe.

Retro Chic By Torrid - Black And Silver Lurex

Polka Dot Cardigan  $44.50 http://www.torrid.com/

Eight Sixty Stretch Knit Maxi Skirt (Plus)

$38.90 (on sale) http://www.nordstrom.com/



Braided Leatherette Belt

$5.80 http://www.forever21.com/

Look #2 - Another way to style this clergy shirt is to complement with a printed skirt and add a brooch to the shirt. A chic pair of classic pumps will round out this look.

Sterling Silver Marcasite Butterfly Brooch

$14.99 http://www.target.com/

Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati Knit Maxi Skirt (Plus)

$34.97 (on sale) http://www.nordstrom.com/

Classic Curved Leatherette Pumps

$20.80 http://www.forever21.com/

Look #3 - For this last suggestion I think I pushed the envelope on it. Anyhew, I think pairing the clergy shirt with a printed pencil skirt will look really modern. However, I think you may want to find a different print than the one I've selected. I don't know what it is....but I don't like wearing "reptilian" print at church. But if this works for you, just add a blazer and modest pumps to tone down this style.

ASOS Boyfriend Blazer In Ponti

$49.52 (on sale) http://www.asos.com/



Tripp Red Leopard Pencil Skirt

$49.50 http://www.torrid.com/



Women's Merona® Erin Mary Jane Pumps

$24.99 http://www.target.com/

Okay Akeisha....I think we're done. I hope my suggestions/recommendations were beneficial to you. Please let me know if you need any further assistance. Good luck with your new fabulous style!

Arrivederci!