My son made his confirmation three years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the first time he’d really ever been asked to dress up. We had a bit of a difference of opinion on clothes. He wore a Confirmation gown, but obviously needed to wear something underneath. I told him he needed to dress nicely. He went in his room and came out in suit pants, a t-shirt and sneakers. I told him he needed to finish dressing. He didn’t seem to understand why a fancy dress shirt would look better than a colorful t-shirt with a skull on it. I have no problem with the shirt itself but it just wasn’t appropriate for Confirmation. He finally put on the dress shoes my Mom had dug up for him and changed the shirt.
Wanting to address the grumbling I was hearing, I had to explain to him that in life there are just some events that people dress up for.
People dress up for some horse races. I don’t know why, but they do. If you are in the area on race day, you can bet on Kentucky derby fashion show. I have no idea why they dress up for a horse race, but they do. The Derby is apparently not only a giant horse race, but also a fashion event. The men wear suits and tuxedos. The women wear hats and fancy dresses. It’s quite a to-do!
Back to the subject. I explained to my son that a Confirmation is a sort of a big deal and that he needed to dress appropriately. Some of the first occasions that come to mind include Baptisms, Communions and Confirmations. I’m guessing this is out of respect for the house of worship where the ceremony takes place.Also weddings, not only out of respect for the house of worship but also out of respect for the couple. Plus that is one instance where a group picture looks better when everyone is all dressed up.
Job interviews. Of course a person wants to put their best foot forward. But I always find it interesting when a person dresses nicely for an interview and then never comes to work dressed nicely.
Dates. I totally get wanting to look your best for a date. But I don’t think you need to overdo it, since the most important thing is to be yourself and not leave a false impression.
What other occasions can you think of that people dress up for?
pat. marsden
Monday 6th of May 2013
I remember having to wear head coverings whenever in church--hated it but complied. Now decades later few hats are visible anywhere.