Is it wrong to dress up and look good? Does putting a value on looking good contradict being idealistic?
Obviously I do not think so!
I am not saying that spending the majority of your day swept away by the world of materialism is the way to go. But when you dress well, you feel good and that is reflected in the way you behave and how people treat you. In fact the way people dress also sets a tone for an evening/ event.
Most events here in Israel are relaxed, casual and less formal. There rarely is a dress code and although that is liberating at times, when men and women show up to ceremonial events “dressing down” the celebration seems to lose its importance.
I recently attended a wedding in Caesarea, where the men and women all showed up dressed to perfection (they were not Israeli). The men were all in suits and the women in long chiffon dresses in every color of the rainbow.
Whether the dresses were sleeveless, one sleeved, or backless the fit of each garment was just right. Nothing was too tight or too short, there were no back folds, no schnitzels (armpit fat) sticking out, and absolutely no muffin tops peaking through. Simple or adorned with rhinestones each and every woman looked absolutely stunning.
The feeling of the wedding was sophisticated, elegant and most importantly respectful. I know that the décor of the ceremony was more because the guest list was from overseas where these events are much more formal.
But...
I do know from my own children (boys) who hate going to events where they need to dress up that once the shirt is tucked in, the tie is on and the jacket is buttoned: they look in the mirror and feel REALLY good. And when they feel good, so do those around them.
Wishing you a BEAUTIFUL New Year
