In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Easter Sunday, April 8

I always enjoy going to my church on Easter Sunday because you rarely see it this packed, literally, to the rafters. Many Catholics who attend Mass regularly will avoid going on Easter Sunday, choosing to attend the Easter Vigil Mass the night before, so they can avoid the crowds. Jokes about C and E Christians aside, it is a wonderful sight and experience for me to see my church so full of those who want to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection.

Pink, yellow, orange, green print Trina Turk dress; bright pink cardigan; black patent wedges; colorful jewelry

I am active in several ministries at my church and I am interested in its growth, so I always want to project certain qualities to those who are visiting. I want to look nice and to show my reverence for the place and the occasion, but I also want to seem approachable and friendly. In addition, I am in a celebratory mood, so I wear some of my brightest colors.

In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Holy Saturday, The Great Vigil of Easter

This is the high Mass of the year, and also the time when we welcome new members into the church through the Sacraments of Inititation–Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. We begin at sunset, and the liturgy goes well into the evening. It is about waiting for and anticipating the Resurrection. The liturgical colors for Easter are gold and white.

Vintage lamé maxi skirt; gold lamé blouse; vintage gold & lucite belt; gold sandals; gold jewelry

I am Godmother to a young woman who is being baptized, so I want to honor this very sacred, holy evening as I also recognize the importance of what I’m doing, standing next to my “Goddaughter.” I want the clothes I wear to reflect everything I feel about the Easter Vigil.

In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Good Friday, April 6

During this very somber and contemplative day, the day Jesus was crucified, there are three daytime liturgical services that happen at my parish: a Rosary; Stations of the Cross; and a service called The Seven Last Words of Jesus. We also gather in the evening for the official Liturgy of the church that is celebrated around the world.

Black A-line skirt with satin rosettes; rose print silk blouse; black suede ankle strap 1940s platforms; my rosary beads worn as a necklace; red rose earrings and ring

It’s still all about red, partially symbolizing blood, at least in my mind. There is also the symbol of roses for the Rosary. The Mexican Catholic in me is so attracted to morbid, lurid images of Jesus that are prevalent in that culture, so I want to balance the contemplative tone of the day with a nod to that part of my expression of my faith.

Many might find this representation of the cross disturbing, but I am strongly attracted to these very frank symbols of suffering.

Next time: What I wore on Holy Saturday

In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Holy Thursday, April 5

This is the day that marks what most people know as The Last Supper. It is the meal that Jesus shared with his 12 disciples, remembered in the sharing of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. Holy Thursday is also the end of Lent, and the beginning of the Paschal Triduum.

Little Black Dress; ivory cashmere cardigan; nude patent leather platforms; jewelry with touches of orange and pale pink

There are several rituals that occur during this evening service, and many of them are performed by those who will be baptized and confirmed at Easter, as well as their sponsors and Godparents. Although this day is symbolized in the Church by the color red, at my parish, the tradition is for those participating in the liturgy to dress in black and white. Since I rarely go without color, I added a touch of it in my jewelry.

Next time: What I wore on Good Friday

In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Communal reconciliation service, Monday, April 2  

Many churches hold a communal reconciliation (also known as confession) service during Holy Week, and it gives parishioners an opportunity to further prepare spiritually for Easter. At my parish, several visiting priests offer their time to hear confessions privately during an evening service.

Vintage black dress with pink, white, and purple micro dots; purple cropped cardigan; pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings; black patent leather stilettos (sorry, couldn’t help myself)

In the first three days following Palm Sunday, we are back to purple, since technically it is still Lent. Besides wearing the liturgically appropriate colors, I also feel a need for modesty and humility for the sacrament of reconciliation. Nothing too flashy or revealing for a lady who will be sitting in front of a priest confessing her sins.

Next time: What I wore on Holy Thursday