If you have ever paged through an old Ambassador College Envoy yearbook, which is a record of God’s Work from The Restored Church of God’s predecessor organization, the Worldwide Church of God under Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, one thing stands out most.

Page after page contains images of happy men and women in elegant settings. When you see pictures of people working, you see decency and order. When you see photographs of socials—maybe a sing-along or a dance—you see the joy that comes from living God’s Way. Even formal portraits seem to perfectly demonstrate the benefits of applying the Bible’s standards to life.

How can mere images so powerfully demonstrate true Christianity?

The answer is how those pictured presented themselves—their appearances. For example, in an Envoy from the 1950s, there is a photo of students working in the letter-answering department. They are not dressed in overly casual clothes, with sloppy hair and flashy trends. Rather, those in the office wore dress slacks and shirts with ties. The ladies appeared modest and comfortable, wearing flowing skirts and elegant, yet simple, blouses.

Another specific example could be a formal picture of the Ambassador Chorale in a yearbook from the second half of the 1960s. The men lined up wearing matching tuxedos, bow ties, and crisp white shirts. The women in front contrast the men, wearing floor-length ball gowns with long formal gloves.

In decades past, personal appearance was of bedrock importance in everyday society. Emily Post wrote in her 1922 book Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home: “Clothes are to us what fur and feathers are to beasts and birds; they not only add to our appearance, but they are our appearance. How we look to others entirely depends upon what we wear and how we wear it; manners and speech are noted afterward, and character last of all.”

Plainly stated, first impressions—who and what people think we are—are made by how we dress and present ourselves. Our outward appearances are the first indication of our inward character.

Emily Post was not the first one to connect clothing with character. The Bible describes character as something that is put on—something worn. This fact elevates the importance of our physical appearances.

For example, Christians are supposed to be like Christ. He and His followers are described as being “clothed” with majesty, righteousness, humility, glory, salvation, honor and strength (Psa. 93:1, 104:1, 132:9; Isa. 61:10; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 5:5).

Good character traits are contrasted with being “clothed” with shame, cursing, strange apparel, dishonor, desolation and confusion (Psa. 35:26, 109:18, 29; Ezek. 7:27; Zeph. 1:8).

What we wear, both spiritually and physically, matters to God. This was obviously emphasized to those attending Ambassador College in the mid-20th century.

Also taught was the principle of Jeremiah 6, “Thus says the Lord, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein…” (vs. 16). God commands us to “ask for the old paths” and to walk in the “good way.”

Summarized, this verse means to follow the godly principles that have brought success and prosperity to those who came before us. When applied to dress, it means focusing on traditional—time-tested—clothing styles.

To recapture elegant and timeless styles, refer again to the photographs from the Envoys of the past. Almost everything worn during that time would be suitable today.

This is one of the great keys to cultivating a proper appearance that upholds God’s standards: stick to the classics!

Strive for Class

Classic types of dress are defined by being viewed over a period of time to be outstanding and of the highest quality. These styles are always balanced and avoid extremes. For example, while men’s jeans have gone from saggy to ultra-skinny over the years, pants in line with traditional values—not too baggy, not too slim—have never gone out of fashion.

Taking a balanced approach applies to every part of our appearance. Patterns should be simple rather than garish and loud. Neckties should be a moderate width rather than too narrow or too wide. Women’s skirts should be long enough to be modest but, of course, do not need to drag along the ground or cover the ankles. The same applies to blouses and tops: Ladies should avoid ones that are too tight or too revealing but should not look like they are wearing paper sacks.

Remember who and what you represent when making clothing choices. In II Corinthians 5:20, we are called to be “ambassadors for Christ”—representatives of Him and His government. We have been given the responsibility to exemplify His way of life to a world that does not know Him—including through the way we dress. This individual charge should drive us to represent Him in a positive light and care about the way we look.

Even in an age of lowering dress standards—where “casual Fridays” dominate workplaces—world leaders, members of government, diplomats and international representatives still adhere to conservative styles.

How much more should those who are preparing to represent and be a part of God’s government?

The apostle Paul exhorted in I Corinthians that “whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God” (10:31). All means all. Whether shopping at the grocery store, working at the office, or on a simple walk in the park, we should be shining our lights to onlookers. And just as with Ambassador College students of the 20th-century Work, we too can be glowing examples of God’s Way.

In addition to this principle, chapter 14 of I Corinthians states that all things should be done “decently and in order” (vs. 40).

The Greek word for “decently”—euschemonos—has a rich meaning. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines it as “decorously,” with Random House Dictionary defining this English word as “characterized by dignified propriety in conduct, manners, appearance, character, etc.”

The Strong’s meanings for the root words of euschemonos include “well formed…decorous, noble: comely, honorable,” and these refer to the “external condition.”

Apply this to appearance: We are to have a dignified, noble, honorable external condition. This is an overarching principle we should consider when making wardrobe choices!

Test of Time

Classic styles are often referred to as “timeless.” Merriam-Webster defines timeless as “staying beautiful or fashionable as time passes” and “lasting forever.”

Obviously, overall clothing trends change from century to century. We no longer wear long, flowing robes as they did during Jesus Christ’s time on Earth. A man would also look strangely out of place today if he wore a coat with long tails and knee-high breeches such as George Washington. Similarly, if a woman was walking down the street in a gigantic hoop dress from the 1850s, she would definitely get odd looks.

It is important to stick to classic and balanced styles of the times in which we live. For the Western world, conservative classic styles were generally cemented during the 1950s and early 1960s. There have been some changes and updates since that time, but general types of clothing have remained the same.

Notably, garment styles that have lasted throughout these decades are ones that employ balance and modesty. While you will always need to use judgment when viewing styles from any era, seeing that a particular item has withstood the test of time over decades is a good indication that wearing it will be in line with God’s standards.

Yet there is another “test of time” that you can employ. Whenever you consider buying an item of clothing, imagine yourself in the future looking back on that wardrobe choice. Then think: “How would I feel looking back on what I am wearing 30 years from now?”

If the item you are considering buying gives off an air of vanity, lust, etc., or you anticipate that it is something that could go out of style as quickly as it came in—you will likely look back with embarrassment and think, “I wore that?!”

Two biblical principles are helpful when selecting clothing. In I Timothy 2:9, women are instructed to “adorn themselves in modest apparel.” Also, I Corinthians states that love “does not behave itself unseemly…” (13:5).

While the first verse is directed at women, it can also apply to men. Avoid styles that scream for attention and are unbecoming of an ambassador of Christ. This will further evidence the character you possess on the inside.

Stick to What Suits You

Another key principle for dressing well is to wear clothing that suits you. While clothes can look attractive on a mannequin in a store or on another person, it is important to wear apparel that complements your individual body type and gender.

How clothing fits is just as important as the quality or style of clothes. For example, if someone buys a suit that costs hundreds of dollars, but it does not fit correctly, this was money poorly spent. If you have questions on proper fit, talk to your minister or someone from a conservative clothing establishment. Note that employees of such stores may still push you toward trendy styles.

Keep in mind that clothing should not be too baggy or too tight. If you look as though you are swimming in a suit coat or uncomfortably squeezed into a sweater—it is not for you! Also, sleeves and pant legs should be neither too long nor too short.

Another trend in today’s society is to wear clothing that is either effeminate for men or boyish/masculine for women. God instructs us to avoid both (I Cor. 6:9-10; Deut. 22:5).

Build on the Basics

So where should you start to make sure your wardrobe sticks with traditionally conservative styles? The best place to begin is by obtaining clothing that is simple, neutral and interchangeable.

Emily Post stated in Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home: “Choose the clothes which you must have, carefully, and if you must cut down, cut down on elaborate ones. There is scarcely anywhere that you cannot fittingly go in plain clothes. Very few, if any, people need fancy things; all people need plain ones.”

Solid-colored black, navy, gray or other neutral articles of clothing provide a basis from which to build an elegant wardrobe. Although you may only be able to afford one of each, over time, their versatility will yield more outfits and you will be able to mix and match them. Adding accessories such as scarves and jewelry in moderation for women or ties for men will also expand your options.

View updating your wardrobe as a long-term process and take each step slowly. By thinking through purchases, you can elevate your dress standards in a way that does not break your budget.

A guiding principle when building a wardrobe is found in Philippians 4: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (vs. 5).

Some styles that are “classy” by the world’s standards are not necessarily ones we want to emulate. In everything, exercise judgment. Take a balanced and modest approach in your selections and refrain from wearing anything gaudy, loud or bulky.

By starting with the basics, you will have clothes and accessories that are both moderate and versatile. Refer to the inset infographic “Dress for the Occasion” for clarity on dress codes and what items are a good starting point for each category.

Invest in the Future

When purchasing versatile articles of clothing, it is worthwhile to invest in quality products. While they may initially appear more expensive, they usually last much longer than cheaper counterparts. Yet be careful! Sometimes, an item is pricey because of its name brand—not because of its quality construction.

Consider the following scenario. Perhaps you want to buy a pair of men’s leather dress shoes. One pair costs $20 and will last you six months—the other costs $150 but will last for many years. At face value, it would appear that the cheaper option would be the frugal route. But the less-expensive option will quickly gain unsightly creases and cracks, and will soon need to be replaced.

The idea is to always buy the highest quality items you can afford. By investing in quality, you will “only cry once.”

Realize this does not mean you should spend thousands of dollars on your wardrobe. Be resourceful! Consignment shops, thrift stores, vintage stores, and websites such as eBay offer quality clothing for reduced prices.

Start small. Men, if you do not have a full suit, work toward purchasing one. Ladies, if you only own simple cotton skirts or dresses for Sabbath services, take steps toward purchasing a skirt suit or dress with higher quality fabric. The goal is to budget funds so that you can continually refine and improve what is in your closet.

Clothed with Character

What we wear—and how we view dress—points to our character. Representing God as ambassadors is a 24-hour responsibility. Even if we do not think anyone is watching, be certain that God is!

Learning to diligently ensure our clothing exhibits godly qualities of moderation and dignity actually has eternal implications. Eventually our clothing/character will be truly timeless.

Notice Revelation 19: “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him [Jesus Christ]: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife [the saints] has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (vs. 7-8).

Upon receiving eternal life, true Christians will be adorned in righteousness—forever. Strive to put proper, balanced attention on your wardrobe, knowing everything it represents.

Stick to the classics!