Should we consider ripped jeans an appropriate clothing for work or even church?

I guess this question comes down to other people's tolerances. There was a time when the only thing appropriate for the working environment was a tailored suit and the only thing appropriate for church was your best dress. But let's face it, it simply is not comfortable to sit in tailored clothes at work all day. And do we really want to be struggling to stand in those heels during praise and worship (I'm talking from my own experience on this one and funnily enough I still wear heels to church).

Nowadays it seems that the tables have turned and we can see a more relaxed dressing in both settings. In church people are slowly dressing down by wearing flats instead of heels or jeans instead of a skirt. In the workplace, the classic Levi jean which tends to be coupled with a smart shoe, has made an appearance on men, particularly those working for American Companies. Women also seem to get away with any type of dressing in the workplace. Sorry guys, I know it's not fair. And we've gone even further for an even more relaxed vibe, where we've had an introduction of the classic dress down Friday allowing both sexes to wear what they like with a few rules attached.

One of those rules in the workplace for dress down Friday's is "no ripped jeans", but my question is why not? The usual answer is "we need to look professional", but honestly speaking, if my knees are showing because i'm wearing a tailored skirt Monday to Thursday, then what difference does it make when you see my knees peeping through my ripped jeans on a Friday?

The same rule applied to me in church. I sing in the choir and I was told that wearing ripped jeans again looks unprofessional more so because if a new member walks into the church seeing us all in ripped jeans on stage, then they will get the wrong impression. Apparently we will look like we are not serious. The first thought that came to my mind was that we are in church for God and our focus should be on Him We are not in church for other people's thoughts and it should not matter what clothes we wear.

Sour opinions aside, I can understand why ripped jeans can look somewhat unprofessional. Unfortunately for some, they represent a tattered look especially when the rips are all over the jeans. But let's remember that ripped jeans is fashion and there have been seasons where the majority of jeans being sold are ripped jeans. So what must we do then? I would simply say that I think wearing ripped jeans in the work place or church can be appropriate and that there is no real unprofessionalism with it. It just all comes down to how you style it and I would offer the following tips. Try coupling ripped jeans with heels for a more dressed up look. Or look for the more wider legged mom ripped jeans which can look polished and professional when worn with a tucked in blouse or button down shirt.

Check out my Instagram post and see how I've worn my ripped jeans and make your comments below.

@lins.dressingroom

#rippedjeans #linsdressingroom