Has Bible Study Been Fashion School All Along?

How growing my relationship with God has developed my style

Style is my favorite language. In my mind, my outfit says so much about me before I even open my mouth. In all the same ways that I try and be extremely selective with my words, I aim to have good diction with my style — intentionality behind everything from the way I’ve arranged my hair, to the six earrings I chose for my earring stack that day. Everything is a decision.

I also love the expansiveness of the language — the slang of streetwear or the syntax of a tuxedo — there’s so many ways to communicate. And like any good messenger, there’s always a time and a place for certain dialogue, and knowing your audience is key.

Taking My Style Language from Conversational to Fluent

As far back as I can remember, style has always been a form of self expression for me. Some periods of my life I’ve leaned into it more than others, but at a bare minimum, getting dressed has always been enjoyable. Right now, I’m in love with it more than I’ve ever been. I spend a good amount of my time studying the language, in informal ways. I’m enrolled in the Duolingo of fashion — constantly sourcing inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest and other social platforms that expand my aesthetic vocabulary.

The last few years, I’ve watched my style really develop. In my opinion, I think I’m dressing better now than I ever have. My level of expression has gone from conversational to fluent, and life is just so much more fun when you can say exactly what you want to. But don’t get me wrong, we all have our strengths. Learning a language is easier for some than it is for others, and while it took me a while to realize this, the same goes for style. Some people are native speakers, while others need translators, but if your aim is to communicate, you can still send a message one way or another.

So what has taken me from the simple ‘hellos’ and ‘thank yous’ of style to deep, rich conversation? God! As I’ve developed my relationship with God, I’ve been able to express myself in ways I never have. It’s been a true joy to watch my style evolve, and along the way, I’ve found myself leaning on a few key reflections that have helped me better understand—and speak—the language.

1. Style is Having the Confidence to Know You Already Belong

I think we can all agree that the fashion world can be so weird. Like y’all. Sometimes I have to laugh because what really is this world where we judge people by the clothes they have on? Being measured up against what you’re wearing is entirely too crazy to me, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t once intimidated by the very exclusive, cliquey-type feeling fashion communities can often give off.

And this transition didn’t happen overnight, but when I started to realize that belonging to God is sufficient, I didn’t care to belong anywhere else. That revelation was so liberating because it allowed me to show up confidently in any space, which lowkey, is the style cheat code. This translated into my day to day outfits, but also in how I sought after spaces I knew would advance my style.

2. Style is the Output of Making Tasteful Decisions

Discernment might be one of my favorite gifts from the Lord. The ability to have good judgement and make a lifestyle out of sound decision making is an underrated blessing. Tapping into the Holy Spirit to choose what’s right for you even when you feel like you don’t have all the evidence you need to make the right choice — lit!

Why does this matter? Your style is just as much about what’s in you, as what’s on you. My outfits are merely an adornment to a body that I have to care for day in and day out. When I zoom out from the simple act of getting dressed to the bigger picture of how clothes fall on my body, I realize just how many decisions — big and small — have shaped the way I’m able to represent myself.

I don’t drink nearly as much as I use to, because I’m mindful about what it does to my body. I also chose a husband who takes the best care of me so I don’t have to worry about carrying the stresses of my home under my thoughtfully curated outfit. All those decisions count. And in my opinion, there’s nothing more impactful to someone’s style than the lifestyle they choose to live.

3. Style is Tapping Into the Right Resources

Let’s talk provision! How good is a God who goes above and beyond providing our basic necessities to intentionally supply relational needs as well. While I could probably shop at the same stores for the rest of my life and be okay, I like developing my style by being put on to certain spaces and finding my way to new communities. God points us to the right people, at the right time.

He also provides opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise come our way. God has led me to open doors while I’ve struggled to kick down others by my own strength. I’ve leaned on to Him to build relationships and connect with the right people to develop a network I look to for inspiration, support, and guidance.

If we continue to think of style as a language, the best way to learn is to have the right person to talk to and God has supplied me with so many timely resources.

Learning a new language is a beautiful experience. It connects you to people, culture and communities in special ways and I think of my style as just that — a connector. I’m grateful that God has already given me confidence, clarity and community and equally excited that my style will grow, as I grow with Him.

Let’s check back in a year’s time and see where God has taken my style from here — thanks for reading!

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