Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah celebrate the young Jewish transition from being a child to an adult. At age 13, a boy becomes a Bar Mitzvah (a son of commandments), and at age 12, a girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah (a daughter of commandments).
Bat/Bar Mitzvah is a semi-formal event marked by a religious service, usually taking place early in the day, followed by a reception or party immediately afterward or later in the evening.
The dress code for Bar Mitzvah depends on the synagogue and is often spelled out in the invitation. A woman is expected to wear clothes similar to those worn during a Sunday church service. Although, a little dash of glam is fine when it’s the time for the Bar Mitzvah reception.
Choosing Bar Mitzvah dresses is trickier than it sounds. You want to look good yet formal enough to maintain the seriousness of the festivity.
To help you out, here we have put together the essential tips about picking the appropriate Bar Mitzvah dress while also looking awesome:
UNDERSTAND THE DRESS CODE
Bar Mitzvah is a traditional Jewish event, so it is important to wear proper attire and follow certain etiquette.
If it’s an invitation to the religious ceremony synagogue, a woman should follow a formal dress code, including dresses and skirts falling below the knee. Formal pantsuits are also a great option to go for. Avoid anything that reveals the cleavage or legs. Bare shoulders can be covered with a cardigan, light jacket, or shawl.
In addition, head and lace covering are also essential, especially if you’re married. You should wear a yarmulke (a skullcap) and a tallit (prayer shawl) at a conservative religious ceremony.
For the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party or reception, the dress code is semi-formal. If it’s organized in the daytime, you can wear the same Bar Mitzvah dress you wore to the ceremony. You can dress it up using accessories and makeup. If the reception is a lavish affair in the night time, you’re free to glam up your look. Go for a stylish cocktail outfit or evening dress to make a statement. However, make sure to keep the look modest every time.
CONSIDER THE THEME OF THE RECEPTION
The reception is often a grand affair, with a lot of food, music, dance, and decoration. There may also be a particular theme for the celebration. It can be anything, from medieval fantasy to glitter unicorns to a gaming theme. You need to ensure your Bar/Bat Mitzvah dress for the guest aligns with the party theme.
SAY NO TO RIPPED JEANS AND T-SHIRTS
Even if the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration is casual, you should not still show up in ripped jeans and t-shirts. You must look polished and put together. If you’re into comfortable attire, you can go for a bohemian maxi dress or wide pant suits rather than a dressy cocktail dress.
The comfortable yet cute dresses for Bat Mitzvah include feminine prints, pastel colors, flared silhouettes, and loose sleeves, like the bell and puffed.
CHOOSE COMFORTABLE SHOES
Some Bat/Bar Mitzvahs may take place openly in the garden. To make yourself feel comfortable, you should skip the stilettos and opt for dressy wedges instead. If the invitation is for a reception that also involves dance, it’s suggested to wear flats or sneakers. After all, you’d not want to hurt your feet while dancing the night away.
DON’T HESITATE TO EXPERIMENT
The dress code for Bar Mitzvah is almost formal, but it doesn’t mean you have to dress up boring. There are many ways you can take your style up a notch while still being modest. Think of a knee length dress with luxurious fabric and bold color – it’s formal yet stylish enough to draw all the attention.
Besides, a statement belt also adds a touch of style to your Bar Mitzvah dress for the guest. Bonus? It will define your waist, creating an illusion of an hourglass figure. Also, don’t forget the jewelry. A chic necklace, earrings, and bracelets are great to add the desired interest to your statement.
There you have it – all the tips for choosing the awesome yet appropriate Bar Mitzvah dresses for religious service and reception. If you’re already excited to be a part of this traditional Jewish event and flaunt your passion for fashion, wait no more and start shopping now.
