Plain Dress Simple

My chief concern in writing this paper is to examine the spiritual dimensions – both negative and positive – of plain dress, doing so generally from a Conservative Quaker perspective, though I also intend to draw observations from other faith contexts where these appear useful and illuminating. As a starting point, I will review the substance (or lack of it) in the arguments set forth against plain and/or religious dress by those who have chosen to abandon it. Second, I will delineate the spiritual difference between Quakers who choose to don plain dress and those Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities who require it of their members – for this difference is significant. Third, I will review the spiritual dangers facing men and women who “go plain” for the wrong reasons, before I enumerate certain signs that some may be spiritually called by their Lord to dress plain. It will be obvious from this discussion that I am not advocating plain dress for all – for some yes, but simple dress for most. Our original Friends were quite clear that our Lord does not desire outward uniformity or regimentation, but inward obedience to His commandments. I’ll conclude by noting several important values of plain dress, values not often touched on by its modern supporters and detractors