I'm going to my second ever Bar Mitzvah tomorrow, and just now I realize I am
clueless as to what to wear! I thought it was an evening affair, so I was
going to wear a chiffon-y sleeveless dress. But I just realized the Bar
Mitzvah is at 10AM, with the reception to follow. I know someone(s) out there
has been to Bar Mitzvahs! I'm not going to wear the dress, but is it all right
to wear black dress pants and a nice top? Is that not fancy enough? Can you
wear pants to a synagogue? I don't think it's a formal affair, but I think
there will be dancing.
I have a feeling I'm going to need to hit the mall tonight, but I need a
direction.
Any help is thoroughly appreciated!

Thanks,
Stephanie S.
clueless and procrastinating

If the Bar Mitzvah is at 10 a.m. it's probably a Reform synagogue, so you
would be fine with the pants. At Conservative synagogues women mostly wear
dresses, suits, or skirts. The top should be appropriate for a religious
service, though - not strapless, sheer or low cut. A dressy pantsuit would
be nice or even a business pantsuit with a dressier top underneath. You
could certainly also wear a dress or skirt suit, but keep it daytime wear.

Have a great time.

petunia

I do think it's Reform. Thanks so much for your input! It's going to be
about 5 degrees tomorrow, and I'd really love to be able to go in pants, and
now I feel better about
it :-). I will look for a silk shirt, something with a nice soft shimmer, and
take along a black blazer to match the pants. I can always take it off later.

Stephanie S.

toast28@aol.com (Toast 28) wrote in message news:<20040109140449.04179.00002967@mb-m29.aol.com>...
Yes, you can wear nice pants to a temple, but this is generally best
accepted at a reform temple and sort of accepted at a conservative
one. NOT at an orthodox. Try to find out what kind of temple it is.
Since it is a morning service followed by a luncheon, a cocktail type
dress or skirt/blouse combo would be fine. In general, no sleeveless
attire or low-cut blouses/sweaters should be worn to a temple.

HTH! Have fun,
Beth

toast28@aol.com (Toast 28) wrote in message news:<20040109140449.04179.00002967@mb-m29.aol.com>...
when in doubt, a non-black skirt suit is perfect for a daytime affair.
think of the clothing pretty much as the same as that you would wear
to a daytime church wedding. also, a lot of what flies in the
"acceptable" catagory depends on how consevative the synogogue is.

I tend to think the black pants and a top idea is too informal.

let us know how it went!

erica