In the discussion of clothes we bump into our core values. When I am looking to have my clothes reflect an accurate image of my inside I am talking about my core values, the things I hold to be important.  The world around us and in American culture a tremendous value is put upon outward appearances. Instead of outward appearance reflecting the truth of the inner being the focus is often shifted to outward appearance hiding the inner self. The outward appearance becomes the goal rather than the byproduct.

For example: Sexuality. When I look at the clothes in the stores a significant percentage of the design and advertising seems to be focused on sexual attractiveness. Let me ask some questions - (understanding that I am writing for a Christian audience, people who are seeking an abundant life in Christ) - Do you want the first impression that people get of you, your image in your clothes, to be focused on your sexuality? Do you want their eyes focused specific (sexual) areas of your body? Do you want the thoughts of the people you meet to be on looking at you as a sexually available human? Do you want them to lust after your body? Just how available are you sexually anyway? How many people do you want to be sexually involved with?

How do we want others to interact with us? This is an important question when we get dressed.  When we put on clothes we are making a statement about who we are and what are our values are in a number of areas; color harmony, tidiness, integrity, sense of fun, sensitivity to what is appropriate in a particular setting, who we want to seem similar to, how we think of ourselves and of others.

Uniforms are an example of how clothes affect our interactions with others. For example what is your first impression when you see a uniformed police officer? A boy scout? A city garbage collection worker? Museum tour guide? A fast food clerk? These are clear examples of how clothes affect what we think about a person. The uniform tells us something and we tend to respond accordingly. Now think about the - 'uniform' of a prostitute, the 'uniform' of a doctor, the 'uniform' of a politician, the 'uniform' of a therapist, the 'uniform' of a construction worker. While not as regimented as the first group, we still have an impression of what we expect these people to dress like. Now think about what you wear to work - are you in a 'uniform?'  What about your non-work clothes what group does that 'uniform' identify you with?

Do you want people to look at your face; connect with you as a person of worth because of your character, personality, experience, knowledge, skills, and sense of humor....? Do your clothes facilitate that or distract from it?

These are just good questions to ponder when you are thinking of a wardrobe plan.