Ellen White taught that clothing should be governed by the principles of health, modesty, economy, and Christian simplicity. She emphasized that while Christians should not follow worldly fashions for the sake of display, their attire should be "appropriate for this age" (
2SM 479.1) and in harmony with the laws of our being. In her counsel, she explained that the primary goal of dress is not to attract attention or to be unnecessarily different. She wrote, "We do not wear the style of dress here represented to be odd,—that we may attract notice" (
PH134 1). Instead, she believed that Christians should "choose to agree with others in theory and in practice, if we can do so, and at the same time be in harmony with the law of God" (HR August 1, 1868, par. 1). She maintained that it is "wrong to differ from others, unless it be necessary to differ in order to be right" (
PH134 1).
Regarding the specific style of clothing, Ellen White noted that as years passed and prevailing styles became more sensible, the "old health reform dress in its exact pattern was no longer urged" (
1T 718.2). She clarified that no one precise stylehad been given to her as an "exact rule to guide all in their dress" (
2SM 479.1). However, she continued to advocate for clothing that is "the most convenient, the most truly modest, and the most healthful style of dress" (
PH134 1).
Furthermore, she pointed out that true beauty is not found in following the trends of "French modistes," but in the "human form as developed according to the laws of God in nature" (
PH022 1). She taught that "God is the author of all beauty; and only as we conform to His ideal shall we approach the standard of true beauty" (
PH022 1). This suggests that our outward appearance should reflect an inward commitment to God's design for our bodies. For practical application, this means that when choosing what to wear, a person should prioritize garments that allow for physical health and comfort while maintaining a modest and simple appearance. While she recommended the reform dress to those who saw its benefits, she stated, We urge it upon none" (HR September 1, 1868, par. 15).
The decision to adopt such principles should come from a "sense of duty" and "moral courage" (
PH134 13). In conclusion, Ellen White’s view on dressing focuses on character and health rather than outward display. She encouraged believers to seek a balance where their clothing is practical, modest, and respectful of the body as God's creation, without becoming slaves to the ever-changing demands of fashion. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
• What did Ellen White say about the specific "reform dress" of the 1860s?
• How does Ellen White define the relationship between dress and physical health?
• What are the "fundamental principles" she mentioned that should always guide a Christian's attire? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=What+is+Ellen+White%27s+view+on+dressing%3F)
Ellen Chat