The Day We Looked Like Clowns

The day we looked like clowns

Back in 1995, I (Jon) was about 18 months into my mission, serving as a zone leader. I look back now with a little embarrassment at how casual my companion and I had become bit by bit. My "frog" had been slowly boiled. My "appropriate" mission clothing: a Lion King digital watch from McDonald's, sun-faded cotton pants, Doc Martens with funky laces and colored stitching, thrift-store ties that looked like swatches cut from a 1970s couch, and white shirts that were definitely getting yellow.

We were new in the area and met with our ward mission leader. We shared a message and asked for referrals. Kindly, but honestly, he told us he wouldn't trust us with his friends — because we looked like payasos. Clowns.

And you know what? We did. All of a sudden, the emperor had no clothes. We'd kept the rules and studied hard, but we'd let our dress get far too casual — always justifying it as a way to "fit in." So we went straight back to the apartment, put on suit pants and clean white shirts, put on conservative ties, shined our shoes, and went back to work.

We had more success almost immediately — simply because we now looked like we could be trusted with a close friend's referral. Our appearance finally matched the dignity of our message. We didn't look like clowns anymore. We looked like missionaries.

Looking the part isn't about fashion — it's about respect for the calling. And that starts with clothing that actually holds up.

Cost per wear: why "cheap" costs more

Cost per wear is what an item actually costs each time you put it on: price ÷ number of wears. Watch what happens with two skirts:

Even though it cost more up front, the "great deal" ended up costing about 7.5x more. And here's the best part: quality doesn't just cost less over the long run — it also looks better, feels more confident, and is far less hassle. Better to have a few quality pieces than a closet full of things you never wear.

OOTD for Elders and Sisters

Flex UP Pant — $79.90 Our ultimate proselyting pant: lightweight, breathable 4-way stretch that moves with you all day and still looks sharp. Built for daily wear and covered by our 2-Year Guarantee. Lanyard loops for keys, a theft-proof pocket, and super-deep stretch pockets so you can leave the backpack home! Shop the Flex UP Pant

Roxcy Skirt — $34.80 Exactly the "quality piece" from the math above: a flowy, breathable poly skirt with an elastic back waist, made to wash and wear week after week. Comes in three patterns. Shop the Roxcy Skirt

Missionary Thought of the Day
"Pray like you've never prayed before, trust in God like you've never trusted in anyone your entire life, and expect miracles!"
— Parker, Washington Everett Mission

See people as Christ sees them!
Jon & Jenni