Future Sisters FAQs

I have collected some of the most frequently asked questions by future sister missionaries!

1. What shoes should I get? Do I really have to wear those ugly clogs?

No! There are cute flats out there! It depends on where you are going, but Rio is a walking mission (ie, an average of 9 miles a day). I was told to bring lightweight, durable, breathable shoes that you could walk a LOT in. My mom and I went to REI and tried on both Keens and Jambus to see which fit better. Usually you will prefer one over the other depending on your foot's shape. It is also very helpful to go to some place like REI or Danceco in order to get your sizing. Here are some of my favorites:

These are the Ocean shoes by Jambu. My only complaint is that they don't have heel support so the back strap tends to rub.

This is the Dune shoe by Jambu. These are VERY comfortable and have a T-strap on the heel that makes the shoe secure.

These are my absolute favorite shoes, and are the Moonlight Loafers by Jambu.

We found a number of these on SALE online, so make sure to look around to try to find what you like. We found an adorable pair of Keens for $40 that they don't make anymore, and they are my second favorite pair of mission shoes. 

I'm also told that most missionaries end up wearing through a lot of shoes, so they commonly buy cheap pairs of sandals in Brazil. Most mission presidents will approve of this.

Other reccommended shoes: 
Mary Jane NaturalSoul 
Women's Clarks Ashland Avenue 
Womens Gracie
Merrell Mimosa MJ

Your feet WILL stink, but in order to help cut down the odor (and save your feet from blistering like crazy), get some "socklets" or "no show socks" like these:

No shows 3 pack - $20

 We found them at Target, Payless, or Famous Footwear for better prices than online, so check your local stores before buying more expensive ones online!

2. Where the heck can I find modest clothing that doesn't make me look like a pioneer sister wife wearing a potato sack?!

Do not despair!

It IS hard to find modest, mission-appropriate clothing, but it IS possible! Here are some general rules of thumb:
1. skirts should completely cover the knee sitting down 
2. tops must completely cover the shoulder/armpit area 
3. get items you can mix and match!

Honestly, a lot of my "finds" have been at thrift stores--I have found 2 of my favorite dresses, and almost ALL of my skirts secondhand. 1, cheap, 2, modest! I recommend getting a LOT of different lightweight skirts, and then simple tops that can be paired with multiple skirts so that you have a variety of options. As far as stores go, DRESS BARN IS THE WAY TO GO! I was sooo hesitant because I thought it was kind of a "mom clothes" store, but HOLY SMOKES THEY HAVE CUTE MODEST CLOTHING. 

As far as other stores go, Kohls is great for long skirts, Target and JC Penny have decent tops, Etsy Vintage also has a few cute skirts, and if you want to spend more money, ModCloth always has adorable dresses/skirts. BUT, BEWARE:

 One of the things I struggled with was finding lightweight dresses with SLEEVES! (Why don't people sew sleeves any more?! Is it really that difficult?!?!!) Sooo, I ended up getting layering T-shirts (or "shades") in order to make my cap-sleeved dresses mission-appropriate. 
Downeast Layering Tee (my personal favorite)
Shade T-shirt (a little heavier of material than the Downeast)   Shade clothing often has sales, and I've been really impressed with the quality of their clothing!

Also, check out www.zulily.com as they often have daily deals. It takes a bit of hunting, but you can usually find what you're looking for! 

As far as accessorizing, tuck that shirt into your skirt, add a cute belt, a solid color simple necklace, maybe a headband or hair clip, and you're good to go! 

3. My garments are so hot! I feel like I'm sweating all the time! What are the best garments for hot climates? 

My favorite "comfort" combination are the DriSilque tops with the Carinessa bottoms, but for hot climates DriSilque tops and bottoms will be the coolest, but may stick to your skin, while Dri Lux is made of a wicking material that is meant to keep you dry and cool.

4. I have so many things that it will take a small elephant to weigh down my suitcase and squish everything in! How will I ever fit everything in two suitcases?! 

Watch this. You're welcome. (Also, after watching this video you'll never be able to say "hanger" without cracking up.)

 5. Backpack? Satchel? Sidebag? Convertible backpack things? A man purse? WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO CARRY MY STUFF IN?

If you are going to Rio, it is best to get a very hardy and waterproof side bag. I got the Osprey side bag and it worked perfectly and is still in decent shape after the mission.

6. I hate shaving my legs love feeling like a beach goddess, are maxi skirts allowed? 

 Some stateside missions allow them, but for most foreign missions the general rule is that they are not allowed. Some South American countries view long skirts as being associated with cults. In addition, they are HOT and hard to walk long distances in!

Please leave a comment below if there are any other questions you would like to have answered!