Mormon Tabernacle Choir Fashion: 1888-Now

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a certain look that we all know today--but it wasn't always that way. From the late 1800s when the Choir was founded up through the current day, see how the Choir has changed their wardrobe over the years. 

The first version of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was a small group who sang at a conference in 1847, before photography was popularized. This picture shows an early version of the Choir--and their wardrobe, which appears to be the Sunday best of each member without an effort (and doubtless without the means) to coordinate styles. In particular, note how many members wear hats.1847, before photography was popularized. This picture shows an early version of the Choir--and their wardrobe, which appears to be the Sunday best of each member without an effort (and doubtless without the means) to coordinate styles. In particular, note how many members wear hats.

(Note: This image includes both men and women--the women are on the staircase and the right side of the porch.)

Photo from BYU Library. 

This image of the Choir in the Tabernacle at Temple Square shows again how little was standardized during these early years. Note the variety of dark and light tops, and also in particular the striped skirt of one member standing in the front row. also in particular the striped skirt of one member standing in the front row. 

Photo from BYUtv. 

In the early 1900s, little had changed for the Choir's fashion, even as worldly fashion trends did. The women still wear a variety of outfits fitting the era, though here we can see the men matching slightly more through wearing dark suits. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

The 1910s were the last decade to see the women of the Choir wearing unique clothing. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

By 1920, the wardrobe for the female members of the Choir begins to have more unity. In this picture, all the women appear to be wearing white, though a careful inspection reveals they are likely not all wearing the same cut and style of dress. This is all but confirmed by reviewing their 1930s wardrobe (see below).

Photo from Deseret News.

Here, the women of the Choir more clearly are wearing different dresses, though all fit into the same value range (light colors). Especially fun in this photo are the flapper-style dresses that can be seen on the four women standing on the right in the photography. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

In the 1940s, the Choir's dress was finally and completely standarized, no doubt in response to the expansion of television broadcasts and the Choir appearing on screen for the first time. This skirt is one of those worn for the Choir's first TV broadcast in the 1940s, and is notable for its shorter length. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

Here, during a special TV appearance, the women of the Choir wear a belted dress with lapel, made from a light-colored satin. The three-quarters length sleeves and mid-calf hemline are also notable design elements of this dress. For this performance, the men wear traditional tuxedos. 

Photo from BYUtv.

However, despite what some might call "trendy" look of the Choir, later in the 1950s, their dresses became more formal. This pink dress was worn by Choir members for various performances between 1950 and 1960. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

In 1955, something new happened: the dress for the female Choir members included a piece a jewlery, here shown. The simple circular brooch would set a precedent for later years when jewelry was issued with specific outfits.

Photo from Go Ye into All the World. 

This simple pink dress is the first to look like Choir outfits we know today--something simple and almost shapeless. The reason Choir members are difficult to dress is that the same set of clothing must work for all body types, complexions, and hair colors. 

Photo from New York Times.

For a special national parks performance, the members of the Choir wear a navy skirt and light blue collared shirt. Special wardrobe is often selected for unique performances and venues. 

Photo from the New York Times. 

In 1965, a LIFE Magazine cover included members of the Choir, who sang at President Lyndon B. Johnson's inauguration that year. Choir member Lela Christensen wore this cream dress during the performance.

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

Behind speaker Bernard P. Brockbank during the April 1971 general conference, male members of the Choir wear a blue suit with matching shirt and bow tie. 

Photo from conference footage

Behind speaker Bernard P. Brockbank during the October 1973 general conference, male members of the Choir wear an orange suit, yellow shirt, and black bowtie. The women wear vibrant yellow dresses, a bright color they do not commonly sport. 

Photo from conference footage.

Behind speaker L. Tom Perry during the October 1983 general conference, female members of the Choir wear a light pink dress with draping in the front. This is the same style of dress as was used the year previous, though in a different color (it was blue in 1982).  

Men of the Choir at the October 1983 general conference wear khaki suits with white shirts and red ties. 

Photos from conference footage. 

In March 1989, the Choir performed at Walt Disney World in Orland, Florida. Their wardrobe, suits for the men and draping red dresses for the women, could almost be passed off for a style worn today. (Fun fact: the Choir's performances were used by Disney in four national TV broadcasts.)

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org. 

During their European tour in 1991, the Choir here wearing clothing similar in color and style to their performance at Disney (see above). Note, however, that the women wear a simple gold necklace to round out their look (see 1955 for additional discussion of the Choir's jewelry). 

Photo from MormonTabernacleChoir.org.

Here, the Choir poses outside of Bethlehem in interesting outfits for both the men and women: both wear blazers over white shirts, the women in black and the men in red, with black skirts for the women and black pants for the men. This attire is reminiscent of their parks performance in 1962.

Photo from Deseret News.

A flowing white robe and simple beaded necklace made up the women's wardrobe in 1996 (the first year that choir performances at conference were recorded). The men wear a simple tuxeudo with bow tie.

But our favorite thing about this picture is that the Choir is still referencing the hymnal as they sing together at conference!

Photo from lds.org

From the year 2000 onward, the choir's wardrobe changes very little. In fact, the blue outfit shown here is still worn today. 

But in particular, note the sequins on the left dress. Though understated because of their color, the little bit of sparkle is a first for the choir. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

Though not worn for most concerts, this is the men's formal wear, reserved for very special occasions. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

Like the sequined black dress from the 2000s era, these blue dresses from 2012 also feature embroidery around the neck line, though without as much sparkle.

Photo from lds.org.

This special lilac dress was worn during an episode of Music and the Spoken Word in 2013. 

Photo from mormontabernaclechoir.org

With the men in complimenting suits and ties, the bright burgendy and sparkling beads make this year's wardrobe the pinnacle of the evolution of the lady Choir members' look. 

Photo from lds.org

This is what the choir wore at October 2014 morning session of general conference. 

What the choir wore during the Saturday morning session of this general conference.

Photo from lds.org.

Don't miss the Choir at general conference today and tomorrow! Stream each session live here.