What to Wear for Rosh Hashanah: From Temple to the Dinner Table for Modern Jewish Women

Every year as the High Holidays approach, I find myself asking the same question: What am I going to wear for Rosh Hashanah?

As a Jewish woman and designer, I know firsthand how surprisingly stressful that question can become. I've spent more time than I'd like to admit Googling what to wear to temple, searching for something that feels respectful but still modern, stylish, and like me. Then there's dinner, hosting, seeing family, and, before you know it, Yom Kippur is right around the corner.

That yearly struggle is actually part of what inspired me to create pieces that make High Holiday dressing easier.

Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning "head of the year," marks the Jewish New Year and begins the High Holiday season, culminating with Yom Kippur. According to  Reform Judaism, the holiday is traditionally observed through prayer, reflection, synagogue services, and meaningful rituals at home.

My goal? To take one thing off your plate this year. Your outfit.

What to Wear to Temple for Rosh Hashanah

Of course, every synagogue and family is different. For many modern Reform and Conservative Jews, High Holiday style is about finding that sweet spot between respectful, polished, and personal.

That's exactly what I wanted these APD pieces to accomplish.

The  White Shirt Dress (also available in Black) gives you the polish of a classic button-down while still feeling creative and unexpected. You can keep it beautifully simple for temple or make it your own with a fun purse, artistic jewelry, statement earrings, or colorful accessories.

I also created the  White Linen Ruffle Top with coordinating  White Linen Ruffle Pants for the woman who wants comfort without sacrificing style. Made from 100% linen and proudly made in NYC, the sculptural ruffles transform a classic natural fabric into wearable art.

Prefer black? These linen pieces are also available in black for a sophisticated alternative that can be accessorized in endless ways. Black Linen Ruffle Top, Black Linen Ruffle Pants.

From Temple to the Dinner Table

After services, many of us are heading straight to dinner, hosting family or welcoming friends into our homes. The last thing I want is an outfit that looks beautiful at temple but feels uncomfortable two hours later.

Rosh Hashanah is about welcoming a sweet new year, with traditions like eating apples and honey carrying beautiful symbolism.  Reform Judaism explains more about this beloved custom.

Your clothing should allow you to be present for those moments.

That's why I love curated luxury that combines comfort with individuality. A linen set or shirtdress can carry you from services to dinner without an outfit change. Add a statement bag or bold accessories, and suddenly the same piece feels completely different.

To me, that's what timeless fashion should do. Instead of buying something you'll wear once, invest in limited-edition fashion and investment pieces that become part of your wardrobe, and perhaps even your holiday traditions, for years.

And Then Comes Yom Kippur

Of course, shortly after Rosh Hashanah comes Yom Kippur, and once again we're wondering what to wear.

White has special significance for Yom Kippur and is traditionally worn by many Jews as a symbol of purity and spiritual renewal.  My Jewish Learning explains more about the tradition of wearing white, as well as other Yom Kippur clothing customs.

That's another reason I wanted to offer these APD pieces in white. You can style them for Rosh Hashanah, return to them for Yom Kippur and continue wearing them long after the High Holidays have ended.

As a Jewish designer, I created these pieces because I was tired of experiencing the same holiday outfit stress year after year. And I figured that if I was Googling, searching, and wondering what to wear, other women probably were too.

So this year, I hope APD can take one decision off your list.

Spend less time worrying about what you're wearing and more time focusing on what the High Holidays are really about: reflection, renewal, family, tradition, and beginning the new year with intention.

L'Shanah Tovah!

Take the stress out of High Holiday dressing. Find the APD piece that feels like you, add your favorite accessories, and consider your Rosh Hashanah outfit handled.