Never have I had as much style envy as this past weekend. A dear friend and coworker got married on Saturday in a stunning wedding. Gorilla Hotel in Nyarutarama transformed into a bridal dream for the reception, while countless friends and family poured in the doorways to share in their celebration. Each and every woman there was stunning from head to toe – I was blown away. It made me realise the importance of formal wear, as well as the need to update my Kigali closet. For those of us who haven’t quite mastered the art of formal wear, here are a few tips: 

Choosing a dress length

The length of the dress is important – floor length is traditionally formal, while shorter lengths give off a more cocktail, relaxed feel. If the event is "black tie” or "white tie” it is important to wear a full length dress. The midi-length is becoming quite popular (hitting below the knee and above the ankle). However, the midi-length calls for a dress more form-fitted, so be sure to stay away from full skirts at that length. Take a cue from Jennifer Lawrence in her white, strapless midi dress. 

Choosing a dress colour

I am constantly impressed by the ability of Rwandan women to choose beautiful, complimentary colors for their wardrobes. Black is always considered the most formal of colors, but can be drab, especially for a bridal celebration. So follow cues from style icons like Lupita Nyong’o and wear bright colors. To keep it formal, ensure to wear more lux fabrics such as chiffon, silk or satin. Inevitably, everyone will also want to wear the color red. There is something very empowering about wearing the color of love. If you decide to, ensure to keep the coverage of the dress conservative to provide balance to the seductive color. Take a cue from Rihanna at the Grammy awards last year. 

Choosing accessories

Accessories can make or break an outfit when you are in formal wear. If you wear black, you can choose to spice up the flavour of the outfit with coloured jewels, just as Angelina Jolie did on the red carpet. For a sure-to-dazzle piece, try a crystal collar necklace like Beyoncé at the Golden Globes. 

Remember that dressing elegantly is about clean lines, and tasteful tailoring. If you ever need inspiration, be sure to keep an eye on Lupita Nyong’o as well as Kerry Washington for their red carpet ensembles. 

That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. 

Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda.