If you are wondering what to wear for an evening out, or dinner then how about a beautiful long dress, put on a long cardigan on top as well as a matching shawl. Some gold shoes will complete the outfit! And if you want to be very striking then you can consider a hipslip or minimiser under tight pieces.

Evening dress is part of the general category of a semi-formal type of outfit worn from the afternoon into the early evening or for informal evening gatherings. You have been invited to a casual dinner party, or formal procedure. Choosing an outfit for casual occasions can be a tricky business.

It’s hard to know whether you should be dressing up in jeans, or dressing down a formal, black dinner party dress. Fortunately there are many ways to get it right.

"Wear almost any kind of pants if you are a man, except sweats, says James Musana of  Top 10 fashion boutique, Kigali commercial center.

"Dockers, chinos or a nice pair of dark wash jeans are all acceptable choices.”

Musana says the principle key is what matches with the pants. A button down dress shirt is a great choice with the jeans but can dress up chinos. While a trendy tee or polo shirt is probably a bit too casual with jeans, but perfect with cool converse shoes.

Coco Nyiraneza, 20, is a local model. She says for ladies a long flowery dress or skirt with wedge sandals works well. However, add closed-toe pumps and a formal hair-do and you’re not casual enough.

"Jeans are great with stiletto heels and a dressy top, but these accessories are too formal if you’re wearing a pencil skirt,” says Nyiraneza.

Casual dinner party dress calls for a happy look. Also consider make-up. It can rely on a palette of evening colours, but if you play up the eyes, leave the lips nearly natural, or pair red lipstick with very subtle eye make up.

Nyiraneza also says a pretty dress to glam up with a simple everyday bag if you have selected dressier clothes. If it’s a special evening out for you, that special moment in a life time deserves the perfect evening wear for you.

It is absolutely imperative for you to look elegant, stylish and cool. And with the right selection of clothes, accessories and make up, it is the easiest thing to do.

And according to Barbara Karenzi, shop assistant at Union Trade Center, it’s not very difficult to select a pretty outfit, as well as the accessories and makeup to compliment your dress that will surely give you a great feeling of confidence and elegance and complete your evening wear.

Colours and fashion:
 
Pink teamed with black is a great combination. If that does not correspond with your skin tone, then tryout colours like: lime, orange, lemon and raspberry. For a perfect evening look, wear open shoes. Match them with an elegant and classy jewellery, to fancy your look.

And as for ladies who take fashion as a religion, Jessica Kemikazi fashion design says they need to be really up-to-date with the latest female fashion trends. 

"Amongst the latest female fashion trends, we notice the emergence of some old fashion refurbished with some framework to produce the current fashion trends.”

If you are searching for the latest fashion trends to fill your wardrobe, there are various clothing items in Kigali’s boutiques.

Good news is you do not need to rob a bank to get the latest trend. The idea is to look out for some inexpensive, but stylish fabrics in these fashion boutiques and your wardrobe will look as good as new.

Straight cut pants are in now, and most Kigalian teenagers have already embraced the trend. These fashionable pants are elegant and can go from corporate to evening. Pair them with the brightest of tops and sling back sandals for evening.

Evening bags have never been bigger and more colourful. Try the new shape that can carry all your stuff, yet is cute enough for after work events.

"You want to look gorgeous on an evening out, right? Consider a slim black dress, hair and make-up must be done exquisitely,” says Anita Katusime.

"Make-up should not be ostentatiously obvious. High Heels of course, spikes.”

Pamela Uwera says manicuring your hands and feet is equally important for any lady going out on an evening. "Nail polish should be austere. Perfume should be light, with a scent that lingers but does not overpower.”

Being an active woman or man is not just about exercising, but simply going out and being a part of life. Breaking up your routine with something like a great meal at a fine restaurant or seeing a play, may just be the ticket to feeling better, and that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com