Fashion/Style: Dress like it matters

Dress for comfort and occasion, that’s my option for fashion. Have basics on your fingertips like trendy office wear (suits, skirts, linens, tops, dresses, with chic heeled shoes), and at least a collection of casual apparels, not forgetting jeans, T-shirts, fancy tops, and sandals. All these are in valuable for any wardrobe. Some people think being stylish is all about having a pile of clothes in the wardrobe, and the shoe-closet equally piled. The mentality is wrong because being fashionable is to be fashionista and to be able to know what to wear when. “I own a few clothes in my wardrobe and just a few pairs of shoes, but whenever I’m shopping I make it a point to buy the latest styles, stuff that won’t be out-of-fashion the next day, or that will be a common uniform,” says Jackie Muhire. Alex Musoni says that it’s important to dress according to the occasion. For example, he says it’s not appropriate to mix informal dressing with formal. He also revealed that recently, at his place of work a new directive of dressing formally (suits and ties) was introduced and it became mandatory that everyone had to abide by the new policy. “This, however, proved so hard since I had to drop the jeans, T-shirts and all the sneakers I was used to, but since it was a directive from our boss, I had no choice,” Musoni says. Sandrine Kamikazi is a fashionistar, who is recognised by most of her colleagues. She says, “Call it showing-off or being extravagant, but I can’t wear unfashionable clothes or accessories. I rather spend thousands of francs on a single top than shopping the entire boutique of old-fashioned stuff.” Now that statement speaks volumes like ‘dress for work’. It is thus important for one to embrace each day by dressing like it matters. Ruth Kalisa, who recently attended a friend’s party promises to never forget an important lesson learnt. “I learnt that the way one dresses matters a lot, and that it is important not to mix two seasons at once.” She added that the way you dress is important if you want to succeed. For example if a journalist is going to interview a minister or a director of an institution, she/he should dress like one. However, if you are interviewing a celebrity (artist, or sports star), dress to create an impression that you are more famed. In the world of fashion, today’s trends focus on the art and details, designers offering their clients with the true ability to express their styles. Whether it is the newest or hottest trends, fashion is about looking and feeling stylish and smart. Brain Kayitare, a teacher, says that we must dress to impress even when we do not feel like it. He adds that even when he is in the ‘I don’t care mood’; he proceeds to look for his trendy, clean and ironed suit and attractive tie to compromise the situation. f you want to stay stylish, or to become one, you have to drop the attitude that being stylish requires a lot of clothes and shoes. Get your outfit just right, cleanse and ironed and organise your wardrobe properly. When wearing, try as much as possible to match from top to bottom, working from every angle to match them with the shoes. I often get comments from my workmates: “Hi sister…you are so smart!” Well, this is actually just enough to make my day perfect! Also, any woman who admires the styles of Victoria Beckham, or Beyoncé Knowles knows exactly how much shoes can make or break an outfit. Here are tips on what to wear, when, how and why. For example Kitten heels are best worn with tight skirts, or straight trousers. They look professional and nothing compliments them like the knee length skirts or a pair of body skimming cropped pants. A mini suit works perfect with those too. But, if you are wearing a casual outfit like jeans, dresses, aim for a pair of wedges. Strap wedges are great for a night out and can be dressed up with glamorous accessories, and both short skirts and pants. Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com