Styling 101: Wardrobe essentials for men and women. Episode 2.

Style tip 1: Stylish people own hats. 😁


Here's a refresher to Episode 1. 😉

Click this image to view previous post. 

Now, let's move right to the next class. 

1. Dinner wear:  sooooo, you know how we try to get all reasonable when it comes to spending? Well, a stylish wardrobe isnt complete without Dinner wear! Don't wait till you're invited to one, have something classy, times less and fashionable, suitable for a state banquet. 

Where do I wear it to? 🤔

Well, the year has been trying for the entertainment industry, but things are gradually opening up. So, will you be answering the invite to that dinner this season? That's up to you. Will you be adding a super fun dinner wear to your wardrobe soon tho? I'd like to know. 😉 

2. Native wear: As Africans, we do take pride in our native wear. There once was a declaration in Nigeria that Friday was a day to wear natives to work. Some people still abide by this... We've built this culture where we 'dress down'- wear casuals or ankara-  African print on Fridays. 

Adire? Or Ankara? I think both are must-haves.
If you enjoy/admire this trend, you should consider adding a few classy prints and patterns, adire and senators to your wardrobe. You'll be glad you did.

On the naija fashion scene; this a senator outfit looks like👌

3. Personal uniform: Okay, hear me out on this one... I know uniforms were outfits we couldn't wait to get rid of in our secondary school days. So, why bring them into our adult wardrobe? I get that. 

Regular colors, yeah? Well, only you can make a fashion statement out of them!
While building a stylish and effective wardrobe, a uniform is anything within your daily garb, comfort wear, regular wear... Etc. This are outfits you popularly wear...

White shirts/blouses, denims or corduroys (jergins-according to naija people. 😁) black skirts/pants, etc. 

What you daily reach for.. 

Corduroy pants... Or jergins 😁... Well styled👌
Be intentional about shopping for them, so you can easily reach into your wardrobe, and find your personal style without stress.

For me, I recently noticed that on casual days, I reach for dark colored jeans more often, and pair them off with bright colored blouses/polos. So when shopping, I make it a point to buy more of these items so I have new options to pair. 

For some people, your everyday style might be dresses... Flare or cooperate, as long as they are gowns. Fine. Make it a point of shopping for the classiest of dresses!

For guys, your go to might be polos and jeans or jergins... Or cooperate shirts with pants, Make it point to shop the coolest in that category! 

PS: Once in a while, you'll need to wear the other categories of essentials, so....don't totally ignore them while excitedly building your uniform wardrobe. 😁

Puzzle: Identify the bathroom slippers, house slippers and outing slippers. Hint: The first two types shouldn't be seen outside the house!
4. Footwear: We all have slippers/flip flops... But do we wear them to the right places? Do we?

Do we have the necessary shoes for a stylish wardrobe? 

Gentlemen's Dress shoes in classy colours.



Loooooafers in beautiful designs... You really should consider expanding your shoe rack!



Ankle boots anyone? Lady, or gentleman, These babies hike your wardrobe to the next level!




Stilettos in 3 different forms (court shoes, mules, sandals). The diversity available for shoes is enough to up your fashion game.



Low heeled sandals are probably the most comfortable heels ever, but gladiator sandals scream 'style!' Having mules on your shoe rack tho.... Game changers.

 

"So, from dress shoes, to loafers, sneakers, stiletoes, sandals, slippers, court shoes, boots, and mules, which ones will you be adding to your wardrobe soon?"

5. Underwear: Ladies, get in here. So, we know how every outfit, has an underwear for it? Let's try to remember this every time we pair an outfit: what under wear works best for this look?

What kind if shapewear do you own? Wardrobe essential 101.1!

Don't just wear it cos it says 'pants', wear it code its going to enhance your body shape, or just go silent underneath your clothes. 

Seamless panties..... Every Lady should have a few in her ammunition....


Gentlemen: Just keep your underwear under. No classy man has his boxers peeking beneath his clothes. 🙄
6. Accessories: Don't forget to accessorize!  No, not just jewels, but hats, scarves, purses, bags, belts, eye glasses, brooches, fancy pins, etc. 

Everyone should own a vintage scarf! They're the best neckties, pocket squares or flowers, bag accessory ever. Could pass for a fancy belt, and more recently, they've been styled as tops!




L-R: Lapel pins and brooches are little statement makers not to miss out on as well.



Unique belts... (Not necessarily designers), interesting looking shades, hats or bags, add spice to your wardrobe in more ways than one.


We know most of you gentlemen shy away from bags, but when you do rock one, let it turn heads. 😋

These items go a long way to say without words that you're a stylish person with a well put together wardrobe. 

And that's it for our style class for this week on wardrobe essentials! I hope you're inspired to add a few pieces to your wardrobe?

What items will you be adding up on as soon as possible? And what items do you think are left out from this list? Do let's talk about them in the comment section. 😁

À bientôt,

XoXo; RHD 💜💜💜