The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
SOCIALITES live glam lives but that doesn’t mean they don’t work hard to look that way. Most socialites are born into wealth and status, while others have worked their way up the social ladder through their charisma, taste in fashion, the circles they hang around and that means you can do it too. Are you ready for a wardrobe change, in order to become social royalty and become a permanent face at events and the social scene?
Clothes speak Volumes
Being a socialite means you are always on trend. You don’t have to be a Pokello or Maideyi (Mzansi for sure). Your style could be classic or Afro-chic. Choose what works for you. Gone are the day when you had to be stic skinny to make your mark in society. We are rolling with thick these days! Dress appropriately for your body shape. Visit a tailor if need be, clothes should fit well, not too tight or loose. Please, please refrain from wearing dirty, creased or smelly clothes. That is a definite no. Do play around with colour, prints, and textures of different fabrics. Stand out for the good reasons.
Wear designer brands. As you work your way up the social ladder, start paying attention to the names you are wearing. Even if you are not always on the red carpet, stay up to date on fashion trends and designers to watch. Be knowledgeable about the fashion industry even though you may not be able to wear the big brands just yet.
Be stylish
Get yourself some accessories, a collection of watches, nice earrings. You don’t have to be over the top all the time. Being stylish is key from the head down to the heels. Go for shoes that match your look, the shoes should be in good health condition.
When it comes to hairdos men don’t have much work to do. With women if you cannot afford to change the hair frequently, invest in three or so high quality wigs so that you just wear it on your cornrows. If you can afford switching it up from time to time then good for you girl! Make sure the hairdo suits you and your hair is well-presented. Don’t do something crazy but ugly just because you want attention.
Don’t cake up your face
Neon eyeshadows and caked on foundation, clown type of look is not the one, this will not fly if you want to be taken seriously. Accentuate one feature, bold lip or smoky eyeshadow and keep the rest natural. Fit your makeup to your outfit. Pairing a red lip with a black dress is always a good move, but dark, heavy makeup won’t fit well with a light sundress.
Social media presence
Be active on social media, becoming well-known on social media today can help you get your name into different groups. You still have to do face-to-face work but having online presence might help. Have friends take pictures of you well dressed, at work functions or out doing what you love. Be real and share things that make you unique. Study the feeds of celebrities and established socialites to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. Not to copy but looking for inspiration and ideas for your own page. Interact with people you want to be friends with. Follow posts from people you would like to be in the same circles with, comment regularly; positive comments PLEASE.
Avoid unflattering photos
Keep your language clean and your clothes appropriate. Post pictures that are flattering and high quality. Your social media should be as sophisticated as you are. Do take pictures with other socialites and post them to your account. When taking the picture be relaxed and confident, look your best. Do avoid drama! Gossiping and dumping friends to move up the social ladder is the worst socialite. You are still trying to find your footing, so keep your opinions to a minimum. Do not rub people the wrong way.
Confidence goes a long way
The last thing you want is to come off as desperate to established socialites, and the best way to prevent this is to exude. Make good friends and stick with them. As your circle broadens remember to keep your day ones close. Do not let the day ones go (the friends that have always been there)
Show up at events!
Being a socialite means you are always attending some event. Go to parties, launches, charity work, sponsored walks and so forth. That way you meet people and make friends.
Look your best at all times, you never know when you’ll run into an acquaintance or even a photographer, so always dress to impress. Avoid workout clothes unless you are working out. Don’t leave the house looking anyhow.
