The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
‘‘KE Dezemba BOSS’’. It’s been a long year and finally the festive season is here. Family time, baecations, Christmas and partying. So many night shows to attend including the Vic Falls Carnival month end. Most young people and the young at heart take the festive season as a time to let down your hair and get your groove on. However, appropriate attire is the order of December.
For the guys . . .
Groom is important. Take a shower, shave, and get a haircut or your hair styling trick of choice. Though the club/ party can get sweaty and hot, it’s best to start the night off with a clean look.
Try to tailor your look to fit with the style of the club/ party. If you’re heading to a more laid back club, loosen up your collar or opt for jeans instead of slacks.
But if you’re heading to a more upscale club, dress more formally. When in doubt, ask friends in regard to the expected dress code. Outfit ideas include: A nice, well-tailored button down collared shirt. Avoid golf shirts or generic corporate looking shirts unless you can pair it up nicely (blue stripes, checks, ‘‘boardroom blue’’). And don’t forget to tuck in your shirt, wear jeans that fit.
Baggy jeans are so 90s, and not in a good way. Opt for a nice pair of jeans that fit you well and hug, rather than hang, on you. Skinnies and chinos seem to be the order. Shorts are never a good idea but a pair of loafers or oxfords will do. Look for shoes made of polished leather, but avoid pointy toes or square-toed shoes, as these styles aren’t considered stylish. Stylish sneakers are the way to go, you can never go wrong in them.
Avoid gym shoes and flip flops. Though not all clubs have very formal dress codes, most clubs will not allow anyone wearing gym shoes or slops to get past the doormen. So, leave the gym wear at home. The sneakers must be stylish. Go for other colours instead of black.
Though black is usually seen as the safe and sophisticated option, clubs/ parties are usually covered in black light bulbs that can show off dandruff, lint, dirt, etc on black. Blue and dark grey are good alternatives to black, and hide sweat lines well.
Wear a light coat so you don’t have to deal with coat check. It’s a good idea to wear a coat that can survive the hot atmosphere of the club, like a lightweight blazer or a thin leather jacket, so that they don’t assume you are smuggling in a bottle of whiskey.
For the ladies . . .
Do your hair. While every woman may have their own hair routine, some women may want to spend time deciding on a hairstyle. Maybe you have a go-to hairstyle like a high ponytail or loose curls, or want to change it up and try a new hairstyle like a messy braid or straightened hair. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you hair looks healthy, shiny and put together.
Or just do cornrows and have a lace wig over them. If you have a wig or weave on try not to sweat too much, it results in the hair smelling funky.
Do your makeup. Focus on enhancing the aspects of your look that you love, and bringing out your best features. But avoid putting on too much makeup as this can hide your true beauty, rather than emphasize it. If you have a good concealer or powder that locks in sweat the better.
Begin with foundation and concealer. Depending on how much foundation you usually use, decide if you want to apply a bit more on your night out, and dab concealer on anything on your face you want to cover up or mask. Blush and bronzer are also a great way to add some depth and colour once you’ve applied your foundation.
Next, focus on your eyes. Decide if you’re going for a certain look, like cat eye or smoky eye, or if you’re more into a natural, simple look with minimal eyeliner and mascara. Don’t forget to apply waterproof mascara so you don’t end up with makeup on your face while you’re dancing. Move on to your lips.
Choose a bold shade if you kept your eye makeup simple or go for a more subtle shade if your eye makeup is already bold or bright. Use lip liner or a lip pencil to keep your lipstick in place, or opt for a shiny lip gloss. Though it may be tempting to match your makeup with the rest of your outfit, this can end up looking too matchy matchy and tacky. When in doubt, go for a makeup look that complements, rather than matches, your outfit.
Choose an outfit based on the dress code of the club/ party. If you are going to a venue that is known for its cool downtown crowd, skip the business suit and very formal get up. But if you’re going to a venue known for a more upscale crowd, maybe a more dressy outfit is a good idea.
Don’t be afraid to show off your assets. Think about the parts of the body you like or feel proud of and don’t mind showing off.
Choose an outfit based on the parts of your body you aren’t afraid to flaunt and show some skin based on your comfort level.
Remember ladies, you are dressing for yourself, before anyone else. Outfit ideas include: A crop top or blouse and a skirt, a form fitting dress, a pair of nice dress pants and a dressy top, jeans can be uncomfortable if you tend to sweat in the club/party, however, the more ripped the better.
If you have a hard time walking in sky high heels, wear your favourite pair of sneakers or brogues instead. As well, it’s best to avoid flip flops or pumps as they usually aren’t considered smart enough.
Carry a small bag. Parties tend to be crowded and packed, so avoid bringing a gigantic bag full of all your makeup, shoes, etc.
Instead, go for a small purse that can fit your wallet, phone and lipstick or gloss.
Look good and have fun. Happy partying this festive season!
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