DAY 5 of 30 FASHION CODES IN 30 DAYS

Yesterday we sorted out fitting of outfits, now let’s address a fashion code closer to that. It’s Day 5!🥳

Honestly, the holiday season is about people getting together. Some of the people you’ll likely be getting together with are your future in-laws. Maybe they’re your current in-laws. Whatever stage of in-law you’re at, you’re gonna hang out, and let’s be sartorially savvy about it. It’s best to be comfortable when sharing a table with “the parents.”

You definitely don’t want to be constantly squirming and adjusting your outfit—his mother or her father will 100% think you’re super nervous even if you’re not, lol. Also an uncomfortable look means that you “dressed up” for them in a way that wasn’t authentic to you. Imaging wearing a crazy-high heel or a complete Agbada with a gold dangling chain!😂 That would be too much for the fam, and also the last thing you want is to start walking like a crazy person due to immense pain. Not a good look. There’s a way to dress authentically, comfortably, and perfectly polished enough to receive parental points. Bear in mind, not just for parental points alone but for all “occasional points” if there’s a phrase like that, lol.😁😁

In style terms, balance is about using two differently styled pieces together in correct proportions to establish an even distribution among the whole outfit. When done correctly, you can take two different, even competing style pieces, and make them work together to compliment each other.

The way you achieve this is by wearing clothes that are fitted to your body shape. When you want to play with oversized clothes or unusual shapes, make it a fashion moment by keeping the rest of the look fitted.

LADIES

Describing your body as a shape—as imperfect a metaphor as that may be—can help you learn how to dress for your body type. Some broad categories for describing different body shapes include:

• Hourglass shape: If you have an hourglass body shape, you have a defined waist and roughly equal bust and hip measurements.

• Inverted triangle shape: If you have an inverted triangle body shape, you have broad shoulders and an upper body that is wider than your lower body.

• Apple shape: If you have an apple body shape, your bust and/or waistline are wider than your hips and lower half.

• Pear shape: If you have a pear body shape, your hips are the widest part of your body.

• Rectangle shape: If you have a rectangle body shape, your bust and/or waist are about the same width as your hips.

TIPS

Wide leg pants and full skirts need slimmer tops to look proportionate. There are a few exceptions to this rule which, unfortunately, usually only apply to tall, very lean women.

Big slouchy sweaters may be incredibly popular and comfortable but they can also look sloppy if not styled properly. To look proportionate, large, relaxed tops need to be paired with slimmer bottoms.

Another tip for looking less lumpy in oversized cardigans is to pair them with slimmer tops underneath. This look works best mostly for slim figures and flatter the inverted triangle the least.(Rock this during cold periods, not during hot weathers.)

Pencil skirts can be a staple in the closets of most women and they look better with heels. Heels are typically essential in making pencil skirts look proportionate on the body, particularly if they are at the knee or longer. You don’t have to select super high heels to make a pencil skirt look right on the body, even a small 1″ heel can make a huge difference but I would recommend 3" minimum. Do flats if that’s works for you, no pressure.

Additionally, when wearing pencil skirts(ankara,floral, prints,adire,patterned) the tops you choose are equally important. Tops that are too long look disproportionate when worn with pencil skirts that are hemmed at or just below the knees. When in doubt, tuck you shirt in your skirt.

GENTS

Male bodies may lack the curves of female bodies, and therefore have significantly less variation, but that doesn’t mean differences don’t exist.

Always think of the importance of fit like we did yesterday. An expensive garment that isn’t right for your body will look bad no matter how much money you dropped on it, and an inexpensive piece will look like a million Naira if the fit is right.

The key to it all is identifying your body shape and learning how to enhance it. Most men fit into one of these five body type categories:

• The Heavy Lifter: The Heavy Lifter’s chest and shoulders are broad, but his hips and waist are narrower. There is a significant difference between top and bottom, with a wide upper body and a smaller lower body, that is frequently the result of regular ‘get massive’ workouts.

• The Athlete: Picture those incredibly fit Olympic chaps. The Athlete is broad across the chest and shoulders, and narrow in the waist and hips.

• The Block Man: The Block Man gets his name because his torso takes the shape of a rectangle, with little difference between the width of his chest/shoulders and the width of his waist/hips.

• The Happy Eater: If the Heavy Lifter is an inverted triangle, the Happy Eater turns the triangle right-side up. His chest and shoulders are narrower than his waist and hips, making his lower half appear larger than the upper.

• The Cuddly Teddy Bear: You know exactly what this guy looks like. The Cuddly Teddy Bear is round and huggable, frequently with narrower shoulders and slim legs.

TIPS

As a heavy lifter, your large frame is somewhat imbalanced. The goal is to draw attention to your hips while reducing attention to your upper chest. Focus on pulling the eyes downwards, avoiding bulk on the upper body, and adding a little extra to your legs.

Simple graphic prints and logos will get attention, taking it away from your more substantial upper chest. Skinny leg cuts will make the top half of your body appear even wider. Try straight or more relaxed slim cuts instead, to balance out your proportions. You can also use statement trousers to lure the eye away from your broad shoulders. FYI – Gerard Butler, Dwayne Johnson, Ninalowo Bolanle are great examples of this body type.

Good news for you Athlete types— you’re the fit gems that make everyone else seethe with jealousy,lol.

Because your upper and lower body are already well balanced, your shape is much easier to dress than others. You can play with colours and cuts without having to worry much about whether or not everything is properly in proportion. FYI – Football players and athletes are a good example for this body type.

For the Block Man, the primary aim is to add shape where there isn’t much shape to begin with. There’s only so much you can do to physically alter your body, but wearing the right kind of clothing can do wonders for creating the illusion of having a different body type. When dressing, a little style sleight-of-hand will make your shoulders seem wider while making your lower torso appear narrower. Structured blazers and jackets add the extra weight your shoulders need. Adding clothing is the easiest way to add bulk to your body. Shirts, knitwear and scarves can be used to widen the chest and shoulders while narrowing your lower torso.

Again, your wardrobe is your opportunity to correct the imbalances in your natural body shape. For Happy Eaters, that means wearing clothing that adds some substance to a sloping shoulder line and smaller chest. What you wear should reduce the effect of a lower half that appears wider than your upper body. Streamlined cuts and flattering colours are important for you.

As a Cuddly Teddy Bear, the majority of your mass is concentrated at the centre of your body, making your arms, shoulders and legs look disproportionately slim. To make your body appear more defined, you must add shape to your shoulders and wear clothing that appears to lengthen your torso. A printed or textured piece in a darker hue a better way to add flattering interest to an outfit. Vertical stripes and pinstripes will instantly lengthen your body, but horizontal stripes will make you appear rounder. Beware of anything that shortens you in any way. Again, its all about balance and drawing the eye away from the belly region.

Fashion is instant language. The style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. Elegance is not standing out, but been remembered for your styles. With this tricks, you can feel prepared and confident. Your aesthetic is handled, now focus on bringing all the charm.

Happy Weekend!🥳🎉💃🏽🕺