By Chidinma Promise
Hello Fashionable! It’s that time of the week again and in today’s article, we’re going to be saving a lot of dates from horrible first impressions and constant disapproval.
Popular African opinion has it that we don’t need dates: probably many Africans were lucky enough to always have their partners fall from heaven and land right at their doorstep with an “I am your partner” sign placed on their forehead. Not. Whether or not we choose to admit it, we all go on dates, be it for lunch, dinner or just a casual mid-day get together between two soon to-be or already emotionally entangled two. Some individuals get lucky and get to hold on to a “date mate” till ‘I do’ while a handful are not so lucky; some even get ditched even before they get to say hi (most times as a result of physical presentation). So, if you’ve never hit it off longer than a minute with a date mate or haven’t taken your partner on a day/night away from home date, this article is a MUST READ for YOU.
DATE WEAR DOS AND DON’TS
We’ll address the ladies first.
Statement Trouser: Dos—For all my sass inclined sisters, this territory is for you. Come in with a black, nude, beige or whatever colour you choose fitted or palazzo trouser with a bit of print, strip or go plain. Don’ts— Never ever go on a first date or on any outdoor date wearing sweat pants. O resist the devil and he will flee from you because there are so many other cotton related fashion items that screams comfort and attractive. I would also advise to stay away from ripped jeans, except, it’s not your fist date with the fella.
Fitted dress/top/skirt: Dos—BODYCON ALERT!! A well fitted dress made with a comfortable fabric does the trick in making you look chic, sexy, financially comfortable, confident and smart. Don’ts— Desist from dresses that are neither fitted or flare. It never flatters your body and doesn’t ever give anyone a ‘put together’ outlook. So, avoid it. If you don’t feel comfortable in a properly fitted dress, stick with a fitted top and flare trouser.
Sandal heel/ Sneakers: Dos—Black/red self-preference infused sandal heel: Comfortable and chic. Don’ts—Leave your flip flops, slides and boots at home.
Floral print/stripes: Dos—A long sleeved or spaghetti hand floral print dress should be your go to fit for mid-day and movie dates. Don’ts—Don’t leave the house wearing a formal print dress or top with a bright colored shoe or bag, stick to neutrals or solid colors.
Short flare Ankara dress/trouser: Dos—Many individuals will not buy this idea because the Ankara fabric is usually used during customary events. As it’s attributes can be very loud and ‘ready to perform traditional rites’ inclined. Although this, an Ankara spaghetti hand short flare gown can be a show stopper: chic, elegant, comfortable and patriotic. Don’ts—Just the Ankara please. No extra floral attachments or elaborate accessory attached. No long Ankara dress too (date night no be church or wedding ceremony)
Good perfume and money: Dos— This cannot be over emphasized. Your date mate can not go in for a hug and choke or make a weird face because an unpleasant smell is oozing from you. Wear good quality, nice smell and pocket friendly (at most, one expensive) perfume. Some individuals, take notice of scent first before paying attention to another. Don’ts—Do not spray thick scented, cheap perfumes and do not bathe in the entire perfume oil.
Now for the gentlemen.
Statement Trouser: Dos—Plain/semi formal fitted trouser: side stripped, bright color (pink, mustard yellow, wine…) should do the trick in making you look focused, stylish and neat. Don’ts— Say NO to joggers, sweat pants, shorts and ripped jeans, on a first date; except you’re being forced on the date and you just a ‘hello and bye’ approach and response from your date mate.
Fitted dress/top/skirt: Dos—Properly fitted shirts are a YES, YES. YES and a Bigger Yes. They not make you look smart and put together but also helps accentuate your muscles. Don’ts— Stay away from Jalamia and stay home loose tops or Tank tops. Please also avoid buttoning the shirt up to the last collar button; screams stiff and uninterested.
Sneakers / Covered Shoe: Dos—Stick to neat, properly fitted, formal shoes. Like it or not, some individuals notice others from the feet up. (So best to scream responsible from Toe to head). Don’ts—Leave your flip flops, slides and boots at home.
Floral print/stripes: Dos—Stylish trouser, floral fitted shirt or plain up and down matched with a floral jacket. Don’ts—Please do not wear colours that portray you as an unaware fellow; stay clear from pairing any floral fashion item you choose to wear with other bright color fashion items.
Short flare Ankara dress/trouser: Dos—An Ankara trouser or Ankara jacket on a black up and down will do just enough trick to make you look classy and patriotic. Don’ts—Just the Ankara please. No extra floral attachments or elaborate accessory attached.
Good perfume and money: Dos— This cannot be over emphasized. Your date mate cannot go in for a hug and choke or make a weird face because an unpleasant smell is oozing from you. Wear good quality, nice smell and pocket friendly (at most, one expensive) perfume. Some individuals, take notice of scent first before paying attention to another. Don’ts—Do not spray thick scented, cheap perfumes and do not bathe in the entire perfume oil.
Save your next date outing by sticking to these date wear fashion items. You’re welcome.
