African Fashions

Because not all women are born with a very well proportioned body, I want to feature some styles that are fitting for some specific body types. If you are bottom-heavy or top-heavy, then this feature is for you.  Be your own stylist and never allow those extra pounds to keep you from looking good and flattering.  Now take a closer look at yourself (while stark naked) in a full-length mirror and determine your own body type.

Whichever is your body type, there’s always a dress, a suit, a pair of pants that can flatter your figure.  So play up with your best assets and down play with the problem areas.

Great lengths are making a striking comeback this season.   In true bohemian fashion, spice up your wardrobe with fabulous maxis that can be pulled off in an instant.  The glamorous combination of floor-grazing hemlines and vibrant prints brings together a look that exudes confidence, elongates the figure, and provide an excellent balance of modesty with subtle sultriness.   With minimum effort, this lengthy frock can create a maximum impact.  Anyone can rock a maxi, young and old, tall and petite, slim and chubby.  So don’t worry, there’s always a maxi for all shapes and colors.

With the maxi’s long flowing silhouette, important details are embodied on the upper half of the dress.  Usually, the top portions are fitted on the bust or on the waist. Thus, when choosing a maxi, make sure it fits your upper body perfectly.  Make sure the bust area is about the right size to avoid dragging the entire dress down.  For strapless maxis, watch out for bodice that makes the perfect fit – too tight makes your skin pop out from the sides and too loose only means trouble.

Never go overboard and tacky with your maxi.  Maxi dresses makes a statement from its long silhouette and elegant prints, so don’t go for more ruffles, bell sleeves, bows and more fancies.  Do not overkill with accessories like fedoras, furs, or funky beads.  Retro and maxis just don’t blend well.  If you want to accessorize, think modern and chic.  Sleeker accessories can update the maxi look with effortless drama.

Maxis are ultra refreshing and breezy.  It can go overtime from formals to casuals.  It is simply an all-season staple, so never hesitate to wear one!  A touch of make-up and nice colored nails along with your maxi, and you’re all set to go.

It’s a bright day today and I can’t help but be amazed at how a bright sunny weather can bring a refreshing and enthusiastic aura.  A punch of pink, a zest of yellow, shimmering floral, and a hint of teal… aren’t they just the colors that sets the mood for a beautiful day ahead? Don’t they just bring a smile, a boost of your confidence, and a picture perfect glamour? Now, don’t pass up with the coveted trend of colors, lift your spirit up and try on the cocktail of bold dresses in chic styles that are amazing for everyday and party get-up. With a few inspirations from my favorite celebrities and models, cheers to these shining examples on how to get the bright stuff absolutely right.

Yellow has never looked so sublime!  Simply dazzling in a yellow shift dress, Taraji P. Henson gives this bright shade a lively spin.  Pulling of a yellow hue is made easy with a nonchalant yet sexy cut, but never ever overdo with the style and fabrics.  It’s a shade that shouts fun, playful, and stylish, so don’t be afraid to try it.

A bright floral dress is just ravishing for any occasion.  Thandie Newton is simply elegant with a summer and spring staple that never goes out of fashion.  Floral is sweet and romantic but try to tone down the brightness with a hint of black or neutrals just like this simply styled dress.

Steal a glorious moment in teal.  Fashion accents in teal always look fresh and stunning.  This pleated dress is just an amazing ensemble in a show-stopping vibrant shade. 

Hot pink can make you look even hotter!  Summer will be in full swing soon and embrace the warm weather in this pretty hue.  A touch of pink never fails to exude femininity and alluring charm.  Solange is just sizzling hot in this fuchsia sultry cut number.

A dash of color from time to time can give you an exciting fashion experience.   If you are constantly in neutrals and blacks, then it’s about time to surprise yourself.  For more choices on the bright side, check out a few dresses online. 

Since I have already mentioned the endless possibilities on mix and match, allow me to delve more on that topic.  The slightly warm weather has taken its toll on me and I am just in the mood for loading on the basic pieces. And by basic, I mean tees, camis, tanks and jeans.   For my perpetual need of always going around errands, the basics have proven to be the perfect complement on my lifestyle.

Layering has created innumerable touches to even the plainest wardrobes.  The basics like camis with lace patterns have had outstanding finish under a dress or a fabulous cardigan.  They come in a variety of colors making your dress look different each and every time you wear them.  Just add on a stylish belt, and then you’ve got the layers that change the ordinary to extraordinary.

Another wardrobe that I can also consider as basic is a pair of solid colored skinny jeans.  It goes very well with a nice piece of glamorous Dashiki and it can also match with anything casual like a pair of classic tees.  Layer it up with layers of accessories and your glam up for the day. 

And if I really have to mix and match a black and white pair, a dash of colorful scarf and statement jewelry will do the trick.  I use the scarf as a belt and I find the perfect necklace to match with it.  And don’t forget the shoe, let go of black and white!

On the busy-beauty side of me, which sometimes has no time for make-up, the perfect sunglasses and scarf has saved me in those days.  Hey don’t get me wrong, I still love to put on make-up it’s not just as frequent as I want it to be.  Just be sure to nourish your face with vitamins to keep it that glow even without make-up.  With a solid tank and a nice pair of blazer, I can go anywhere I want! 

That’s the madness of everything basic – it’s a fashionista’s canvas, it allows us to explore the many possibilities of layering and accessorizing.

Mixing and matching fashion essentials are one sure way of enriching our wardrobe, plus it is one of the most economical ways of enhancing our outfits without hurting our budget.  It is just a matter of being creative and knowing when to coordinate colors, fabrics, patterns and styles.  Putting up a terrific look is not difficult and can be something even more gratifying.  You will be surprised with yourself at how fun it can be and how different and interesting some looks can become even if you have been using them a dozen times already.

For completely different looks every day, I have some few favorite ideas to help you get the most of your money and (sometimes limited!) wardrobes.

-The upper part of the body usually gets noticed more than the bottoms, so even if you wear different pants or shirt everyday but you wear the same cardigan (or same shade), then your everyday attire looks the same.  Yes you were mixing and matching, but you forgot the basic element that people notice more.  So in choosing tops, build up with the basic solid colors and move forward with the prints and patterns.

-Patterns and prints go well with a complementary solid colored top or bottom.  It can be tricky to mix and match them, but if you have loaded up on the basic colors, that wouldn’t be so difficult.  You can always create and recreate a charming number by matching a graphic skirt with any other neutral or solid color top.

-Dresses can be very difficult to do mix and match, but an equal amount of accessories like belts, scarves, and jewelries can completely transform the dress.  Plus always remember to style your hair differently every time for an added twist of variety.

If you are planning on shopping for dresses and fashion accessories any time soon - explore the many possibilities of choosing those that can build the basics and enhance the essentials.  One unique item that you can mix and match with a dozen pieces in your wardrobe will certainly give you a more versatile edge.

Here’s my list of necessities that no wardrobe should be without.  Grab them and the rest of pieces should be easier to decide.

One of the most inexpensive and interesting ways to liven up and elevate any outfit is the addition of a printed scarf.  Some beautiful pieces perfect for you are readily available online.   For a feminine finish and pretty touch up, make sure you have this in your wardrobe.

A nice pair of classic sunglasses never goes out of style.  It can wrap up a look that’s both functional and versatile.

A black blazer is a fashion staple that you shouldn’t pass off.    It can exude a fine finish of womanly authority and corporate elegance.

While we want our everyday look to be as interesting as possible, we want something that’s decidedly African to be the perfect ensemble wherever and whenever the occasion calls for it.  Afrawear has the biggest and widest selections you can choose from.

It’s not all about the little black dress that every woman must have.  While black is beautiful and safe for everyone, for your ebony complexion, swathe yourself with the sweet sophistication of this achromatic hue.  Find a dress with the detail to make it more unique and stunning, like an embellished neckline, accentuated belt, or interesting sleeve.  And if white is too revealing for you, try some exciting shades of cream, off-white and ivory.

Do you have a pair of the most comfortable flats to cushion your feet any time of the day and through the night?  Get yourself a pair of metallic flats to glam up almost every pretty piece of outfit in your closet.

You can be stylish anytime with an ideal dose of signature elegance to add an unexpected edge of glamour to your favorite attire.  Check out some beautiful pieces online.

It is always great to have a nice top that can liven up any day and add color to any boring wardrobe.  It is perfect underneath a cardigan or peeking out from under a blazer.

There you have it – 8 things that every African-American lady must own.  So if you don’t have them all, think about it!  Or do you have a piece that you think deserves to be in this list?  Share it and I would be delighted to add them in…

Now that’s an absurd question!  But for those fashion savvies like me, that’s an interesting topic that would spark excitement and trigger curiosity… To some they would probably say, “I’m that colorful sundress because I have a sunny, vibrant, and lively personality!” or “I am that kaftan dress coz I am a proud African!” Others would simply say, “I’m that plus size dress coz I have a big heart!” Wow, beat that! Many things could be said about dresses, what they mean to you, how they relate to you, and what you might be if you were a dress.

If you have style aspirations, then most usually, they are the dress that you would want to represent you.  Over time, several symbolisms have prevailed and hold up meanings to some of our favorite dresses.  So to name a few, here they are:

The dashing little red dress has always rocked throughout the ages.   It represents an exciting and exhilarating life.  Flaunt it if you want to portray a look with a dash of fearlessness and a zest of fun.

The flimsy white dress is never boring.  It is a symbol of innocence, purity and chasteness.  The white dress is a good sign of virtue and can help you project an image of extreme freshness and neatness.

The iconic little black dress has known to always pull off an illusion of slim figure and sophistication.  Black is the color of mystery, authority, power, self-control, resilience and confidence.  So if you want to feel the way the dress symbolizes, don on that little black dress.

The abstract printed dress favors an impression of complexity and artistry.  Discover a side of you that’s left to be unveiled.

Colors and styles play significant roles in the varying meanings, symbols, and terms of the many dresses worldwide. It depends on the varying cultures, traditions, and beliefs all in all. African dress fashions have varying meanings depending on the many regions of Africa.  Western apparel is more modern and the colors play the part in its symbolism.   There are still a lot of dresses I have left off.  But if you want to know more, leave a post and I would be delighted to give you a clue of what they mean.

Now, back to my question, if you were a dress, which dress would you be?  There are more options to help you decide, check out Facebook and Twitter.

While it’s been said that beauty can launch a thousand ships, dresses can make or break impressions and create a certain degree of power.  Working women of the 21^st century has been instrumental in the advent of power dressing.  Some lifestyle would dictate the need for practical and authoritative wardrobes and some would command the need for style and poise.  While power dressing sometimes connotes a subdued angle of parody, I want to tackle more on the power of the dress that reflects a more relaxed approach regardless of the trappings of the society and status.  How can a working woman command a look that’s both flattering and graceful? We are looking for the style that plays simplicity and beauty without soaring to designer prices.

Yes, we do have our favorite working women role models.  On top of my list are Condoleezza Rice and Michelle Obama.  Michelle is a look of feminine power while Condi is the look of abysmal prowess. They are women of great character and they do make every African-American woman out there proud of their many accomplishments.  They are the epitome of real working women and makes power dressing a way of life.  It’s playing up the dress in the real world and choosing something that can speak for itself – a dress that would simply say “I walk the talk” or “I mean business here”.  Watch them and observe how they dress up and you’ll see what I mean.

Of course, we are not as high profile as them, but knowing the tricks of the trade would certainly go a long way. So how can we bring forth the power of a dress?
 

Luxury does not give power to the dress; it’s how you wear them that makes people believe that you mean everything you do, say, or act.  We can go on and explore more of the benefits that a dress can offer, but I will leave that to you as you venture more of fashion styles online.  Interested to keep an eye on fashion? See also Facebook and Twitter.

What’s in it about shoes that make a woman giddy?  What’s with the “shoe-thing” that we, women of all ages and colors, go gaga about?  And when can we ever have enough of them?  Have you been one of the many who sacrificed comfort for the glory of fashion?  I honestly don’t know what’s with shoes and women, but I do know that finding the perfect pair for that perfect dress makes a perfect day!  Because I know that every dress deserves a few staples, I will try to give you the basic shoe style and hue that will complement your white dress in nearly any occasion.

Do you know that a pair of shoes can make or break an outfit?  Do you want to learn more on which shoe can complement most of your wardrobe?  Want to know more about fashion especially for black women like us? Read on at Afrawear, and you can also follow them at Facebook and Twitter.