African Fashions

Creativity is the byword of African dress styles and they have a major influence over African American dress patterns. This can be clearly seen at www.afrawear.com. Most of the fabrics with which these dresses are made are hand made products which is why you will find a uniqueness in each of the African American dress. They undergo a great deal of processing before they are made into clothes. The processing for African American dress is also done by hand. First they are hand-woven into strips of clothing; most of the time these strips will be white. Then the fabric will be dyed and soaked in a different solution which will change its color. The solution is mainly juice from trees and plants.  Once the cloth is given its colors, dyes are imprinted on it; the colors they use for the dyes are also perfectly natural. For example, if you are looking for an African American dress made from mud cloth, you can see that the mud is taken from the deepest portions in a pond. The mud is then left for fermentation for about a year. Once the fermentation period is over, the mud, which will be black by then will used for designing fabrics.

You will see that there are three main fabrics from which African dresses are made. They are adinkra, adire and kente. Usually, the designers make use of one of these fabrics to create an African American dress. Adinkra is a kind of printed cloth made by a particular tribe that lives in Ghana. If you are looking for a bright and vivid African American dress, then adinkra is the best choice. Adire is much more easily available in Africa, and the best adire is obtained from Nigeria. Meanwhile, if you want an authentic kente fabric for your African American dress, then you must check whether the fabric came from Ghana or Togo.

If you are looking for a good African American dress, then go for one of the above mentioned fabrics. It will add durability and credibility to the African American dress that you buy.

Not only that, an African American dress will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. You can wear an African American dress to parties, shopping, holidays and casual events. The African dress styles at www.afrawear.com have interesting choices; you will find a new pattern each time you go shopping. And you get original material at this store. 

• Put more focus upwards.  Look for flattering necklines and bright hues to accentuate the upper body. Other great options for the top half are prints, stripes, plaids, and floral.  Keep the lower half in solid and dark colors.
• For fitted suits, go for fitted jackets that end down to the widest portion with structured shoulders.  Opt for form fitting bottoms that are not clingy and not tight.
• Wearing jeans can flatter your figure. Go for the boot-cut leg opening that slightly flares downwards.  This creates a striking balance to wide hips and full thighs.  Choose dark washed jeans and avoid embellishments at the back pockets.  Pair it with high heels for an ultra flattering and thinner look.
• For dresses, opt for full skirts with a fit and flare silhouette.  Go for strapless dresses to draw attention to your upper half.  Other option for those with a lot fuller hips and thighs is to go for the empire-waist, or raised-waist dresses.

• Think minimalist for the upper half and accentuate your bottom half.  Avoid wide and high necklines. Go for V-necks, scoop and sweetheart necklines to give out a lengthening effect for the top portion.  Avoid breast pockets and heavy embellishments around the chest area.  Keep tops in solid and dark colors.
• Give your bottom extra emphasis with flared cuts and A-line skirts for a more balancing act. Choose flat front flared pants and skirts that are low rise.  High waist bottoms only draws attention to your large chest area. 

•  If you got them stained, act on it immediately.  Never dilly-dally; otherwise, it will become permanent.  If you have to use a treatment to remove the stain, test it in an area where it is hidden just to make sure the stain remover does not damage the fabric.  There are different rules for different types of stains, so be extra careful, ask around or so some research.  If it is a non-washable fabric, then take it to the dry cleaners. 
• If it says “Dry Clean Only”… then take heed and do as the instruction says.  If you are just plain lazy to abide, then you’re going to regret loosing that dress.  Read the care label properly to understand what kind of washing and handling the specific fabric of your dress requires.  Usually silks and wools have specific care instructions.
• If your dresses have embellishments, like bead works and sequins, do take time to hand wash them instead of putting it directly to the washers.  You surely don’t want them dangling and ruin the look of the dress.
• For wrinkles and creases that don’t seem to smoothen, take it to the professional to have it pressed or steamed.  So the next time around, after it is pressed, make sure to hang it carefully where it can breathe.
• Never use chlorinated or bleached laundry powder for your beautifully colored fabrics and prints.
• Lastly, store your dress in a cool and dry place, away from the direct heat of the sun.  Too much exposure to the heat will deteriorate its quality and ruin its fiber.

• Dainty skirts with intricate details and frothy layers can make you float effortlessly across any room.
• A-line skirt silhouettes in lace or tulle can gorgeously make a mesmerizing and rich fall.
• Off-shoulder sleeves with flattering fit and flare style with elaborate lace appliqué details in flimsy georgette fabric is just the right touch of femininity and elegance.
• Dresses with flounce of lace are truly ethereal and beguiling.
• Tiered and empire cut dresses made of crepe satin and chiffon creates beautiful sexy silhouettes.
• Ballerina dresses in empire cuts that comes in shades of pastels is truly a vintage piece that sets an aura of classical romance.  The ballerina's statuesque neckline can also complete a glorious number.
• Embroideries in the right places are simply eye-catching.  Opt for embellishments that are positioned gracefully at the waist or bust area.
• Stay away from crisp strictly white undergarments but go for the muted and gentle colors that create a soothing feel. Go for shades like creams, pearls, baby pinks, subtle lavenders, nudes and faded blues and greens.