African Fashions

In the months where the days are longest and the nights are shortest, there’s no better time to dress up and enjoy the outdoors than summer.   So let’s do a heads start and shift our focus to the amazing days ahead.  Here are a few tips on how to stay cool, have fun, and look as hot as ever to celebrate the best of summer.

Cotton and silk are the greatest fabrics for the hot summer months.  As much as possible, try to stay clear from synthetic fabrics and stick to something made of natural fibers.  Of course, never compromise style by adding a few pops of accessories to your comfy basics.  You can either add an exotic and elaborate necklace or an embellished belt to complete the look.

White will always be the coolest color to beat the heat.  It reflects the light while staying crisp and fabulous.   Summer is also the best excuse to wear some of your favorite vibrant colors.  If you have been meaning to wear that bright yellow top, it is the best time to wear that.  You can never go wrong with the mix and match of colors, whites, and neutrals at this time of the year.

The key to showing some skin is balance.  Never ever reveal too much just because of the very hot weather.  With this, I mean you cannot parade around showing off your stomach, cleavage or even your entire back.  If you want to show off your legs, strike a balance with the top. I guess you know by now what I mean.

Look stunning in tops which are not too tight and clingy but not too loose and sloppy.  You can be dressier in thin knit tops in cotton or silk rather than T-shirts, just take note that they are pristine and crisply pressed.  If you opt for sleeveless tops, make sure it is the perfect fit and not leaving plenty of room around the armholes.

Isn’t it just cool and feminine to skirt up?  I always find it romantic when the breeze catches the hems gracefully and lifts the skirt up a little… Think about it…

There’s more to summer fashion… watch out for my next feature on the summer hair and make-up…

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.

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.