A couple that dresses together stays together

Yoliswa Dube
WEARING matching outfits with your partner says you’re a power couple. I used to think it was cheesy. Actually, I was rather embarrassed to say the least, showing up dressed like the better half. I don’t know why.

I thought it was over the top, like we’re trying too hard. And I know a lot of guys would agree with this sentiment. They don’t think it’s necessary. In fact, they think it’s a farce.

I dreaded having to attend a function if someone insisted on knowing what colour dress I’d be wearing because they wanted to wear a matching shirt. Or if they called to say I should wear a red t-shirt, blue jeans and white lace up shoes to a game at Barbourfields Stadium or to a braai with friends.

It was even more difficult to object if they bought me a Manchester United jersey, exactly like theirs and reminded me to wear it every now and then.

It was the attention I’d get as a result that used to put me off. “All eyes on you” kind of vibes that I just couldn’t handle I think. I was all about individuality and making sure that I looked fresh and clean, but now I’m sold. Sometimes it’s about looking good together and making an impression as a couple.

To be frank, it’s actually quite cute hitting the town with “bae” in coordinated outfits. It says you’re confident and maybe dreamy, but you seem like you’re more in love with each other.

Perhaps the extra effort put into deciding on what to wear and going to the last tee to ensure you both look good is what makes it all the more fascinating. Of late, I’ve been more conscious of couples that attend events in matching outfits. Even celebrities like it.

Pokello Nare, former Big Brother Africa housemate and her Ghanaian better half Elikem Kumoridze, the tailor, like it. Former Miss Zimbabwe Lorraine Maphala-Phiri and her businessman husband Sonny like it too.

They wouldn’t miss an opportunity to match their fabrics a little bit.

It’s a great way of having some measure of control of the impression you want to give and the kind of brand you’re selling as a couple.

You certainly have to be confident to pull this off because you’ll definitely turn a couple of heads. The outfits could be made of African print material or you could just wear the same colour t-shirts or hoodies.

The idea is not being fancy but picking one aspect of your partner’s outfit that you can borrow. If it’s African print for example, you could decide to have a dress made and using the same material, your partner could have a shirt or blazer made.

To ensure that the look works perfectly, the fabric should be exactly the same otherwise you’d look like a couple of circus performers. It could be as simple as matching football or rugby jerseys, matching scarves, jerseys or blazers, whichever way, this would certainly earn you the “oh, what an adorable couple” compliment.

This is not to be done every day of course. Besides you not being able to keep up, people would also get bored with it. Make it a collective effort and work on a few ideas together. Don’t force anything down your partner’s throat. At the end of the day, you both need to be comfortable.

Buy some material and have personalised outfits made for both of you or get t-shirts printed, one with the phrase “She’s my sail” and the other “He’s my anchor”.

I’m no relationship expert, in fact I’m the last person to give anyone relationship advice but you’ll thank me later after making your partner feel loved and wanted when you go somewhere together in matching outfits.

It creates some sense of security and belonging. Everyone is going to know you’re together. You’ll be shocked what fashion can do for you. Besides, the pictures will look priceless!

But you know us Africans and how we always think “bayazenzisa” or “bazenz’ obani”. We’re judgmental and don’t quite get it when people think outside the box. That’s okay, don’t mind the cynics, they’ll understand it later when they eventually get the impact coordinated outfits can make on your overall look as a couple.

Feedback from “Less is more”

Hey Yoliswa. I never believed a fashion piece could be interesting, but this! I think a lot of people who write on fashion don’t appreciate there’s a style to it —light-hearted kind of writing. Keep it up!