adminI SAT in church the other day and felt rather awkward because the guy who was sitting next to me kept staring at my finger nails. It felt awkward not because they looked bad but I kept wondering why they attracted so much of his attention. I mean, he had come to church to listen to the word of God in order for his spirit to be uplifted by praise and worship.
After noticing a couple of his glances I figured it was probably because of my aqua green nail polish.
It must have been the aqua green nail polish!
I’ve no tattoos, my hands are clean and scar free and I wasn’t wearing any rings that Sunday so it must have been the colour, too bright for him I guess.
But that’s okay.
Ironically, the following Monday, a colleague greeted me with a “What kind of nail polish is this, it doesn’t even match your outfit”, as he looked at me with a bit of a squint.
That was okay too.
I liked the aqua green nail polish and that’s all that mattered.
Besides, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a little colour, it never hurt anybody!
I realised people are “colour phobic”, they prefer the safe and conventional. It’s understandably easier because you’re judged less.
People are judgmental of our fashion choices.
That’s just how the society we live in is like but what will separate you from the rest is how you incorporate colour to your style.
Its summer time and generally a happy season, its bright and sunny outside — why not let some sunshine glow on you a little bit.
When it comes to embracing colour, it certainly doesn’t mean you must now wear a yellow dress, yellow shoes, yellow accessories, yellow nail polish and yellow eye shadow all at once!
It simply means you choose one bright colour to weave into your outfit to give it that happy summer feel.
For example, you could choose to wear a black pencil shirt, a white shirt and a pair of bright coloured high heels — a plain red one or one with a pattern on bright fabric.
The chino trend has become quite popular among the gentlemen and this is also a great way of incorporating colour to your look because they come in many different colours and shades.
Take a tan or mauve pair for example, pair it with a white shirt, brown belt and brown shoes and you’re on top of the situation.
This also works with bright coloured skirts or those in elaborate prints. The secret is in the white shirt, just to balance everything off. Denim is also a great summer piece to have. It complements bright colours really well.
If the colourful piece is fuller, probably a dress, a blazer or a shirt, find a more subtle colour to neutralise the outfit. Perhaps do less on the shoes if you’re wearing a bright coloured dress or wear a duller coloured shirt under your bright blazer.
Remember, you don’t want to blind anybody; your colour choices should be easy on the eye.
With lipstick and nail polish colour, it doesn’t necessarily have to match anything on your outfit. That’s so old school, wearing red nail polish because my dress is red? Not in 2015!
The most important thing to consider when choosing your lipstick or nail polish colour is the complexion of your skin.
If you’re light skinned, you’ll have no problems rocking bright coloured lipstick — hot pink, red, and purple — anything you like, as long as it’s appropriate for wherever you’re going.
If you’re a black beauty, red on your lips and finger nails can also work. But because you’re dark skinned, go for the more rich colours as opposed to the neon colours like aqua green.
You’re not Lupita Nyong’o so people won’t understand if you’re careless with your colours!
Wearing bright colours once in a while is a definite sign that you’re confident and fashion savvy so don’t deprive yourself the joy colour brings.
Feedback from “. . . I don’t want my best dressed day in a casket”
I just don’t understand why people want to make a fuss about what someone should wear when they are being dressed for the casket in preparation for burial. Where is the logic there, trying to find the best suit and tie that will just be eaten by termites? And in many cases this person never even wore a tie all their life! Dress up now, while you still can, don’t wait for people to make a fuss when they are about to bury you! — Thandiwe
I must say I enjoyed the piece. Every person must be confident before stepping out of his/her door. Even in their sleep, one must look good. —Va Eland
Hie Yoliswa, I read your article, it was awesome. Keep up the good work. I’m inspired. — 0776 085***
Hello! How’s Bulawayo? I’ll be working in the rural areas for the next six months and will miss your articles! — 0775105***
Hie Yolie. Please help me out. How best can I maintain my locks, and besides styling them, what else can I plait? — 0783204***
Something was missing today, why didn’t you write anything? I thought I had turned to the wrong page and even checked the other pages looking for the article only to find AKA and Cassper Nyovest on our space! — Jussy
Hey, I didn’t see your article today. Your articles are worth buying the newspaper especially on Saturdays. Keep on writing — 0783204***
Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263774 492700, send an email to [email protected] or follow me on Twitter handle @YoliswaStarr.
Online Reporter