adminSO today we’re headed to the Black Opal Face Of Zimbabwe finals at the Harare International Conference Centre and we’re dressed to kill! It’s not because I’m extravagant, no, that’s what the dress code says — “DRESS TO KILL”.
We all know what this means to many Zimbabwean women — bright bedazzled fabrics, tonnes of make-up, loud jewellery and outrageous hairstyles.
I’ll disclaim here and now — this kind of look is just cheap and trashy. We don’t want cheap and trashy, we’re looking for chic and classy! Maybe you’re puzzled because you’re not quite sure what such a dress code requires.
It’s so much easier when it says “black tie”, “smart casual” or “all white” I know and quite frankly understand.
“Dress to kill” is rather vague and can be interpreted in so many different ways. Some interpretations can unfortunately turn out to be quite disastrous. Not all of us have creative minds neither are we all fashion savvy.
Many of us need a bit of help and it’s really ok. When it comes to all things fashion, never be afraid to ask for a little help, especially when it comes to important events where your image matters. The phrase “dress to kill” is an English idiom describing an outfit that’s so attractive, it impresses everyone.
The literal meaning of the phrase, that people could dress so well that it’d kill anyone who sees them, gives the idiom its power.
If someone is “dressed to kill” they should be so stylish that everyone who sees them is overwhelmed by their outfit and how well it’s worn. You want to “dress to kill” then be attractive and impressive.
Go for a flattering party dress, accessories and eye-catching high heels or an equally flattering jump suit — the kind that Boity Thulo wore to the recently held MTV Africa Music Awards in South Africa.
This is certainly no scene for Ankara, jeans or pumps. And it’s not just the ladies who are going to need to turn up. The hunks are going to be sure to make the most of their blazers and the accessories that go with them. Maybe you’re still unsure of exactly what to wear to such an event and probably still think it’s a farce. Fret not.
I recently had a drink with one of the most fashion conscious men I’ve ever met in my life and had quite the “light bulb” moment. It was probably the blandest drink anyone could have on a Friday night but it certainly was the most inspiring few hours I’ve experienced in a long time.
We spoke about a lot of serious issues — politics, the economy, education and property and it was not until he was showing me pictures of property opportunities that I realised just how suave he was. Of course I’d noticed he was quite modern and fashion forward from the way he was dressed but I initially thought it was probably to make a good first impression.
I was wrong; this was someone who actually took his style seriously and genuinely cared about the way he looked. He had pictures of different outfits — blazers, pants, shoes, suits, and shirts — literally everything you can think of. I loved the fact that he embraced colour and was quite happy to know there are people out there who actually care about how they look.
I was excited to learn there are people who set standards for themselves and actually follow through with being stylish. It was such a relief knowing that a lifestyle of being stylish was not a figment of my imagination — it’s a reality.
So I asked why he kept fashion pictures and he said, “I like to look nice”. Yes! I thought. I felt validated. But there was a catch. He said he wasn’t one of those people who could whip something up out of the blue but preferred researching and looking at pictures online for inspiration.
Looking good can really be that simple. We don’t operate in a vacuum and there are lots of outlets you can use as sources of inspiration for your wardrobe. There is really nothing wrong with getting a little help from the next person.
This will even make your shopping experiences much easier because you know exactly what you’re looking for and it’ll certainly come in handy when you’re preparing for important events.
Learn how to minimise your flaws and maximise your assets. Your clothes should make you feel comfortable, protected and make you look your best — no matter what shape you’re.
Dressing appropriately for an event shows respect for yourself and your host.
Feedback from “He’s a classic man …”
You’re doing a great job my girl, keep it up. This is a very educative column. — Mai Anesu.
Yolie Yolie, wow, what a splendid article! Surely a man should smell nice exactly like what you said, “aroma therapy”. — Jussy.
I’ve been following your articles in the newspaper, please keep writing. — 0777 649***.
l Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263 774 492 700 or send an email to [email protected]
Online Reporter