Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Lifestyle Correspondent
As the countdown to New Year begins, pavements, shopping malls and salons are quietly telling their own story. What would be a holiday without fashion statements?
It is written in denim.
It is woven into braids.
And it is unmistakably festive.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle had a pre-festive observation across Harare and surrounding towns shows a clear and emerging fashion mood for the holiday season. For women and young adults, the boyfriend jean with a huge turn-up has become the must-have statement.
For children, coloured braids, especially pink and brown, are defining the season.
It is fashion that is relaxed.
It is expressive. And above all, it is confident.
On busy streets, the boyfriend jean is no longer just borrowed comfort wear. It has been reimagined.
Cut loose through the leg.
Sitting comfortably on the waist.
Finished off with a deliberate, huge turn-up at the ankle.
Not exaggerated. Just bold enough to be noticed.
Matched with cropped tops, festive T-shirts or simple white shirts, the look speaks to ease and individuality.
Rumbidzai Moyo, a 22-year-old college student spotted shopping along First Street said it is Christmas dressing without pressure.
“I like that it feels free,” she said
“Christmas is about moving around. Visiting people. Laughing. These jeans let you do that and still look stylish.”
Retailer, Takudzwa Nyabande said demand has been steady and telling.
“We have sold more boyfriend jeans this December than any other time this year,” he said.
“People ask specifically for the ones with room to fold. They want that big turn-up look.”
He paused, then smiled.
“They say it feels festive but not loud.”
Observer, Lerato Sibanda said the appeal lies in balance.
The huge turn-up draws the eye, while the relaxed fit keeps the outfit grounded. It is a look that works with flats, sneakers and even low heels.
A look that cuts across age and background.
“It’s inclusive fashion,” she said.
“You do not have to be a certain size or shape. The turn-up adds character without forcing attention.”
For Christmas gatherings, lunches and casual visits, the boyfriend jean is winning hearts.
But if adults are folding denim, children are colouring the festive mood.
At salons in high-density suburbs and shopping complexes alike, one request has dominated the week before Christmas: coloured braids for kids — pink, brown and sometimes mixed, bold or soft.
Hair stylist Sarah Kadzinga said salons are busy and chairs full.
“Parents are asking for colour,” she said.
“Pink is very popular. Brown too. They say it makes the child look happy and neat at the same time.”
She adjusted a braid gently.
“It is Christmas. Children want to feel special.”
Mothers say the trend is practical as much as it is stylish.
“These braids last,” said Agnes Muchengeti, whose six-year-old daughter had just finished having brown braids installed.
“We visit relatives. We travel. I don’t want to worry about hair every morning.”
Her daughter smiled shyly, fingers running through the neat lines.
“I chose pink last year,” the child said.
“This year I wanted brown. Next year maybe both.”
Fashion, it seems, is learning to listen to children too.
Observers note that coloured braids are not new, but their seasonal popularity has grown stronger this year.
The colours are softer.
The patterns are neater.
The intention is clear.
Festive, not flashy.
“Parents are more deliberate now,” said Nomsa Dube.
“They want colour that suits school-going children. Pink and brown are safe. They photograph well. They feel warm.”
Photography matters.
With phones constantly raised and family pictures inevitable, Christmas fashion is increasingly chosen with memories in mind. What will look good today. What will still look good next year when photos resurface.
