It’s new year and fashion events are already sprouting up in socially-activated circuits like Lagos, Nigeria. It is that time of the year where ladies are usually fussy about the “appropriate” look or outfit to rock during a gig. We’ll be running a series on this platform called PARTY PIECES: WHAT ARE YOU ROCKING THIS YEAR?. It will focus on what to wear, how to wear and where to shop (on a budget). In my New Year Message, I pointed out that you don’t have to splurge really expensive diamond heel or Hermes totes to be classy. It doesn’t work that way! Without much ado, today, I’m touching on the DRAPED DRESS which is a must-have for every progressively stylish lady out there this year.
The draped dress is so-called because of the folded patterns (drapes) visible all through or in some parts of the dress. Many designers have become innovative in draping a dress such that the bust area could be draped, leaving other parts normal. Draped dresses are available in different hues, sizes and types depending on the designer or retailer. While some are close-fitting, others are not. So, it’s imperative for a stylist to understand the body type, skin tone, shape and colour analysis of the client before opting for a draped number for her. Below are a few style tips.
STYLE TIPS:
•A lady with athletic body type with angular/androgynous features would be on the wrong (style) path if she rocks a close-fitting draped dress. But for their complexion, the ochre draped tee dress pictured above may be ideal for TV stars Adora Oleh and Eku Edewor. Ms. Funmi Daniel (Jumia’s Fashion Director) could also rock this ochre number from Topshop.
•For curvaceous ladies like Beverly Naya, Osas Ighodaro, the pink folded bodice Breita dress could be ideal for them. However, proper fitting must be done to strike all the right chords.
•Cinch belts may be needed if one wants to achieve a curvy silhouette.
•Minimalism is the watchword. Avoid excessive accessorizing around the neck, wrists, etc. Adorn luxe bracelets or bangles in a wrist (and not both). Earrings shouldn’t be overly dramatic.
•In the area of “arm candy”, a sling clutch or Perspex clutch is really ideal for the emerald or teal draped pieces above. Envelope clutches aren’t bad ideas either.
•On a final note, being block colours, the above draped ensembles could be paired with patterned or multi-tonal shoes ranging from ankle strapped sandals to slingbacks, pumps, strappy and pointy-toe heels.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Merchandise availability or pricing may be changed on individual retail sites and are not guaranteed.
Mr Cornells is a Contributing Editor (Fashion and Lifestyle) at The Trent and Founder & Editor of PassionistaHub.com and a passionate team of contributors from Nigeria, Greece, South Africa, UK and US. PassionistaHub.com is a contemporary online fashion blogazine. In case you’re wondering what inspires the name: “Passionista”, it is actually a portmanteau word from “passion” + “(fashio)nista”. Recently nominated “ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR”, FAB AWARDS 2012, the blogazine is into catchy trends, with topics ranging from fragrances to make-up tips, to ManStyle, models, editorials, red carpet, upcoming fashion events, news and scoops in Nigeria & beyond! It also addresses the multifarious and multidimensional fashions that abound in the music and movie world.
