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Finding your authentic African clothing styles
Creating an authentic beautiful African style is typically based on personal essence and style. In order to create and craft a personal style, there are many elements that can be drawn upon. Some of the elements include line, silhouette, shape, color, pattern, texture, fabric, accessories, fit, and many more.
However, it should be noted that most of these physical elements do not compare to the contribution of a person’s essence. The best way to express style in the purest form is when it comes from within. Psychology and innate carriage determine how well an outfit looks on a person. When your style comes from the inside out, everything to do with your style becomes clearer, and you become more confident since you are more comfortable.
I used to believe in all I saw on social media and I tried to copy what the fashion influencers were doing but their style did not suit me. Social media dictated some of the rules below;
- Feminine is only about frills, fringes, and floaty fabrics.
- Creative styles are made of unusual constructions and quirkiness
- Relaxed styles are loose and ill-fitting.
- Rebellious styling is wearing only dark and skull motif outfits
- Dramatic is red lipstick and asymmetry.
- Classic style is all pinstripes and monochromatic looks.
I followed these rules like a bible but I was sorely misinformed because all they did was make me uncomfortable. Most of them felt unnatural and less like me. I soon learned to select clothes and coordinate outfits according to my mood and occasion. My clothes now reflect my mood, the occasion, what I will be doing during the day, and many more. I learned that fashion does not necessarily mean that one has to wear what is common to all but it relates to a person’s own thinking and perception.
One of the things that helped me find my style was African fabrics. I could style them any way I wanted and fashion them into any type of outfit that suited my mood. I went from loose-fitting dresses to short pants that could be worn to the beach, to bodycon short dresses that fit a formal occasion, and a free flowing long dress that could be worn on a picnic.
Finding your unique style might take some time but the following things happen when you get more aware of yourself inside out and how it affects your fashion presentation;
- You stop copying other people’s styles, despite the fact that you admire them and you create your own.
- You recognize which style of advice and tips to listen to, which work for you and which would not.
- You stop second-guessing yourself and stand strong knowing what is perfect for you and not.
- You become your own style guide and muse.
- You let go of following a style formula that society prescribes
