HOW NOT TO BE ‘FASHIONABLY RUDE’

You must have come across social media captions that read “…offending with Fendi, offending with my dress, shoe, etc…” all in the bid to express that they look good or feel good about what they have on.

While it is a social media hype thing, I’m here to ensure we do not literally offend with our clothing at least not in a way where we come off as plain annoying. Courtesy is very fashionable, it is politeness, respect and consideration for others.

So here are some of my tips:

• Stick to the theme when you are invited to a themed party: Say you’re invited to a “Great Gatsby” theme party, make sure you show up in pearls and that 1920 elegance. Please do not show up in something totally different or away from the theme say some Wakanda outfit your excuse being that you’re promoting being Black and Proud… Sweetie that’s a lifestyle not an excuse to be rude at someone else’s event. When it’s a themed party, try to be show full support and show up in theme, it shouldn’t matter if you love the theme or not (Remember it’s not your party so it’s not about you).

• At weddings it is important that you do not dress to upstage the bride. But with the way the Nigerian wedding structure is built, it is almost impossible to show up in the same dress as the bride but some people still manage to be rude and disrespectful. It is a family event and honestly wear what makes you feel comfortable but with caution. Side boobs, belly button and the likes of them should be avoided in the bid to respect the elders present. Do not over-do the slits and low backs, keep it modest. And please wear undergarments at weddings, we know how our Nigerian dance can be, so you don’t flash parts…if you know what I mean

• Be careful with clothing that have words written on them: When Picking out these set of clothing, the event, places that will be visited while wearing this piece of clothing should be put into consideration so as not to come off as disrespectful or offensive (example a T-shirt with the ‘BOSS LADY’ Phrase will be far more appropriate than the ‘I’M THAT BITCH’ T-shirt when dressing for a casual day at the office, the latter might not be so bad during a night-out with friends.)

• During vacations, please stay away from native symbols and clothing at least ensure you have been there for a while with better understanding of the people and their culture. Cultural appropriation (adoption of an element or elements of one culture by members of another culture) is a huge deal and some tribes do not take it lightly.

• When ‘Fashionably late’ becomes ‘Fashionably rude’: People attribute being late to certain events as wanting to have a moment of drama where they are the main attraction and everybody has to focus on what they have on. Really it isn’t all that bad to demand a little attention especially at an event that does not require one to be punctual. However, if the event needs to start with you in attendance you best not keep people waiting. As a matter of fact, Etiquette experts say arriving 5-15 minutes after the given time is considered ‘fashionably late’ above that you’ve crossed the line and your host will not be overreacting if it gets them angry.

In our day-to-day interactions, some little things we do rub people the wrong way. Some people speak up, some don’t. It is important we live treating people the way we want to be treated, handling situations the best way possible and the best way is the drama-free way. Little displays of rebellion and insensitivity can cost us beautiful friendships when all that would have been avoided if we had just been supportive and kind. I preach self-confidence and the need to stand out but at the same time, be empathetic, know when to STEP BACK AND LET OTHERS SHINE.

Make sure to let Fashion Fairy know how you feel

Drop your comments in the comments section

Until next time

Stay safe and know this too shall pass

God Bless

Article by:

Gudnes Etim (Fashion Fairy)

Edited by:

Chris Ogar

Classic Style Loft