“Just wear business casual.” You have heard a lot of people say this right?
And like any occasion that has a set attire, you want to make the right impression.
The good news? You’re in the right place to learn how. Business casual is a dress code that has divided opinion for decades. It’s also the most common.
What is business casual you my ask?
Put simply: Business casual for men = a button-down shirt, dress pants or khakis/chinos, and nice shoes.
As a general rule, business casual is less formal than a suit, but more formal than jeans.
Like any dress code, there are exceptions.
These are the key guidelines for each individual clothing type that make up a standard business casual outfit.
Shirts
The shirt is at the heart of any business casual outfit. One major benefit to business casual is that it allows some leeway in terms of shirt styles. Again, your company culture will weigh in here.
Since you probably won’t be wearing a tie, opt for a shirt with a nicely fitted collar that hugs your neckline on its own.
Pants
Dress pants and khakis are casual business wear staples, and we don’t see this changing any time soon.
For khakis, you can go for any brand that’s within your budget. It’s more important that they fit right. As a general rule, opt for slim fit (not skinny).
There are a lot of “stretch” khakis made with technical fabrics out on the market today, but for business casual, classic cotton is the way to go.
Shoes
Your wheels round out any outfit and business casual is no exception.
And one of our favorite things about this dress code is just how creative you can be with shoes.
The classic oxford and derby dress shoes are obvious choices, but you can also mix in brogues, as well as casual dress shoes such as loafers and monk straps.
Looking stylish at church doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fashion! Today, we’re drawing inspiration from Ghanaian actress Martha Ankomah, known for her amazing fashion sense.
Martha shows us how to strike the perfect balance between trendy and respectful outfits that are perfect for church. Let’s break down how to achieve this “church girl slay” look, inspired by Martha, and turn heads every Sunday the right way.
1. Simple and flattering
According to Martha, looking elegant at church doesn’t require complicated outfits. The key is to choose well-made, simple dresses that flatter your figure without being too revealing. Think A-line dresses or straight cuts with necklines that are appropriate for church.
The most important things are how the dress fits you and the fabric you choose. Opt for high-quality fabrics in solid colours or subtle patterns. These choices will instantly elevate your church look!
2. Accessorise sensibly
The right accessories can really tie your outfit together, and Martha is a master at using them. She always picks pieces that complement her dress without stealing the show.
A nice watch, a pair of small earrings, or a simple necklace can add a touch of class. But remember, keep it simple! Choose one main accessory and let it be the star, and keep the rest more subtle.
3. Harmonise colour & pattern
Looking modest doesn’t mean being boring. Martha shows us how to add personality to our church outfits with colour and patterns. She often incorporates bright colours and beautiful African prints into her dresses and skirts. This adds a fun and energetic touch while still being respectful for the church.
For example, you could try a colourful headwrap or a patterned midi skirt paired with a simple top. This combination can look eye-catching and stylish without being too revealing.
4. The beauty of modesty
Looking your best at church doesn’t mean hiding your style. Martha Ankomah is all about showing you can be fashionable and modest at the same time.
Martha’s secret weapon? Her approach to fashion! She balances faith and style flawlessly, proving you can honour your religion and still look amazing.
So, next Sunday, when you pick out your outfit, remember Martha’s magic touch: modest, high-quality pieces with a dash of your own personality. This formula will not only make you look stunning at church, but you might even inspire others with your style, just like Martha does!
Are you looking to refresh your wardrobe with the hottest trends in African fashion? Do you love African fashion trends? Look no further than Ankara fashion! These unique garments boast vibrant colours and bold patterns. This year, there are some truly stunning styles waiting to be discovered.
Ankara fabric, also known as Dutch wax print, has a rich history. It was developed in the Netherlands in the 1800s. And the Indonesian batik techniques inspired this fabric. It quickly gained popularity throughout Africa, where it was embraced for its versatility and cultural significance.
Today, Ankara continues to be a beloved fashion staple. Designers are constantly pushing creative boundaries with new and exciting styles. Here are five of the hottest trends you can incorporate into your Ankara wardrobe this year:
1. Ankara two-piece
The beauty of the Ankara two-piece lies in its versatility. You can create this look with a variety of combinations; pair Ankara shorts with a matching shirt for a relaxed summer vibe.
Opt for an Ankara skirt and shirt for a more polished yet comfortable outfit. And for a more contemporary twist, try pairing Ankara pants with a crisp Ankara shirt. No matter your preference, an Ankara two-piece is a fantastic way to incorporate bold Ankara prints into your casual wardrobe.
2. Ankara jumpsuit
The Ankara jumpsuit offers a sophisticated blend of corporate style with a touch of casual flair. It’s a guaranteed head-turner, making you feel both regal and effortlessly classy.
But to achieve that perfect silhouette, a tailored fit is crucial. Make sure your tailor takes your exact measurements to ensure the jumpsuit flatters your figure in all the right ways.
3. Ruffles and slits
This style features a dramatic thigh-high slit for a touch of leggy glamour. The ruffles cascading down the slit and adorning the shoulders add a touch of romantic flair.
The clean lines and minimal design elements make it a relatively simple piece for your tailor to execute, ensuring a flawless look.
4. Mini corset gown
This mini-corset gown is a stunning and trendy choice. The fitted bodice with boning or structured seams cinches the waist, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette.
This emphasises your curves and gives you a polished, put-together look that’s perfect for a special occasion.
5. Dramatic sleeve
Move over, lace! Dramatic sleeves are making a splash in the world of Ankara fashion. A dress with billowing or statement sleeves adds a touch of wow-factor and undeniable drama to your look.
Pair it with a train for an even more glamorous touch, guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.
Choosing an outfit for a wedding can be tricky! While the invitation might spark inspiration, you may still have questions. Should you splurge on a new dress or pull something out of your closet? One question that frequently pops up is whether black is appropriate.
Here’s why you might want to skip the black dress:
Symbolism and Superstition
Traditionally, black has been associated with negativity in Western cultures. In the past, some believed wearing black to a wedding could symbolise disapproval of the couple. It could even be bad luck for their marriage. While this is more of a folklore tradition than a hard rule, it’s something to consider.
Colour of Mourning
The celebratory atmosphere of a wedding might feel at odds with the sombre connotations of black clothing. In many cultures, black is traditionally worn during times of mourning or grief.
Wearing black to a wedding could unintentionally convey a sense of sadness or seriousness, which clashes with the joy and well-wishes typically associated with this special occasion.
Opting for a more vibrant or celebratory colour might be a more fitting choice to reflect the happy mood of the event.
Cultural Considerations
In some cultures, like traditional Indian and Chinese weddings, dark colours are entirely off-limits. They symbolise grief. It’s always a good idea to respect the couple’s cultural background.
Church Weddings
Black might not be the most suitable choice if the ceremony is held in a church. Black and purple are often linked to death and darkness. It can feel out of place in a church setting, where funerals might be held in black attire. Purple can also have religious connotations, as priests sometimes wear it during Easter.
Dress Code
Always check the invitation for any dress code specifications. If black is included in the colour scheme, then it’s perfectly acceptable. However, avoid overly flashy black outfits that might draw attention away from the bride or groom.
Respect the Bride
In most cases, guests have some flexibility with their attire. There’s one key rule to remember: avoid wearing white. This colour is traditionally reserved for the bride to ensure she remains the centre of attention on her special day.
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