Dress style: One of the ingredients of confidence

Just like religion, dress style is another issue that raises a lot of concern in the country. Our culture is seen as a problem by many while some see it as a touch that lights our parts.

You can be all dressed up and happy only to be met with scornful eyes of the public or some uncultured men might use it as an excuse to display their superiority. I'm not a fan of conversations that involve deciding whether a certain type of dressing is good or not. Whether a particular cloth is meant for a certain Gender and not for the other. All these arguments lead to nowhere. And when I think of it well, my thoughts are always complicated or let me put it this way - I'm always on the fence and undecisive.

I believe your dressing should give you the first dose of confidence you need daily. When I wear something I don't like, I start feeling self-conscious and start checking everything happening in my surrounding. I start suspecting every staring eye, I hasten my step and wish whatever I'm doing ends quickly. But when I'm happy with the way I'm dressed, I don't care what others say, I'll remain happy. However, my code is "Dress with moderation ".

The way you dress is largely influenced by the country you live in, the family you're born into, your Job or occasion and your pocket.

Country

The culture of the country where you reside does influence how you dress. When you stay in Rome, you act like the Romans. But beyond that, the weather conditions of the country also matter. Some countries are cold almost all year and some are hot.

In countries with hot weather, dressing up isn't a problem. But in a country like Nigeria, where the weather is unpredictable, dressing appropriately for one Nigerian weather condition could be a problem.

Last year saw the rise of two popular pieces of clothing in Nigeria: the caftan and the kaftan. Both of these items are floor-length and made of flowing fabric, a welcome relief from the tightness of jeans and other formfitting garments. Caftans are a traditional piece of clothing worn by Middle Eastern women. Kaftans are similar to caftans but are usually worn as dresses rather than overgarments.

There has been some debate as to whether caftans and kaftans are appropriate for everyday wear. Many have defined them as "Sunday" or "going out" wear. To me, they seem like they could be used as an alternative to long, flowing skirts or dresses. One advantage they have over long skirts is that they cover the ankles better. Attached to the dress is usually a long scarf that is meant to drape loosely on one side or the other.

These pieces are not just Nigerian designs, they are African designs. And are influenced by weather and fashion

Family & Religion

Here in Nigeria where Religion is a major determinant of so many things you do, your dress style isn't exempted. If you're born into a family with strict parents, it will influence how you dress.

Just like the Muslims wear Hijab, some Religions also have their dress code. Some people willingly choose to dress in a particular way and tend to pass it to their children

Some children are given the freedom to choose what they wear but not all are given this luxury

Side note:Dressing is a personal decision. We should dress the way we want to be addressed. To me, this simply means dressing in a way that speaks well. I'm all in on dressing to please yourself, dress to make yourself comfortable, but there should be moderation.

Job or Occasion

The type of Job you do also matters. As a Construction expert, you can't wear loosely fit clothes to the site. Jeans are better fitted for a site visit with boots. Those working in the bank are known to wear cooperate dress and government workers do the same except on Fridays when they can wear native attires.

For our popular Owanbe (Parties), especially the Saturday parties, native attire is the most common. Ankara in particular is a common thing to see on Saturdays. I don't mind wearing this so far it's fitting.

Pocket

It's easy to criticize people when you have no money. You will see someone say "Those clothes are too expensive, it's not even beautiful". Wait until they also get rich and see them go after that same cloth.

Your financial status also determines the way you dress. Everyone guy wants to dress in Tux and wear the latest D and G collection but when the money is not there they settle for G and D (Grab and Dorn)

Conclusion

There should be a limit to decorating the body. But what should come first to your mind when dressing is- how comfortable you will be in it.

Some people become social media sensations because of the way they dress. And because of that, they're called great style icons. I'm not against dressing well and looking good or imitating others. Dressing well and looking good does not mean one should try to dress the same way as others who aren't passing through the same condition as we all.

Thanks for Reading! 👔💚👗

Written by my Lil Sis (cousin), with a little editing by me.