By: Ali Afegbua
Monochrome clothes come in a distinctive pattern and as the name applies in this context, usually with black and white and shades of grey. Let’s talk about stripes.
HOW TO WEAR:
ACCESSORIZING A BLACK AND WHITE DRESS
So there’s an upcoming party and you have an absolutely fabulous black and white dress, and you can’t wait to wear it. Most likely because you are wondering about the right way to accessorize the dress, and whether you should stay monochromatic or go bold.
There is no simple answer to guide you without worrying about breaking any hard and fast rules of fashion, but you can use your creativity to personalise your outfit.
HOW BOLD CAN YOU GO?
Decide on one bright colour to use to accessorize your dress. Most people always tend to combine red with black and white, it’s become very cliché, as it’s easily expected. Experiment with other colours like yellow, teal, emerald green, hot pink or any other colour you like.
In the choice of shoes, a handbag and jewellery, relate it to the accessory colour you’ve chosen. They mustn’t be the exact same shade, but they should be related enough that they all go well together. Also, they do not have to be solid colours; you could choose a black handbag with hot pink trim, or a silver necklace with a turquoise pendant.
The makeup should be toned-down for the subtle look, if you want to go sassy, then red is a good choice. Bright yellow accessories can be fashionable, but bright yellow accessories with matching eye shadow cross the border.
Rule: don’t match the colour of your accessories with your make up.
SAFE MONOCHROMATIC
Here you play neutral throughout. Accessories are in black, white or grey to strike the monochromatic look.
Patterns are used here since you aren’t playing with colours. For example, if your dress has black and white stripes, consider carrying a white purse with black polka dots, or wearing black shoes with a white floral print.
It kind of sets it off.
To add that bit of colour, apply colourful and dramatic makeup, bringing the look to life as well as continuing the dramatic theme of a monochromatic outfit.
METAL CHIC
Gold, Silver or Copper are all metal tones. So accessories either made of that metal, or in a matching colour is applicable and can be used.
Adding a belt in the colour of the metal you chose to pull the whole look together can be considered.
For makeup; you can wear eye shadow in the metallic colour you chose.
The rules of wearing stripes are often overlooked and go overboard. People simply fall for the beauty and elegance of wearing stripes. Stripe patterned clothes can go well with any statement, no matter how big or small the layers and lines are.
However, wearing stripes can be very limiting. As mentioned, there are rules in wearing such patterns that greatly depend on a person’s body built. There may be some who can safely play around with it and go beyond the recommended rule, yet they manage to look fabulous and fashionable. Express your style in solid patterns and colours layered in stripes to set off a cool, versatile and comfortable look. Consider the below guidelines and learn to strut your striped clothes beautifully.
KEEP THE STRIPES THIN
Wide and loud stripes for your dresses, polo’s or shirts, don’t look the best or stylish. Thin stripes are highly recommended especially for formal separates like dress shirts, and polo top.
COMPLEMENTARY COLOUR
Some striped clothes are designed and created in a monochrome, while others are layered with combined hues. If you prefer the latter, make sure that the colours complement each other. For the ladies, you can play around with colours by choosing a top with monochrome stripes and a bottom with a different colour but complements with your top. This way you can both flaunt the beauty of colours and stripes and create a magical illusion and shape to balance off your fashion. Just remember to pick colours that go well with the base colour of your attire.
GO VERTICAL
You have to learn that horizontal lines can make you look bigger if you have a wide body frame, so you can opt for vertical stripes to elevate your stance and make you look taller and thinner.
Now you can wear stripes with confidence and sheer elegance.
May 13th, 2012 
admin 
