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Yoliswa Dube

THE shoe rack in my bedroom often leaves whoever sees it astonished.  Not to outdo Imelda Marcos but I’ve had a good run as far as shoes are concerned.
I’m not sure how I developed a shoe fetish but one thing’s for sure – shoes can change the game completely.
They are what will break or make an outfit.

Sometimes, all you need to look good is a stunning pair of shoes with an all-black, denim or white outfit.  When it seems like your clothes just can’t make the cut – your shoes are what will make the difference.

I often see it on mornings when it seems like I’ve no clothes to wear.  Sometimes it’s so bad I black out – I just can’t figure out what to wear.
But I’ve since found a solution and it lies in the most simple of clothing items I have in my wardrobe.

A combination of a black skirt, white shirt and virtually any colour pair of shoes is how I sort myself out.

If you don’t own a white shirt, I suggest you start saving for one!

It’s gold where fashion is concerned.

Maybe you don’t own a black skirt but you certainly have a pair of black slacks or jeans, right?  You can’t afford not to!

Black bottoms are a timeless base that will make dressing up easy.

So, here I am in a pair of black bottoms, a white shirt and a red pair of shoes and voila – I’m the epitome of class.
Of course, for this to work, you absolutely need a handbag or clutch bag that matches the shoes.

By the way, this isn’t a trend that works for a somewhat work outfit only.  You can incorporate colour into your casual look by adding an elaborate pair of shoes and bag to an otherwise subtle black and white colour palate.

The combination doesn’t only work on separates per se.   The skirt or pants could be a striped or printed black and white themselves.
If that’s the case, add a plain black or white shirt or blazer and then a dash of colour.

Even for a more sophisticated look where the dress or jumpsuit is black and white – any colour shoes will change the game completely.
I prefer the more solid colours like red, yellow, green, gold and orange to such combinations.
They sound like a little too much but trust me – they’ll give a beautiful pop of colour to an otherwise dull black and white.

This trend works both ways. The bright coloured shoes liven up a subtle black and white combination while the black and white tone down the bright coloured shoes.

You have to be fashion savvy to be able to wear bright coloured shoes with anything else other than black, white or a combination of both. Think of it as a two way street – I pimp you up and you keep me low key so I don’t look cheap.

Feedback from “Look sexy without freezing!”
Hie, I just read your article in the Chronicle now, it’s inspiring.
I also saw your picture, you’re stunningly beautiful. I’m a poor little guy from Masvingo; I just thought I should comment. – Mush BC.

Good day, I like to read your column and enjoy it a lot. Unfortunately I get busy and end up failing to contribute sooner. Well, I am contributing on hats. They sometimes say, do not stereotype. Rather every society is a composition of various people with different characteristics.
They convey messages through various ways including clothing sense.

I am a shy person and uncomfortable among crowds, especially these days with long, winding bank queues, I lose my step. So the best thing for me is a hat. Secondly, I like to cover my eyes from direct sunlight. – 0773875***

Hie Yoliswa, I’m a girl aged 19 and have a big bust and a smaller base.
I was wondering if you could help me on what type of clothes suit me best because I’m sick and tired of pursuing fashion trends that are uncomfortable. Thank you for your articles, they are really inspiring. It’s such a blessing to have people like you. – 0775425***

Sis, you’re an inspiration. Umbhalo wakho ueducative and inspiring. Keep up the good work. – 0775659***

Hey, loved your article #ItsInTheLittleThings, cool stuff. It was great, keep it up. – 0777023***

Morning Yoli, I enjoy your articles a lot. Mafuta wakatsika usabvise gumbo. – 0778793***

Morning, thank you for your writings – I’m now a classic man. – 0715047***

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and catch up with me on my blog, www.stayera247.blogspot.com or like my Facebook page Pattern & Style.