Zimpapers Logo

Yoliswa Dube
SOMETIMES I wake up on the other side of my bed and just don’t feel like dressing up girly girl. I don’t want to wear a pair of heels or a silk blouse.

I don’t quite feel like wearing a pair of skinny jeans that squeeze the life out of me.

Sometimes I just want to wear a T-shirt, destroyed denims and lace up shoes — and its fine.

I want to get out of the house and not worry about my deodorant staining my precious silk blouse or think about how my high heels will hurt my feet as the day progresses — that’s fine too.

It’s sad though how a significant number of women out there don’t think its fine to take a chill pill once in a while.

They’re caught up in enhancing their femininity to the point that they lose their sense of style or end up imitating someone else’s style and lose their individuality.

Some women can’t even leave the house without wearing make-up or applying that bright red lipstick.

Maybe I just don’t get it but it’s really okay to rock a laid back look once in a while.

It doesn’t make you any less fashionable swapping your high heels for a Converse sneaker.

And believe it or not, you can do this by shopping in the men’s section.

I have a brother from whom I borrowed some of the best T-shirts when we were younger but I forgot about this somewhere along the line.

It was not until I saw a lady wearing a watch from the men’s range that I remembered how neck ties and waist coats once trended and now, bow ties have become a sign of sheer fashion genius.

Pleated trousers are a hot trend right now and the blazer is a male classic that any woman can wear and look fresh and polished.

But, having wardrobes full of unisex pieces doesn’t mean men and women think about fashion in the same way.

Have you ever wondered why it seems so much easier for men to get dressed in the morning?

I know when I’m going somewhere with my brother, he waits until I take a bath to start getting ready himself.

He claims I take too long to get ready and it would seem all he’d have to wear is a pair of jeans, shoes and a shirt.

Without being too essentialist about it, adopting a dude-like approach to fashion can lead you to some pretty major clothing revelations.

You can make maximum impact with a minimum number of pieces. It’s not about being one of the guys; it’s about using a men’s wear sensibility to make sure your style is perfectly tailored for you.

Depending on where you shop for clothes, the sticker shock for men’s wear is usually a big put off.

Brand to brand, an identical T-shirt made for men instead of women can often cost significantly more.

But, aside from the price tag, have you ever heard a guy complain that his shirt is cutting off his circulation? Neither have I.

Men’s clothes are much roomier and comfortable.

You know what, many girls shop at the same stores and nothing is worse than looking identical to the next person.

I remember back in varsity, a friend came to a lecture wearing the exact same shirt I was putting on.

It was a maroon and cream checkered shirt. I had to go back to the hostel soon after the lecture to change because I couldn’t stand looking identical to someone else.

She was mad at me for the rest of the semester but it just wouldn’t happen. There is nothing as uncool as looking exactly like the next person.

Buying from the men’s section will give you more options and can force you to change your look a little.

Feedback from “Dress right and enjoy winter…”

Hie Yoliswa, hope you’re blessed. Thank you for such encouraging words that I’m a brand that I need to guard jealously. I’m inspired. Thank you, may God continue to use you in a great way. — +263776 380***

Hie, I saw your article about style in The Chronicle. How else can I get to read your articles besides reading from the newspaper? — Nicole from North End, Bulawayo.

I read your column every Saturday, it’s fantastic. Blessed thanks and maximum protection! Jah Bless. — +263777 245***

What Zulu said, that’s an oath of a real man! — +2630774 482***

Loved your article this week, nice. — Walter.

When do you think about all these things? I’m amazed! With such a mind, you’re destined for greater things. — +1404 435 ****

MaDube, thanks for such positive stories, we need more of these. — Omega Sibanda.

That was such a brilliant article my dear, keep it up! — Cosmas Zulu.

• Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/Whatsapp on +263774 492700 or send an email to [email protected].