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I DON’T know why everyday life at varsity was like a fashion show of some sort.

There was always pressure to look smashing hot  every single day.

I look back now and wonder why I wore six inch stilettos to lectures.

Of course it was to make sure I kept my fashion standards on a high. I had to strut my stuff into the lecture room oozing nothing but freshness.

Being late on most occasions, walking into the lecture room had to be epic.

I needed to stay on top of my game because people kept their eyes wide open, ready to scrutinise every piece of fashion that walked through the lecture rooms’ doors.

There was so much hype about who’s wearing what and who the best dressed girl or guy was.

You were even identified by your sense of dress, good or bad.

But in order to stay on top of the game, you had to spend money which most of us really didn’t have.

I mean, we were cash strapped and obviously went for the cheap stuff.

I had to have pumps in every colour under the sun so I spent a whole lot of money on $5 deals every semester!

My denim collection, T-shirts, jackets, jewellery —everything had to be available in all colours.

You had to be matching from top to bottom and then at some point — you needed to be colour blocking.

So there was a lot of colour involved. But ask me now and I’ll tell you I was absolutely clueless. I didn’t need all those cheap things.

I certainly didn’t need all those colours! I was spending my money on rubbish. On average, the pumps wouldn’t last beyond a month before they were torn or fading.

What you need are a few good quality pieces that you can rotate. If you get yourself one good black handbag, you won’t have to spend money on cheap handbags that will last a couple of months before they’re tattered and make their way to your dustbin.

With time, you grow your handbag collection on good quality handbags which will last for years.

Don’t be pressured to get shoes in every colour. Get good quality ones in black, brown and nude for a start. You won’t believe the amount of outfits you can whip up in those colours. They’ll blend in with virtually everything.

Have at least two good suits that you’ll turn to when it matters most. Don’t be extravagant and go for bright ones. Get black, grey or navy blue and you’ll be set.

With time, and of course depending on your pocket, you’ll grow the collection and include the fancy ones you like.

There’s no point in investing in a lime green blazer, you’ll be tempted to wear it many times. Because the colour is bright, it’ll be easy to remember and people will notice you’ve been at it over and over again.

Have one good time piece — one that’ll blend in with your lifestyle and wardrobe. What you want is opulence on a wrist not trash. If you’re into jewellery, don’t be caught up in buying fake metal that’ll cause you skin irritations because all you want are numbers.

It’s not about how many pairs of earrings you have, it’s about how elegant and authentic they are.

Don’t forget to get yourself a quality fragrance. These cost a lot of money but will last for months. That and an effective roll on and you’re set.

Very few people want to spend money on quality denims but trust me; quality over quantity is a policy that works.

Get your denims in a clean wash and simple stitching. These will be easier to rotate unlike those with elaborate stitching in bright colours.

When choosing your denims, pay attention to the back pockets, the simple looking pockets, the better.

Feedback from “Detail gents, detail!”
Hey, thanks for showing me the marvelous way. I will get my game straight from this moment onwards. — Hussy Kayz Madzimambo, Gweru.

Hie Yoliswa, I was reading your article in today’s Chronicle and it was amazing. I’ve been following your articles for quite some time and they are really good and educating. Keep up the good work! I was wondering if you could make a WhatsApp broadcast of your articles so that we don’t miss any of your newspaper articles. — 0775844***

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263774492700, log on to my blog, www.stayera247.blogspot.com or like my Facebook page Pattern & Style.