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SANDRA Ndebele-Sibindi asked guests to her seventh album launch, Izenzo, to wear red and black. It was stated on the invitation card, dress code — red and black but no, people decided to wear what they wanted to wear outside the prescribed colour scheme.

I bet Ndebele-Sibindi had a specific vision in her mind way before the day of the event held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo recently. Her guests were going to be in red and black, it was going to blend well with the décor of the venue and the whole theme would be picture perfect.

I can’t speak for her, but if I were to invite you to my party and asked you to wear all white, you had better wear all white. Why is it such a big deal?

I invited you to a party I’ve spent so much of my hard earned cash on — at least make an effort to do what the dress code requests you. It’s all about the ambiance that the dress code will create.

Musician Jah Prayzah showed up at yet another event in his stage outfit — army regalia. He brought it to the album launch. Somebody needs to keep that army regalia under lock and key!

The guy doesn’t seem to understand that it’s for the stage and he doesn’t have to wear it everywhere. He even wore it to this year’s National Art and Merit Awards ceremony in Harare.

I have had enough of that outfit! He’s a good looking guy with a physic that would do well with different styles — it’s high time he took advantage of it.

The Phiris, Sonny and former Miss Zimbabwe — Lorraine Maphala — attended the album launch. They looked good although they decided to ditch Sandy’s dress code. Perhaps they are the type of people who “don’t want to look like other people” kind of couple.

They rocked the tuxedo look — black and white matching outfits comprising black pants, white shirts and black bowties.

Among other guests, Jeys Marabini and Martin Sibanda not only failed to do red and black but were under dressed for the occasion. But I guess it’s only fair to applaud the few who actually followed instructions.

Weddings are the most fascinating though. Nobody asks you to wear certain colours but no, you must dress to match the wedding theme. I suppose I need to put it out there. If a wedding theme is yellow and white, it doesn’t follow that you must also wear yellow and white!

What you have to do is respect the dress code you’re given — if you’re given one. This could be black tie, cocktail, festive, business formal, and business casual as well as casual or casual dressy.

I’ll only talk about four dress codes which I think are the most crucial and apply to many of us.

A “black tie” dress code is crystal clear for men — wear a tuxedo. It’s a little more complicated for women who can technically wear anything from a long dress, to dressy separates, to even a more formal cocktail dress. The best way to figure out what to wear is to dress according to what you expect the host to wear.

If the dress code says “cocktail” guys should go for dark suits with a tie. For women, short dresses that are party ready. When in doubt ladies, wear a little black dress, and dress it up with fun accessories.

When it says “business formal” wear a suit and tie and the ladies can go for a tailored dress or a pantsuit. The idea is to wear something business appropriate, that also feels dressed up.

Most offices have a dress code that calls for business casual. For women, pants and a blazer or a pencil skirt and a fun blouse, is the way to go. Guys can wear slacks or chinos and a collared shirt. Absolutely no jeans or sneakers. These can only be worn when the dress code says “casual” — there you can go crazy!

At the end of the day, not following dress codes makes functions or a particular space appear clumsy and to some extent spoils the pictures and memories which will last a lifetime.

Last week’s feedback on “Converse: So fresh, so clean”.

Hie, really enjoyed your fashion article today. In the intro on poor dressing you should have also included us Shona men who wear full tracksuits then top it all up with formal shoes! — Tendai Mpofu.

I’m in total awe. Thank you so much for the article on Converse. You literally blew me away. Wow again. Your style of writing is fresh. — Craig Zoowie

I love Converse so much; it’s actually the only kind of sneaker I wear. Thank you so much for the article, I enjoyed reading it. — Farai M

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an e-mail at [email protected].