Joe Stylee

When the hoodie and joggers rage began in 2020, I was like huh? I could not understand why my niece was gaga over it. In the hot, humid climate of Lagos, Nigeria she would be donning the thickest hoodie and sweatpants you could imagine, talk about suffering for fashions sake. But alas, I became a humble convert when I saw the unique matching designs that brands were coming up with. Today, I want to share the trendiest hoodies to wear and the funkiest ways to wear them whichever side of the Atlantic you are on.

Play with Color, Detail & Fabric

The African Print Detail

From running errands around the block to meetings, there’s nowhere the hoodie can’t go. When you are picking one to buy, make sure it’s not run of the mill. Add depth by getting a pair with African print detail.

The Multi-color

An easy way to wear lots of color while looking laid-back. Get a multi-colored hoodie and let color deal.

Additionally, you can coordinate your hoodies and hoodie pants to expand your wardrobe options.

The Velour Fabric

More durable than velvet and no longer confined to upholstery use, velour gives you the luxe look for less. Keep your active wear, red-hot with fine and fluid uber-soft velour from Pretty Garden.

The Patterned Hoodie Set

Take your hoodie to star status with print and pattern.  This zebra print hoodie set nicely sets you off on an artistic athleisure dash.

The Zipper Hoodie

I love the zipper hoodie because it can stand in as a nice casual jacket, layered with a T-shirt or a crop-top but still doing the sweats work.

Tips for men & women on styling your matching hoodie and jogger outfit

Head Wraps & Scrunchies

This headband from Gym Wrap will not only wick off sweat and lay your edges but also make you look hot. However, you can’t use a headband alone if you have long hair, you need a scrunchie. The scrunchie is the ultimate hair rescue for all gym girls whether your hair is thin and delicate, medium thick or full thick, there’s a scrunchie that stops the slip.

Fitness Trackers

Keep up with your fitness statistics and the time of day with a sleek fitness tracker like this one from Fitbit.

Jelly Sneakers for Sweet Strides

Childhood memories for 80s kids are incomplete without jelly shoes now they are back with a sneaker twist. Enliven your workout with jelly sneakers.

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs also known as waist packs or bum bags are part of the 80s comeback fashion making waves. Durable, functional, and stylish, men have found a new way to wear fanny packs as cross-body bags.

Summer is over but you haven’t gotten the wear out of your summer wardrobe the way you love to. Here’s how to work your summer dresses in fall.

Understand Layering

Layering basically means wearing garments over each other. Layers can be added or removed based on temperature, and a combination of layers can be used to create different looks. The three types of layers are the inner layer, the mid layer and the outer layer.

Transition your Summer Dress for Fall - Layer Out

Layering out requires picking a snazzy outer layer to wear over your summer dress.

Capes and Ponchos

Capes and ponchos are great outer layer items because of their stylish cuts. They are perfectly suited for transitioning between seasons. Want to learn more about ponchos? And also various kind of ponchos like vintage poncho Read here. Get inspired with this cape from Farfetch layered over a summery dress from JoeStylee to give cool fall vibes. Further below, a wine poncho from Yoox is layered over the Nwayioma dress in blue from JoeStylee.

Pink Poncho

Wine Poncho

Blazers & Coats

Blazers and coats are two very similar but also very different outer layer items. Blazers tend to be more structured in cut while the coat is unstructured. The belted trench coat is one of the most fashionable coats for women. A blue blazer from Dress Head is layered over the JoeStylee Nwayioma dress for a work-ready combo while further down, a black coat is layered over a 3-tier summer dress and knee-high boots.

Blue Blazer

Black Coat

Cardigans & Sweaters

Cardigans and sweaters are the knit wear equivalent of blazers and coats. These warm top layer pieces will keep you snug and snatched. If you need to update your sweater collection, Chicwish has a nice variety. Layer this pink cardigan from Chicwish on JoeStylee’s Nwayioma dress in pink; or go with a green sweater, a beret and the Nwayioma dress in yellow.

Pink Chunkey Cardigan

Green Pompom Sweater

Fall Accessories

Hats, Tights & Boots of every kind

Yellow Beret

Bucket Hat

Block Heel Brown Boots

Dark Green Stiletto Leather Knee-High Boot

Style Your Summer Dress for Fall - Layer In

Layering in means wearing a practical but chic garment under your main fashion piece.

Turtlenecks

Also known as a roll neck in other climes, the turtleneck is the perfect item to place under your summer dress. Arouse your inner chic with this dark green  turtleneck from Net-a-porter matched with the Fadeyi dress from JoeStylee and leather boots by Jeffrey Campbell.

Sweaters

Close knit wool sweaters are a good base layer to wear your dress on. Layer in  this simple dark blue sweater from Chicwish with Joestylee’s wrap blue dress for straightforward sophistication.

Collared Shirts in Dark Colors

Stay warm and trendy by wearing a faux-leather shirt under your summer dress and if you are wondering how to get into this year’s bucket hat trend, you have your hack below.

Denim Shirts

Denim shirts are popular as outer layer pieces but can also be worn under your summer dress as a base layer that is flirty and laid-back.

Tips to keep in mind

Can you wear boots with chic dresses? Some say no, others say it’s an incredibly hard look to pull off, and I say Yes, you can wear boots with dresses. It depends on the type of dress and the style of boot. My focus in on knee-high boots because it can be confusing to know what type of dress to pair them with, as boot season is upon us, and the options are numerous.  

THE POWER OF DRESSES

Let me introduce you to women’s fashion hack No 1 - dresses. Dresses are the fastest, most efficient way to get dressed. Slip one over your head and you’re covered in effortless glam. Dresses give you the best silhouettes to show of your shape and flatter your figure plus, they never go out of style. There’s a dress for every body-type, every life season and every occasion.

Why Chic Dresses Are Good with Boots?

Boots give sass to the sweet vibes of a dress. Think of it as balancing the feminine and masculine and boots can work with any style aesthetic.

Do Knee-high Boots Suit Everyone?

Yes, anyone can wear them as long as they buy the right type to suit their persona. From delicate, to bulky, to wild and color blocked, there’s something for every woman.

Chicest Dresses to Wear with Knee-high Boots

Sweater Dresses

Perfect for fall and winter, the stretch of the knit means that the dress follows all the lines of the body like a bodycon without being tight. Leather knee-high boots work well here.

Smock Dress

Smock dresses have just the right amount of freedom and femininity. Pairing them with knee-high boots makes for an edgy look.

Blazer Dress

Think of a blazer dress as a man’s suit jacket with a feminine touch. Probably not office appropriate because of its mini length but can be raised to a level of formality with the right tights and boots.

Asymmetric Hem Dress

Also known as the handkerchief-hem dress, an asymmetric hem dress has an uneven hem line which makes it suitable for wearing with boots. Knee-high boots take the hem from casual to tailored.

Color-block Knit Dress

Comfy, soft, and paneled with blocks of color, knit dresses are the modern woman’s wardrobe staple.

Denim Dress

Denim dresses are perfect for fall and winter. Denim is a comfortable and versatile fabric that works well with practically all-types of type of knee-high boots. If you want some extra shine, go for faux leather knee-highs.

Wrap Dress

For cinching in waists and enhancing figures, the wrap dress has a special place in our hearts and goes so well with boots.

Floral Dress

Floral dresses are always in because they represent freshness and newness. Pairing a floral with a knee-high boot adds a toughness that balances out the florals.

Pinafore Dress

Shaped like an apron, the pinafore dress is worn with under layers that fit closely to the body. Knee-high boots give the pinafore a dignified look.

African Print-Patch Dress

For women who love color and value uniqueness, the African print-patch dress is a conversation starter; (‘Where did you get that?’ ‘I love your dress!’) and is a nice item to pair with your much-loved, knee-highs. Get one from Joe Stylee and browse the Sis Stylee collection for a beautiful selection of African-inspired dresses.

If you are 5’11 like me, finding the right work pants or jeans that are long enough and fit properly in all the right places can be a real pain in the butt, literally. Growing up, I always had to buy trousers a size bigger, then give it to a tailor for alterations. Imagine all that stress. Any need to wonder why I prefer skirts and dresses to pants?

Why I love flared skirts and why you should too

Skirts are one of the simplest, yet elegant and sophisticated clothing item a woman can own. If you are looking to increase your feminine energy, skirts should definitely be on your capsule wardrobe list. Flared skirts give the illusion of a tiny waist because of how it flares outwards from the body. Skirts also force you to walk in a ladylike manner and cover any problem areas you may have with your stomach, thighs, or legs. Think of the sashay, the freedom, and the swing of a skirt and you have a great recipe for body positivity.

What to wear with flared skirts?

To balance the flare of the hem, you need a close-fitting top that stays close to your skin. Turtleneck, Bardot, Cami, and V-Neck blouses are some of the options you can explore. For a business casual look, pair your flared skirt with a button-down shirdt or blazer. For casual or sporty style, wear with t-shirts, tank-tops and crop-tops.  If you are going for the oversized sweater look, adding a belt to the sweater will help define your waist.

Types of Flared Skirts You Need (Whether you have one or dozens)

The Button-Down Flared Skirt

The Leather Look Flared Skirt

The Print Flared Skirt

The Lacy Flared Skirt

The Layered Flared Skirt

The Metallic Flared Skirt

The Mini Flared Skirt

Sitting Pretty in Flared Skirts

The most googled dress code for men is Business Casual. Why? Because Business Casual is the ultimate fashion paradox. It’s basically saying, ‘Be laid-back, but business like at the same time. ‘The average man’s mind goes, ‘How does that work? ‘How am I supposed to show that with an outfit?’ The confusion about what business casual attire means, stems from the fact that it is dependent on the type of organization you work for, the climate, the culture (i.e., company culture and geography) and the age of the employees.

What is Business Casual for men?

Business Casual is about mixing elements of formal business attire with elements of casual attire. Formal enough for a meeting but relaxed enough for drinks. To create business casual attire, start with understanding the elements of formal business attire.

The Components of Traditional Business Casual Attire (Understand the rules then tweak)

If you want to understand the present, look to the past. This saying also holds true for fashion. Knowing how formal business attire came into being, is essential to putting together a relaxed business attire. The traditional business attire consists of a dark matching suit and jacket set, white shirt, dark tie, white pocket square and dark shoes. Removing the elements or replacing them is how we create Business Casual. The easiest way to create a Business Casual look, is to take away the tie from the formal business attire or leave the tie but swap your suit jacket for a blazer. (Hint: Blazers are less formal). The matching trousers can also be replaced with chinos, khaki or wool trousers while keeping the original suit jacket on.

Traditional Business Attire

Business Casual Attire

The Evolution of the Suit

The suits’ origins can be traced to the Royal court in Britain when commoners were forbidden from wearing expensive furs and velvet. Not long after this law was passed, the outbreak of the plague known as the Black Death made Charles III, the then reigning King request that the courtiers tone down their dress to ward off disease. In response, the courtiers started wearing simple tunics and fitted breeches. Gradually, these tunics became more tailored and by the 18th century English nobility started wearing morning suits which slowly evolved from a casual hunting coat into the formal business attire that we know today.

Discern Your Company Culture

Many times, the dress code of the CEO will give you an insight into the company’s culture and the industry you operate in. If that doesn’t work, look around you to know. When I was working in a PR agency, the key accounts we handled though in the telecommunications industry, had events focused on media and entertainment. For Fridays, blazer and jeans was good for meeting up with clients but when I switched to a strategic communications firm which handled government and corporate accounts, jeans even on Fridays was no-no. If you absolutely had to wear jeans, they had to be black and chino-like. The moral of my story? Business casual means different things for different industries.

Remember the Goal

Your goal is to show social authority and mastery by properly interpreting dress codes. Clothing has always been used as a measure of class for as long as history itself. Being well dressed in tune with the codes shows you understand the unspoken language of fashion and this mastery can move you up the career ladder by distinguishing you, and allowing those in Senior Management notice you.

What situations call for business casual attire?

Apart from dress-down Fridays, personal events like going to your child’s end-of-school year party, reunions, and meetings; cultural events, exhibitions, fundraisers, lectures amongst others call for Business Casual attire. When in doubt, remember the rules more equals more. The more details a piece of clothing has, the more casual it becomes for men.

African Men Business Casual

Business Casual and the African Climate

For a long time, traditional African garments were not encouraged in the workplace, but this has changed. Today, the African men’s business casual consists of matching tunic and trousers set. A very versatile outfit made from suit fabric, which is worn for various occasions and can be dressed up or dressed down. Dressing down means swapping the matching trousers for plain black trousers and dressing up means adding other elements of African clothing like hats. Also, the tropical climate of Africa means that tunics are more comfortable and flexible than blazers or suits. Are you looking to buy ready-to-wear African men’s business casual? Shop Joestylee for versatile tunics and matching print sets.

Matching Set

Swapped Trousers

Many cultures have the tunic as well as different ways of wearing it. In the Nigerian culture, the men’s tunic is called different names depending on the fabric and type of pattern on the fabric. If it’s a plain material like cotton, linen, or other suit fabrics it is referred to as Senator, if the fabric has a lion motif, it is referred to as Isi-Agu, when made with Ankara  it is referred to as Native, and if it is a part of a 4-piece traditional ensemble made from Aso-Oke or lace, the tunic becomes an inner wear and  is referred to as Buba.

The creative expressions of Nigerian designers means that the lines between these tunic styles are blurring as designers stretch the boundaries of creativity. An example of how designers push boundaries can be seen in an Agbada outfit worn by celebrity presenter and Big Brother Nigeria show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, which went viral. See it here. Not an Agbada in the technical sense of the word because it lacked an essential element like covering up the neckline, but it was a stylish re-interpretation, revealing the evolving tastes of upwardly mobile Nigerian men.

THE EMBROIDERED TUNIC

The Agbada is known for elaborate embroidery which has become its trademark. Woven by embroidery artisans, the intricacy of the embroidery on the Agbada was used to indicate the wealth and status of the wearer. On the other hand, the Buba which resembles the modern tunic, was originally made with just a little sliver of embroidery around the neckline and was worn with matching trousers. However, this is changing as modern Buba’s are worn with unmatched trousers and now carry elaborate embroidery formerly reserved for the Agbada.

A Short Story about Embroidery

Embroidery is a way to personalize and give creative expression to garments. It involves using needle and colored threads of silk or wool to create stitches that decorate fabric or other materials and its origin dates back thousands of years to China and Siberia.

In Nigeria, embroidery is dominantly practiced by the Hausa’s in the North and the Yoruba’s of South Western Nigeria. The designs created by local artisans from these two cultures differ greatly in motifs because the former used embroidery as a form of representational arts drawing from motifs from the Islamic religion, meanwhile the latter employed embroidery initially, to preserve the neckline of the Buba and Agbada buy later used it to embellish ceremonial costumes.

Hand & Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidery was introduced in Nigeria in the 1960s. Because of the difficult nature of hand embroidery, machine embroidery is the most popular form of embroidery in Nigeria.

Digitized Embroidery

Did you know that today we have digitized embroidery also known as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) that can be downloaded and printed on fabric to save time? Many apparel designers are reducing the time used to design embroidery on fabric by using ready-made downloadable embroidery templates which is then placed on the fabric. This form of embroidery is most-commonly used by new generation African designers to meet the sartorial demands of African millennials.

Tunics for all Occasions

If soot stains your tunic, dye it black, this is vengeance.” This popular saying signifies that white was the standard color of the tunic in times past. Today, the tunic comes in a myriad of colors and styles and is worn by both men and women.

For Africans and Africans in diaspora, the African men’s embroidered tunic has become a uniform in its right for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, church going, the list is endless. Shop BroStylee on JoeStylee for a beautiful range of embroidered or casual tunic styles.

TROUSER STYLES TO WEAR WITH THE JOESTYLEE EMBROIDERED TUNICS

Metallic Trousers

Expand your fashion options with metallic gold trousers and join the league of fashion gods in this Wavy Embroidered Tunic paired with pants from Boyland Casual.

Colored Trousers

If you are tired of playing it safe with black, colored trousers can add the right type of interest to your tunic top. Pair this Lars Amadeus orange pants with the ‘Chairman’ embroidered tunic for maximum style.

Did you learn something new about the African men’s embroidered tunic today? Please share your thoughts with us.

Can you wear boots with chic dresses? Some say no, others say it’s an incredibly hard look to pull off, and I say Yes, you can wear boots with dresses. It depends on the type of dress and the style of boot. My focus in on knee-high boots because it can be confusing to know what type of dress to pair them with, as boot season is upon us, and the options are numerous.  

THE POWER OF DRESSES

Let me introduce you to women’s fashion hack No 1 - dresses. Dresses are the fastest, most efficient way to get dressed. Slip one over your head and you’re covered in effortless glam. Dresses give you the best silhouettes to show of your shape and flatter your figure plus, they never go out of style. There’s a dress for every body-type, every life season and every occasion.

Why Chic Dresses Are Good with Boots?

Boots give sass to the sweet vibes of a dress. Think of it as balancing the feminine and masculine and boots can work with any style aesthetic.

Do Knee-high Boots Suit Everyone?

Yes, anyone can wear them as long as they buy the right type to suit their persona. From delicate, to bulky, to wild and color blocked, there’s something for every woman.

Chicest Dresses to Wear with Knee-high Boots

Sweater Dresses

Perfect for fall and winter, the stretch of the knit means that the dress follows all the lines of the body like a bodycon without being tight. Leather knee-high boots work well here.

Smock Dress

Smock dresses have just the right amount of freedom and femininity. Pairing them with knee-high boots makes for an edgy look.

Blazer Dress

Think of a blazer dress as a man’s suit jacket with a feminine touch. Probably not office appropriate because of its mini length but can be raised to a level of formality with the right tights and boots.

Asymmetric Hem Dress

Also known as the handkerchief-hem dress, an asymmetric hem dress has an uneven hem line which makes it suitable for wearing with boots. Knee-high boots take the hem from casual to tailored.

Color-block Knit Dress

Comfy, soft, and paneled with blocks of color, knit dresses are the modern woman’s wardrobe staple.

Denim Dress

Denim dresses are perfect for fall and winter. Denim is a comfortable and versatile fabric that works well with practically all-types of type of knee-high boots. If you want some extra shine, go for faux leather knee-highs.

Wrap Dress

For cinching in waists and enhancing figures, the wrap dress has a special place in our hearts and goes so well with boots.

Floral Dress

Floral dresses are always in because they represent freshness and newness. Pairing a floral with a knee-high boot adds a toughness that balances out the florals.

Pinafore Dress

Shaped like an apron, the pinafore dress is worn with under layers that fit closely to the body. Knee-high boots give the pinafore a dignified look.

African Print-Patch Dress

For women who love color and value uniqueness, the African print-patch dress is a conversation starter; (‘Where did you get that?’ ‘I love your dress!’) and is a nice item to pair with your much-loved, knee-highs. Get one from Joe Stylee and browse the Sis Stylee collection for a beautiful selection of African-inspired dresses.

There is a way my daughter lights up when she hears her favorite dance songs. She points to her prettiest swishiest skirt while shrieking, ‘Ballet! Ballet!’ and beckons on me to put it on for her. Then the joy in her eyes when she’s swinging away in it. I know, right? Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess and twirl around the room? And that’s the sweetness of dancing, the ability to escape for a moment into another world where everything is perfect.

How Does Costume Affect Dance?

It’s very easy to see that costumes provide enchantment for dance since a 2 year old already understands that swishy skirts make dancing more fun. If dance is the ability to escape into another world, costumes give this escape realness and fluidity. Costumes have been worn for ages as long as dance itself to portray different characters and as a medium of self-expression. Many dancers were icons of style and enhanced dance through their focus on costume, jewels and fashion. Fashion’s love affair with ballet is well known but there is not much information about how fashion has forged a Kizomba style. So, now to Kizomba what it is and how do you dress for a Kizomba class?

What is Kizomba?

Kizomba is a Kimbundu word meaning ‘party’ and is both a type of music genre and a dance style originating from Angola. It is a slow, romantic dance where the leader guides the follower using his right arm and torso. When Samba dancers from Angola started slowing their dance steps to the tempo of the Kizomba music, Kizomba dance was born.Kizomba is sometimes called the ‘African Tango’. This is mainly due to the Cuban elements in the dance infused from Cuba’s presence in Angola during its civil war.

What is Urban Kiz?

Urban Kiz is a couple dance derived from Kizomba. This is Kizomba that has been influenced by a wealth of styles as a result of the dance being exported to other countries. Urban Kiz can be danced to Ghetto-Zouk, Hip-Hop, R&B and Rap; and Urban Kiz is most likely the type of Kizomba outfit you had your first contact with.

How To Dress For A Kizomba Class?

Since Kizomba is a dance of steps and not many turns, women need something free for the lower body but can be fitted at the upper body.  Women can pick from a variety of outfit combinations including tea length dresses or short fit and flare dresses, leotard top and high waist trousers, crop-top and leggings, casual jeans and top, a tunic and leggings, or a stretchy jumpsuit. Not to forget heels. Heels give a certain daintiness to the elegant footwork required of the dance and enhance the sway of the hips.

For men, a nice T-shirt and jeans, or a fitted shirt and pants work well with sport shoes.

Where To Buy Kizomba Dresses or Outfits For Men & Women

As a dance with an African origin, it is good to wear something that is African inspired when going for a Kizomba class. An African inspired short wax skirt paired with a fitted top (shown below) and for men, this tunic (shown below) can be paired with pants or jeans.

Dance is indeed a catalyst for fashion. Fashion designers have often been inspired by the ardent bodies of dancers creating entirely new styles of dress serving as flexible forms of expression. The Tango Visiteor semi-evening gown for example, was a new style of dress created because of the Tango Teas. The Tango Visite was a dress that could be worn on afternoons and yet not be too warm for dancing. 

I love the ease and mystery of the poncho. It’s the perfect slip-on blouse to hide bulges and to layer. You can wear it over anything, dress it up or down and have it in any fiber and color imaginable. If you are a mom like me, the poncho is a lifesaver. Need to slap on something fashionable to pick the kids up from school without looking you tried too hard? The poncho is it.

The poncho has had short bursts of fame on the fashion stage which fizzled out. However the demand for lounge wear during the pandemic hints that the poncho and all other slip-on able clothing like the hoodie are here to stay. It combines the practicality of lounge wear with the sensibility of casual wear and the vibes of cocktail attire.

Where Did The Poncho Come From? 

Originating in South America, ponchos were originally a hand loomed cloth that looked like a cloak and were made in bold colors. The poncho bears some similarities to the African agbada with the difference being that the agbada is joined at the edges whereas the poncho falls loosely. The edges of the poncho can hang parallel like a square, or diagonally, like a diamond.

The Vintage Poncho The most noticeable elements of vintage ponchos is the presence of embroidery, tassels and fringe. The shape could be asymmetrical or square but definitely has s is less likely to be a wrap as is common wand patterns are with poncho designs today.  Scroll down to see how you can style the women vintage poncho for different situations. 

Out And About With The Poncho

The simplest, most straight forward way to wear a poncho is to wear a simple T-shirt underneath and pair it with skinny jeans and heels. In cold weather, replace the T-shirt with a turtleneck.

Work-Ready Poncho Style

How do you make a poncho look formal? Wear a long sleeve shirt under the poncho and button up the collars, then pair with work pants and nice shoes. If wearing with a skirt, break up the diagonal look with a belt, to add interest.

Party Wear

Ponchos are the perfect in-between attire for bridging the gap between day and night. Pair them with a little halter dress or short skirt for cocktail shenanigans.

Vintage Beach Vibes Poncho 

Yes, you can wear your vintage patterned poncho to the beach. They are the perfect cover-up for a swimsuit or can be paired with shorts and flip flops for an aura of summer casual.

Crochet ponchos are real life wearable art giving a cozy, one-of-a kind feeling that only handmade items can give. Today, I look at crochet ponchos and wonder why I never thought about making this during my crochet crazy days seeing that the poncho is more or less an elegant reshaping of a crochet tablecloth.

When I first learned crocheting at age 12, the only type of crochet pieces I remember making were tablecloths, knapsacks (they were the rage then), purses and bags. It was very uncommon to make them into wearable items back then. Now I figure it’s because crochet clothing would be too warm for the tropical climate in Nigeria. Nevertheless, crocheting is a beautiful skill that allows us to weave stories through color and patterns. Still not convinced on why you should own a crochet poncho? Read on.

WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT CROCHET?

Digging into the African-American history of crochet reveals that crochet was actually a subculture and a coping mechanism for many African Americans. The twirling mindlessness and repetitiveness of it was a soothing relief for anxiety and depression and is still a very relaxing activity enjoyed by many today.

Are Crochet Poncho’s Fashionable? 

In a world where we are all trying to find our place and make meaning, the crochet poncho is the perfect outerwear for women who want to negotiate the world on their own terms, (say no to coats and jackets). It is a very versatile piece of clothing that says,‘ I don’t have to fit in, I can be who I want.’ They are the perfect middle way item to give you an extra layer of warmth in a whimsical manner. Crochet ponchos can be worn all year round; light patterns for spring/summer and bulkier patterns for fall/winter.  Also, the fringe fascination on the runways is a subtle pointer to go get that poncho with tassels and all because 2022 is the year of extras, no more minimalism.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE CROCHET PONCHOS?

You’ve managed to grab a 5-day vacation to recharge and refresh amidst a very stressful routine, congrats! You already imagine opening the doors of your hotel room, taking in the astonishing view and taking beautiful pictures but suddenly remember that you don’t have a vacation ready wardrobe. Aaargh! The thought of what to pack is suddenly blowing hot air on your breezy vacation for which you’ve already compiled hashtags - #adventure #passion #style.  (I know right?)

Packing insta-worthy outfits starts with having a quick run-down of what you need from head to toe literally and then visualizing the activities you would be engaging in. Are you going to have long lazy days soaking up all the goodness of your environment or are you going sightseeing? Your answer will determine the contents of your holiday wardrobe. Here’s a simple glam guide for a sight-seeing vacation style.  

HAIR

What hair are you going to be wearing? If you are team natural make sure you pack your essential hair products for keeping your hair beautiful. The go-to-vacation hair style for black women is braids you can put it up or let it down without having to worry about a bad hair day. When you are on vacation, bad hair is something you don’t want to worry about. If you don’t have time to get braids, grab a wig.

FACE 

I am not a beauty maestro but I do like to have the famed vacation glow. Sheer foundation, bronzer, highlighter and lip gloss are the go-to products for getting the coveted sun-kissed look.

OUTFITS

This is where it gets tricky because travel is only as exotic as the vacation outfits you pack (resort wear designers know it’s not where you travel but how you travel). Instead of cramming your bag with different outfits for different looks, pick out versatile vacation pieces that can be dressed up or down. My top pick vacation pieces are camisole midi/ maxi dresses, rompers 2-piece beach sets and also try flare skirt mini.

Camisole Dresses are perfect for doing all the touristy things you set out to do like visiting a local museum or gallery, taking photos from the highest points of the city, visiting a national park, shopping, going to the beach amongst others.   Camisole dresses promise ease and comfort. Be sure to pack one jacket that can be worn over them when you need warmth.

Matching sets are the foundation of any vacation wardrobe. To dress up a 2-piece set, remove the top and replace with a satin cowl neck blouse that goes along with the bottom. Pair with heels and get ready for dinner at a local restaurant or go to a concert. Shop matching separates here scroll below for inspiration on how to wear matching sets.

 2-PIECE INSPIRATION

Footwear – For a 5-day vacation, the most you need is 3 pairs - 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of walking shoes and 1 pair of sandals. Wear the bulkiest shoe on the day of your trip, so you don’t weigh down your luggage.

Don’t forget accessories

Western fashion has often looked to African and African -American culture for inspiration but this time around the world seems to want an official romance with it. Here’s what you should know about when the affair started and how Afropolitans are changing the narrative.

Western designers have been flirting with African symbols, patterns and fibers since as far back as the 1970s when Yes Saint Laurent created a fashion collection that evoked images of an exotic Africa for non -African audiences. These collections were based on what Western designers imagined Africa to be as opposed to what it really was.

As expected, this cultural appropriation, which was not benefitting African designers or textile weavers in any way created an uproar because it was a one-sided affair and was not mutually beneficial. Africa was the glamorous mistress whom Western designers wanted to profit from but not empower. The resistance also came because no one can tell Africans how to be authentically African. Despite the deep cultural similarities, the countries in the continent share different political climates, geographic realities, languages and weather. Meaning that there is no one single narrative of African reality.

These diverse experiences of Africans gave rise to the term Afropolitan. Afropolitans are young Africans with a global outlook, upwardly mobile, culturally savvy, changing the perceptions about Africa through creative expression and redefining what it means to be African in the midst of a multitude of subcultures. To be Afropolitan means we understand that the world is a global village (heck, we are products of that globalization), and that design inspiration can come from anywhere. However, if the fashion world borrows from Africa we ask for recognition, inclusion and empowerment of African designers and retail brands that have worked hard to keep evolving African style, giving it new currency and new associations.

With this understanding, let’s take a look at the top 10 African inspired fashion trends for women that have found their way to the retail fashion streets.

#1 - Matching Couple Outfits

Matching or uniform outfits are the status quo for African couples and family members at special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. Fabric is bought in bulk and made into different glamorous attires by family and friends for an event, to serve as a form of identification, solidarity and love. The world has taken a leaf from this culture by updating pre-wedding photo shoots from matching T-shirts to full matching outfits for couples. on the other hand in winter outfit like boss jacket is the perfect one with the T-shirt for the couple.

#2 - Afro-Pop Culture T-Shirts

Just like African-Americans made hip-hop a dress code, the custom T-shirt era has ushered a longing for expression of different African realities especially by urban African youths. Using personal motifs like hair -do, music and food in bold and unusual ways is now the new cool.

#3 - Boubous & Kaftans

Loose fitting garments worn by African men and women called Boubous or Kaftans have become a wardrobe staple all over the world.

#4 – Tie & Dye

Cultures across the African continent have various tie and dye techniques and motifs signifying varying ideas. Today, these colorful tie -dye prints are a must-have for women all over the world.

#5 - Fringe Love

Traditional African fabrics like Kente. Akwete, Asooke are woven using different types of threads. The ends of the threads are left to hang out as decorative elements at the base and sleeve of garments. The African fringe has a western cousin but the fringe love is universal.

#6 - Head Wraps

African head wraps are made from local fabric or Ankara prints and tied round the head in an intricate style. The trendy head wraps of today are sewn together as ready-made fashion accessories...

#7 - Wooden Jewellery

Jewellery made from utilitarian products like wood have their inspiration from African sculpting and carvings.

#8 - Neck Rings

African neck rings were worn by the South Ndebele of South Africa as part of their traditional dress and as a status symbol for the wearer. Today, statement gold chokers shaped like rings are a hot fashion trend.

#9 - Ankara Print

Though it is said that these prints were brought to Africa by Dutch textile manufacturers, it is the stylish use of these materials by Africans that popularized the fabric. It was Africans who requested for specific patterns to be printed and it was Africans who helped it evolve and popularized it; we made it ours.

#10 - Head to Toe Monochrome/Matching Sets

Going head-to-toe in one color or pattern is a fashion trend that has its roots in African fashion. Yards of fabric are given to tailors to make matching tops and bottoms for both men and women as day wear and occasion wear. The world has caught this monochrome bug.

Also known as Starboy and Bigwiz, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun is a man of style, the best-dressed pop star. In his interview with Alex Frank of Vogue magazine in 2016, his response to the question about his style icon being Pharell reveals his high sartorial inclinations. He went on to say, ‘It’s not about the brands. It’s how you put them together.’ This is the secret code of every stylish person; understanding the how of putting together a look and this response shows you that Wizkid gets it.

Although critics may bemoan his lack of a message or world view and castigate his music for just being about vibes, Wizkid definitely understands the interplay between feel good music and feel good fashion.  

What is feel-good fashion? Feel-good fashion is fashion that doesn’t over think. It’s a feeling-myself, can’t-hold-me-down, laidback, love-my-life kind of fashion just like feel-good fashion which is eclectic, a mix of everything -Wizkid’s songs which combine different elements and styles, definitely fall under this category.

The Building Blocks 

Wizkid, one of the best-dressed pop stars, knows that a good wardrobe starts with investing in the basics - Tshirts. Solid color Tees in red, black, white and orange are his wardrobe staples. A T-shirt is like a blank canvas where all artistic ideas begin, layers and colors can be added, but it all starts with a good T-shirt. His love for T-shirts is seen in his ‘Made in Lagos’ merch with PUMA featuring Tees with slogans scrawled in catchy calligraphy. 

The Chic Toughness of Leather 

Noble, durable and warm, the Starboy loves to layer with leather. He combines the cotton simplicity of a T-shirt with the glossy thickness of leather for an aura of sophisticated grit, a signature look for his stage performances. One of such notable looks is his Monogram Admiral Jacket by Louis Vuitton for his performance at the O2 Arena - Starboy Fest 2019.

The Kiss of Accessories

Stylish people understand the power of accessories. The right accessories should never betray you. Unlike clothes, some weight and your favorite clothing doesn’t fit anymore.  Investing in statement accessories can stand you out; belts, scarves, hats, jewelry, shoes and bags that they will rock for years to come.

Accessories can become the focal point like Wizkid’s red beret in the picture below or they can pull together the look like the second picture below showing him in mustard color sunglasses and matching mustard coloured sweater, paired with silver jewelry. The trick is to keep it personal and simple like Wizkid does.

Never without his sunglasses, neck and finger jewelry, the Starboy is a true wiz with accessories.

The Fun of Prints

From hoodies to jackets, to pants he always finds a way to insert a little drama with unpredictable patterns. Sometimes it’s quirky, sometimes it’s cultural but always eye-catching and inviting.

Afro-inspired fashion definitely leans more towards more prints as showcased in Joestylee.

Who Inspires WizKid’s Fashion?

In his A Day in the Live, a 3-hour live coverage of a typical day in Wizkid’s life with Julie Adenuga, he says he never had a lot of clothes growing up and reveals for the first time that his keen sense of style was inspired by his late father’s dapperness. My father made me fall in love with clothes. I would see my dad going for an outing wearing clothes made by his personal tailor and I would be like, check this out’. Watching his fashion stylist, Karen Binns hand him outfit after outfit in preparation for his exclusive performance of songs from his Made in Lagos album you realize that his style really is intentional; he may have clothing already picked out for him, but he keeps mixing and matching until it feels just right.

Just like we cannot choose the family we are born into, we also cannot choose the bodies we are born with. The good news however, is that we can choose how we dress the bodies we are born with. Fashion changes but your body type may not change as much remains. So how do you adopt fashion to suit your body type?    

First of all, understand that not all fashions will suit your body type.  If a trend does not agree with your body type, it’s best to sit it out. Secondly, dressing well consists of several factors including good fit, color and pattern choice.  Before we delve into this, let’s talk about the 5 main body types for men.

The 5 Common Body Types for Men

The Rectangle - This is the most common body types for men. This body type is straight up and down i.e chest, waist and hips are the same width. 

The Triangle - This body type for men has narrow shoulders and wider waist and hips. 

The Trapezoid - This is the body shape of many male models. With broad shoulders, narrow waist and hips, this shape is “well balanced”. Since society celebrates this body type, most men in this category rarely have to worry about proportions because they can pull off most looks.  

The Oval - This shape has narrow shoulders, round belly and waist.  A lot of African/African American men fall into this body bracket due to genetics and diet. 

The Inverted Triangle - This is the much celebrated and admired gym man. He has very broad shoulders and chest and a narrow waist. As desirable as this body type may seem, it is the least common body type for men and not as easy to find the right fit.

Having understood the common body types for men, let’s look at the 3 most important things to consider in dressing for your body type.

Color - How Color Affects You

Hair, Eye and Face Coloring 

There are basically three types of coloring for both men and women - low, medium and high contrast. Contrast simply means the depth of color in the hair, eyes and skin. Low contrast means that the color of the hair and skin are the same, medium contrast means that the color of the hair and skin are slightly different while high contrast means that the color of the hair and skin are vastly different. 

A high contrast face thrives on bright colors while a low contrast complexion thrives on neutral or muted colors and a medium contrast face can play with a wide range of colors. African- American men are usually low to medium contrast. This can change if the hair is dyed red, white, blue or any other color different from his natural brown/black skin color, then the person would be high contrast. Look for colors that mirror your contrast so as to call attention to your face.  

Also note that light colors have an enlarging effect and dark colors have a slimming effect. So, note your body type, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, oval and inverted triangle. We already said the ideal body type is the trapezoid so your goal would be to use color in a way that balances you out to look like a trapezoid body type.  If you are wider at the top, use light colors for your bottoms and dark colors on top and if you are narrow at the top use light colors at the top and dark colors at the bottom. The exception is the rectangle body type. This body type will use color to emphasize his waist and break up the rectangle.

PATTERN - USE PATTERNS TO HIDE OR SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

Patterns can be used to create a point of interest in outfits and to camouflage flaws.  Vertical stripes create a slimming illusion while horizontal stripes give a wider illusion. Just like color, use patterns to call attention to places you want to highlight or conceal.  The goal is to give each body type a balanced silhouette. 

The Triangle body type who are wider at the bottom can use bold prints at the top to give a semblance of wide shoulders but should avoid shirts with horizontal stripes around the midsection or statement belts because they add bulk to an already bulky place. Vertical stripes are this body type’s best friend.

The Trapezoid already has balanced proportions so this body type can use patterns just for fun to create a signature style. 

The Rectangle body should use horizontal stripes to give the illusion of width. This body type can play with different pattern scales on top and bottom to create dimension and contrast as well as break up this body type’s straight block.

The Inverted Triangle has to downplay the shoulders breadth and emphasize his lower half using plaids or horizontal stripes.

The Oval body should use vertical stripes to give a slimming effect and avoid large print, horizontal stripes as they make him look bigger (of course if the goal is to look slimmer).

FIT - HOW TO GET YOUR PERFECT FIT  

Fit is everything when it comes to good dressing. A million-dollar suit will look cheap if it hangs wrongly on the man while a 100 dollar suit will make the man feel like a million bucks if it sits perfectly on his frame. 

For Jackets, start with the shoulder - This is the most important part in a man’s outfit because a bad cut in the shoulders cannot be adjusted unlike sleeves and hems which can be taken in. A well fitted shoulder will lay perfectly flat and not bulge but must have enough room for movement and flexing. 

Next the buttons – Close up the jacket and see how it goes over the body. If it makes an X shape in front, it is too tight. If the lapels hang too far forward, it’s too loose.

Then the cuffs - A half-inch of shirt cuff should be visible beyond the jacket cuff. The jacket should never hide the entire sleeve cuff.

Down to the length - The jacket should not cover the backside entirely. It should drape over the top of the curve formed by the backside.

Move up to the collar – A jacket collar should rest against the shirt collar with no gaps in between. If there are gaps, it means the collar is too big. A too tight jacket collar will appear as folds and bunching at the back of the jacket.

For Shirts - Shoulder seams should hug the shoulder and cuffs should reach just past the wrists. 

For Pants - The backside of a trouser should hang in a smooth drape over the rear end. It should not hang too loose at the thighs or pull too tightly over the rear. The rule is never to buy pants that are too tight because it can almost never be adjusted. For pant breaks (the line that forms when your trouser touches your shoe) the no break silhouette is trendy but it is mainly a matter of preference. The standard pants should give just a small horizontal dimple on top of your shoes.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CLOTHES FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS AND FIND THE RIGHT BRAND FOR YOU. 

This requires a little digging around online. Some brands are known for making the best shirts for tall men, some for crafting the best blazers and others for well-fitting pants in different fabrics.  Start your search by checking online and then you can go in-store to check the selection. Once you identify the brands that work for your body type, stick with it.

IF YOU CAN’T FIND THE RIGHT FIT, ALTER IT!

What Should Be In The African American Man’s Closet

What should be in the modern African-American man’s closet? What are those items he must possess to have a wardrobe he is proud of? The goal of this article is to not only present a visual guide of clothing essentials, but also to help you understand the foundations of true style so you can look at something and determine if it’s in sync with who you are and your stylistic beliefs. Some may argue that dressing the black man should not be that deep but it is, because clothes are unspoken language. Every time a black man dresses up, he is sending a message about how he views the world and his place in it.

Who am I?

Self-understanding is the bedrock of true style. Self-understanding is knowing your history, your values, your message and your vision. The world makes assumptions about how black men should behave, live or act and, most importantly, look. However, there are many ways to be black as there are many black people. So, binding yourself to what the world believes you should be instead of understanding who you really are will prevent you from finding your power. 

How do I turn self-knowledge to style? 

Style is a matter of inspiration and developing an individual sense of what is elegant and wearable. So, what inspires you? Music, art, food, sports? Find a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe. Who inspires you? Look at these people, study how they put themselves together and how they have crafted a signature style. 

Style is also a matter of understanding the principles of good grooming and marrying it with personal inspiration. Good grooming may still be a vague term for men who just want to know what they need to have in their wardrobe. So simplifying further, style is understanding your body type and picking the right clothing to enhance it. Learn more about dressing for your body type by learning about fit, color and pattern. 

Style begins with a classic Wardrobe

A classic wardrobe stays timeless regardless of the changing fashions and relies heavily on neutrals, solid colors and discrete patterns. But do not confuse a classic wardrobe with invisibleness or blandness. A classic wardrobe is like a foundation, once you get this foundation right, you can start to buy with extras. 

Some people say that good things come in threes and the list of closet essentials have been grouped in threes to create combinations that can produce over 20 different looks.

The 3 Types of Layers – Cable-knit crew neck sweater, sports jacket and trench coat    

The 3 Shoes You Need – Oxford dress shoes for formal occasions, sneakers for everyday casual wear and Chukka boots for everything in between. Allen Edmonds is a brand that makes all 3 types well.

The Formal Trio - A classic tuxedo in black, a navy suit and a charcoal grey suit for black tie and business events. Check Amazon for Calvin Klein work suits in standard colors at very good prices.

The 3 Shirts – The white dress shirt to wear with a tuxedo, a light blue shirt to wear with a navy suit and a lightly striped shirt to wear with a gray suit. Check Suit Supply for classic fabrics and tailoring.

3 Ties -A classic bow tie for wearing a tuxedo, a solid colour plain tie to wear with a navy blue suit and a patterned tie to wear with a charcoal gray suit. 

3 Pairs of Casual Pants - A dark wash jeans which goes with any T-shirt, sweater or blazer, a Chinos trouser for the days you want to ditch the jeans and a wool trouser for a casual sophisticated look. 

3 Cords – A black formal belt for dressing a suit, brown casual belt that is practical and hardwearing and a fabric belt for summer style. Columbia has some sturdy and well-designed pieces.

Accessories Threesome -  A hat, cufflinks and a great watch.

3 African Inspired Attires To Show Some Culture – Joestylee is an African inspired brand that embodies the courage of the modern African American Man to do something different and unexpected. If you live in Africa, there are many street stores and local shops that make traditional and modern African articles of clothing.  If you live outside Africa, then Joestylee is your go-to online store.

The holidays provide an opportunity for families and friends to bond, share love and spend quality time together. This means there are lots of invitations to parties and outings. For fathers, invitations to parties mean dressing up which can give rise to confusion about what to wear. Here’s a list of dapper celebrity Dads to inspire your festive holiday wardrobe.

What is Festive Holiday Style and how to dress for it?

Festive holiday style is simply cocktail attire with festive flair that can be worn to formal Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve parties or your Christmas photo shoot.  The hall mark of festive attire rests on color, fabric, and details. Colors like red, green and jewel tones; fabric like plaid, tartans, tweeds, knits, cashmere, satin, velvet and details like sequins, rhinestones, and crystals. Basically, anything with a lot of sparkle or pattern or both.

Celeb Dads with the Best Holiday Style

John Legend

With his legendary song about what Christmas means to him and his excellent taste in formal wear, John Legend is a walking Christmas Style Bible for Dads. He is conscious about what he wears and puts in the effort to look good for himself and his family of four, soon to be 5. Get the scoop about that here. Though he says his style is constantly evolving as he wears what feels right in the moment, his go-to for classic tailoring is Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith.

Prince Harry

His willingness to step back from Royal life to protect his wife and children from direct and indirect discrimination make this royal dad rank high on our list. Dad to Archie and Lilibet, Prince Harry is settling well into fatherhood. As a royal, his style is always impeccable no doubt, but Harry makes sure to add flair to his outfit with colorful ties and tries to color coordinate as much as possible with his wife for events. Can you spot his tie and the inner lining of his suit which matches his wife’s emerald attire? I can’t think of a better way to impress your significant other for year-end festivities.

Kevin Hart

This celebrity dad is big on family. He never fails to release yearly Christmas cards with his kids Heaven, Hendrix, Kenzo and Kaori.  He’s also a star of Christmas cocktail style. Most notably is his consistent black and white palette which he explains makes his wardrobe classic and trend proof. A true man of style, he is particular about fit, which is why his Dior suits are always tailored to the nines. If you want to emulate Kevin Hart's style, keep your festive attire tailored, fitted and simple.

Wizkid

In an interview with ThisDay Style, Wizkid revealed that what keeps him going strong in his career is family and love. Indeed, this celebrity dad is a family man, and his family comes first as shown by how he dotes on his lovely kids Boluwatife Balogun, Ayodeji Balogun Jnr, and Zion Balogun. So, what festive holiday style can we pick up from the Afrobeat star who has strutted international fashion runways? Replace the regular suit and shirt combo at your holiday party with a coordinating pant/shirt set in Christmas colors and a T-shirt. More tips on Wizkid’s style can be found here.

David Beckham

Father to Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper Beckham, David Beckham has described his children as his motivation.  One of sports best dressed man, the Beckham name is synonymous with fashion because his, wife, Victoria Beckham is an acclaimed fashion designer. It’s no wonder that this celebrity dad schools other Dad’s on Dad dressing. A holiday fashion tip to pick up from Beckham is to pay attention to the fabric of your outfit.

Jay Z

World famous rapper and entrepreneur Jay Z, is father to Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir. Like Kevin Hart, he also likes to don a good designer suit that fits and is best known for his monochrome looks.  Our festive holiday takeaway from Jay-Z is to look for a color that is neutral but doesn’t wash you out.

Will Smith

Will Smith is an older celebrity dad who has grown in wisdom about parenting. He admits in an interview with People Magazine that he didn’t always connect with his kids, Trey, Jaden, and Willow at the depth they wanted. However, that is changing because he has learnt that the best parenting is to admit mistakes or ignorance (don’t be a know it all) and learn and grow yourself. Style wise, Smith is known for tasteful fashion because he is very realistic about what works and what doesn’t. He also likes to keep his style fresh, yup he is the Fresh Prince of Bel Air remember? Our festive holiday learnings from Will Smith are that leather is a staple that always works and to keep things fresh and unexpected with pattern.

Idris Elba

British actor Idris Elba is father to Isan Elba and Winston Elba. Our style takeaway from Elba is to step away from safe Christmas colors. A camel color suit paired with the right shirt is Christmas cocktail worthy.

Ryan Gosling

Husband to Eva Mendes and dad to Esmeralda Amada and Amanda Lee, Ryan Gosling is a doting dad who keeps an eye on the clock because his children are growing up so fast, something all parents can relate with. This doting dad is also a dapper dad known for using color to add fun to black-tie outfits.

Ryan Reynolds

Canadian American actor Ryan Reynold is the happy father of 3 girls with a +1 on the way. Reynold and his wife Blake Lively are the epitome of the all-American family; beautiful, rich and in love. Asides his humor, our holiday style lesson from the X-Men star is Ryan Reynold is how to power dress by mixing modern and traditional suit elements to create 3-piece ensembles.

Save this article or share with someone you know, who needs some Dad style holiday inspiration.

All the magical rom-com movies of finding love during the holidays make a winter wedding in a celebrity inspired wedding dress, the perfect festive tale. Read on to see our top picks of celebrity wedding dresses and what brides-to-be can borrow from them. Who's to say this can't serve as your something borrowed?

Celebrity Cape-Calls

From being used by actors to disappear on stage to being used by military officials and royals, capes have an intriguing history. They are the perfect way to make an entrance: sweeping, show-stopping and sophisticated.  Fashion designers over the centuries have reinvented capes for formal occasions, especially balls and weddings because of its functionality and flourish.

Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles shows us how to be a super bride in her wedding dress designed by Stephane Rolland for her marriage to Alan Ferguson in 2014. From the full-on cape gown to a jumpsuit with cape, Solange‘s dress is iconic and perfect for saying  “I do" in winter.

Serena Williams

World famous tennis player Serena Williams married husband Alexis Ohanian in a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen princess gown and cape. The cape transforms the ball gown giving it a regal effect perfect for the couples Disney Princess theme.

Unveiling the Wedding Dress

Wedding veils have come a long way from its origins in Rome, when brides wore a veil over their face as a disguise from evil spirits who wanted to stand in the way of their happiness. It moved on to serve as a symbol of reverence, humility, and purity. Today, veils are worn not just for religious or cultural reasons, but to reflect the bride’s personal style. The veil is one accessory that brides love to play with because it offers many opportunities to create show stopping moments as seen in Priyanka Chopra and Victoria Swarovski’s wedding dresses.

Priyanka Chopra

Former Miss World and Indian actress, Priyanka Chopra made an unforgettable entrance in a 75-foot-long veil as she wed Nick Jonas. Her hand beaded and hand embroidered dress designed by Ralph Lauren took a total of 1,826 hours to complete. While her 75-foot veil required a team of 6 people to carry it. Amazing, isn’t it?

Victoria Swarovski

Heiress to the famous Swarovski crystal brand, Victoria Swarovski  tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, German property  investor, Werner Mürz, in a million dollar dress with a 25 foot veil and 500,000 crystals designed by Michael Cinco.

Seal your love in Prints!

Warm-up your winter wedding with perky prints that illustrate the beauty of love and family. Angelina Jolie and Sophia Bush give us the ultimate inspiration on artful wedding dresses.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie’s custom-made wedding dress designed by Donatella Versace was a literal  work of art with pictures drawn by her children turned into embroidery by Atelier Versace master tailor Luigi Massi.

Sophia Bush

The One Tree Hill star chose a Monique Lhuillier floral print dress for her wedding to Grant Hughes earlier this year. From her choice of wedding dress to wedding venue (the Philbrook Museum of Art) the wedding was a celebration of arts and the environment.

With these Sleeves, I Wed Thee

The focal point of many wedding dresses is the neckline and the sleeves.  There was a time when strapless and spaghetti strap dresses reigned supreme. This soon changed after Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William of England. Her long sleeve dress designed by Sarah Burton revived the long sleeve wedding dress style. Today glove sleeves are making a come-back as seen in the weddings of Kourtney Kardashian and Nicola Peltz. Best of all,  they are perfect for winter wonderland weddings.

Kourtney Kardashian

For her marriage to Travis Barker earlier this year, Kourtney Kardashian went for a mini dress with net glove sleeves designed by Dolce & Gabbana.

Nicola Peltz

American actress and daughter of billionaire, Nicola Peltz wed Brooklyn Beckham,  first son of David and Victoria Beckham in a Valentino gown with lace gloves which matched her lace veil. Contrary to exoectations that she would wear a gown from her mother-in-laws atelier(read about why she couldn't),  the lace gloves make this dress a hit.

Bouquet Brilliance

Technically not part of a wedding dress, bouquets are an important element of a bride’s outfit. Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles of England in 1981 featured a show-stopping 42-inch bridal bouquet of gardenias, freesias, orchids, and lily of the valley. This cascading bouquet changed the trend of smaller bouquets to big and flowing. Like the people's princess, an over-the-top bouquet maybe all you need to make heads turn.

In summary, having a beautiful wedding dress comes down to details and coordination. I hope these celebrity wedding dresses give you all the inspiration you need to create an exceptional wedding dress for a memorable winter celebration.