Style devotees and aficionados—those enjoying a life-long, whirlwind liaison with fashion—acknowledge how crucial certain staples and accessories are to a remarkable and outstanding wardrobe. They cherish these vital duds and appurtenances that elevate them from well-dressed to best-dressed.
From high-octane evening shindigs to weddings and cocktails, business meetings or a night out, cognoscenti know the gasp-inducing head turners that set hearts aflutter. They possess items to die for in their carefully curated wardrobes—and for them, winning in the fashion and style department is a piece of cake!
So, what do style leaders do differently? They methodically identify events that occupy their time, and pay attention to assembling quality and luxe items for these activities they immensely enjoy. No short cuts. No cutting of corners.
They start with the list of engagements that multiply their pleasure, and buy—over a considerable period—the togs that suit their age, lifestyle, status and income.
Let’s start with the recommendation of a colossus whose lifelong dedication to the craft is an ode to mastery. Giorgio Armani—the 89 year-old Italian who founded his eponymous brand in 1975—signposted one of the must-have items for gentlemen: ‘A navy blue suit is the most essential item in a man’s wardrobe.’
Oscar de la Renta (1932–2014), the iconic designer from the Dominican Republic, on his part, pinpointed a compulsory staple for ladies: ‘A simple yet elegant dress is the most versatile item in a woman’s wardrobe.’
And here are some other ‘mandatory’ items that set connoisseurs apart for the occasions that colour their world wonderful and winsome:
High octane evening shindigs
Ladies:
o elegant floor-sweeping evening gown in a muted colour with dainty high heels (or, comfortable footwear for the gracefully aging and charming), classic watch, earrings and necklace and a bejeweled clutch bag.
o iro and buba in timeless and rich fabric with gele and ipele and all accessories fit for a queen.
o form-skimming, floor-caressing 2-piece traditional skirt and blouse combo in luxurious fabric with unobtrusive accessories.
Gentlemen:
o white tie ensemble (wool evening tailcoat with grosgrain silk lapel and trousers with braids along the side seams, white Marcella waistcoat, shirt and bow tie, suspenders, cufflinks and studs set, pocket watch, pocket square, white gloves, black knee-length socks and black patent opera pumps or Oxford).[1]
o tuxedo ensemble (wool jacket, waistcoat or cummerbund, trousers with braids or galon, white dress shirt, black bow tie, suspenders, cufflinks, black knee-length socks, black patent Oxford, pocket square and pocket watch).[2]
o 3-piece flowing agbada/babariga with tone-on-tone handmade embroidery in white, navy or black paired with loafers (penny, horsebit, tasseled, venetian or wildsmith) and appropriate cap.
Dinners and awards (usually have dress codes which you should follow to the letter)
Ladies:
o same as for high-octane events (but slightly modified a step below).
Gentlemen:
o tuxedo, or a dark suit (wool jacket, waistcoat, trousers, shirt, tie, suspenders, cufflinks, socks, Oxford, pocket square and pocket watch), agbada/babariga or ankle/shin-lenght kaftan with loafers and befitting cap.
Cocktails
Ladies:
o simple, elegantly cut and tailored dress without fuss or flamboyance accessorised with quiet items and moderate high heels.
o skirt or trousers suit with a blouse or shirt and court shoes.
o understated 2-piece traditional skirt and blouse without attention-grabbing accessories.
o blazer paired with a clean cut skirt or trousers, and a blouse or shirt with desirable footwear.
Gentlemen:
o navy or grey blazer with gold or silver buttons paired with trousers and shirt, with a tie, cravat or sans tie, loafers or semi-brogues.
o 2-piece kaftan in sombre colours with loafers and cap.
Weddings
For ladies and gentlemen:
o same as for a dinner (but the tuxedo for gentlemen is replaced with a dark suit).
Gentlemen who live in Europe or the USA may choose the morning dress ensemble (cutaway tailcoat and morning striped trousers, waistcoat, shirt and tie, suspenders, cufflinks, pocket watch, socks, pocket square and Oxford). [3] However, when it is a destination wedding, more colourful formal garbs in lighter fabrics and more brilliant colours can be worn.
Parties
o Depending on the nature of the party and how gorgeous you are expected to turn out, ladies and gentlemen should adopt the recommendation for dinners, awards and weddings.
Meetings
Ladies and gentlemen:
o business attire suitable for a formal environment, or smart business casual apparel will win any day.
Travels
o The attire you choose for your travel and leisure largely depends on your age, status and destination. But comfort and decency rank high in picking travel ensembles.
With business casual, you can hardly go wrong on planes or out and about. Casual clothes will pass for more leisurely activities and longer flights.
Beach
o Lady or gentleman, you need an age and figure-appropriate swimming gear. Don’t forget the swanky leisure wear to cover them up with!
Dates and nights out
o It depends on the venue and required dress codes. Most times, business casual or casual passes.
To win with a wondrous wardrobe populated with breathtaking items requires meticulous investment in classic and elegant pieces that will allow you to walk tall and proud at all the activities that mean the world to you. And the more you participate in these events, the more attention you should pay to building your wardrobe with more items that give you joy and set you apart to continually lead in the style department.
-Kunle Bakare for Omoluwabi by KB (14.06.2024)
[1] This ensemble is favoured for the Nobel Prize ceremonies.
[2] Fashionable actors prefer the black or midnight blue tuxedo in one-button single-breasted or double-breasted with 6 buttons.
[3] Royals and aristocrats opt for this ensemble popular at the Ascots.
