Thursday, January 22, 2015

LOOKING GLAMOROUS FOR CHURCH

LOOKING GLAMOROUS My mum told me that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana once had a dress code for church service and without this one is not allowed to enter a Presbyterian church auditorium: men were expected to wear suits and women wore full ‘kaba’ and ‘slit’ with their hair covered. I believe the objective for this was to make church members look glamorous and somehow decent. However, the church today allows many dressing as long as they are ‘decent’. Many people will go the extra mile just to look glamorous for church. Besides, looking good makes one feel better and there is nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, trying to look glamorous does not have to cost a fortune. This is because Fashion Gurus such as Mary Portas, believe that glamour comes from within. She said, “it’s not about what you wear… It’s about when you feel amazing. It’s about feeling confident… You can’t really buy it.” Fashion gurus say looking glamorous just takes a little time, a little self-knowledge, a little self-discipline and the fear of God. I believe there is no need to go through so much stress to look glamorous as Fashion Gurus provide five important steps to follow to be considered ‘well dressed’. Firstly, to be well dressed, your clothing and accessories must complement your physical appearance. Your clothing and accessories must highlight you asserts, your positive physical traits and if possible, cover your liabilities or physical flaw. For instance, heavy weight women should possibly avoid horizontal strips since they will make them look heavier. Secondly, your clothing and accessories must coordinate in color, pattern and fabric. This means the colors of your clothes must be harmonious. Appropriately, wear colors that complement your hair and skin color. Possibly, the color of the belt must match with the color of the shoes, handbags and perhaps the watch leather band. Thirdly, your clothing must fit properly. Which means you must consider your height and weight when choosing your clothes. Also you can find a tailor or seamstress to alter your clothing if it does not fit for a while; maybe when you lose weight or gain weight. Fourthly, wear current clothes. This means your clothes should be modern. Fashion changes every time. Therefore you must keep up with it. This does not mean you should buy any kind of style in season even if it does not look good on you or make you feel comfortable and portray the Christ in you. Fifthly, wear clothes and accessories that are appropriate for the occasion or season. This suggests that one do not overdress or underdress for an occasion. Every occasion has its own dressing code. There is appropriate attire for church and another for parties. Being overdressed or underdressed for an occasion will make you and even those around you feel uncomfortable. Therefore, remember to always ask for the dress code before choosing a dress. These steps also apply to men in their quest to have the ‘killer look’ (the look that will win and cause the women to swoon). In addition, men can also take note of the following points:  Belt - Always wear a belt and the belt must match the shoes.  Watch – men can also consider wearing a watch. It makes them look extremely attractive though a quartz watch looks better than a digital watch.  Shoes - Shoes must be classy and comfortable at the same time and must be polished (spotless). Brown and black shoes are recommended.  Handkerchief - A white handkerchief is important.  Wallet - A leather wallet is bluffing and essential. It makes men appear rich even if they are not. A good (executive) pen would not be bad at all.  Cologne/perfume - It is desirable that both men and women use a cologne/perfume that demands attention but does not scream for attention. I have come to understand that dressing is more about projecting the right image. And I believe you will agree with that being well-dressed is not just about beautiful garments and accessories, expensive brands, the latest trends or exposing vital parts of your body. It is just about how you put your looks together and how you wear your clothes and accessories. Additionally, looking good makes you feel more confident and friendlier. It is therefore, important to look good and nice but not to the point where everyone will think all you think about is your clothes. Once you become glamorous, it is like a drug, you become addicted. Finally, you have the freedom to dress in whatever way you please in your personal life but I entreat you to always remember to ask yourself some few questions; such as: “will God be happy with me wearing this?”, “will this dressing win a soul for Christ”, “Do I look ‘Christian-like’?”, “do I feel comfortable and confident?” etc. when you are dressing. I believe the trick is ‘keep it stylishly simple and Christian-like’ and do not forget that the way you dress creates a bigger impression about you and impressions count a lot.