You get an invitation. Date, time, venue — all perfectly clear. Then you reach the dress code: Chic.
Okay. But what exactly are we wearing?
“Chic” is one of those dress codes that sounds helpful until you actually have to get dressed. Black tie, we understand. Cocktail gives us something to work with. Traditional is straightforward enough. Chic could mean a silk dress and heels, a beautifully cut trouser suit or even jeans with the right blazer.
What it really means is: look stylish, polished and appropriate for where you’re going. Not casual, not red-carpet, and definitely not like you tried on everything in your wardrobe at once.
Start With Where You’re Going
The venue is your biggest clue. A chic birthday dinner at a restaurant in Victoria Island requires something different from a chic garden party at 2pm.
For brunch, think a great midi dress, a smart co-ord or wide-leg trousers with an interesting top. At night, you can go sharper or sexier — a fitted dress, elegant jumpsuit, silk skirt or tailored trousers.
And when in doubt, Google the venue. Seeing the space will quickly tell you whether the outfit in your hand is doing too much — or nowhere near enough. The venue usually tells you more than the dress code does.
A Great Dress Rarely Fails
There is a reason we keep returning to dresses when we don’t know what to wear: they solve most of the outfit in one go.
Choose one with something interesting about it — a beautiful neckline, draping, an unusual sleeve, a great colour or a flattering silhouette. It doesn’t need to be new, tight, short or covered in embellishment.
The best option is usually the dress that makes you stand a little straighter when you put it on.
Yes, You Can Wear Jeans
Depending on the event, absolutely. But the jeans need good supporting actors.
Dark straight-leg or wide-leg denim with a beautiful blouse, fitted top or sharp blazer can easily pass the chic test. Add good shoes, jewellery and a proper evening bag, and you’re there.
Distressed jeans, an everyday T-shirt and the flats you wore to the supermarket? Different invitation.
Tailoring Is Your Friend
Chic doesn’t automatically mean feminine dresses and heels. Sometimes the woman in perfectly cut trousers and a fabulous top is the best-dressed person in the room.
Try wide-leg trousers with a fitted top, a waistcoat worn as a top, or a sharp suit with barely-there sandals. An oversized blazer over something slinky underneath also works beautifully.
The important thing is fit. Clothes don’t have to be expensive to look good, but they do need to sit properly.
African Prints Absolutely Count
Ankara, adire and other African textiles aren’t reserved for weddings or invitations that say “traditional.”
A contemporary Ankara dress, an adire skirt with a crisp shirt or beautifully tailored print trousers can look incredibly chic. The trick is not to make everything compete. If the fabric is already colourful and busy, you probably don’t need enormous earrings, embellished shoes and a statement bag joining the conversation.
No, Heels Are Not Compulsory
This one deserves saying because too many feet have suffered in the name of fashion.
Slingbacks, kitten heels, elegant mules, embellished flats and even the right loafers can work. Choose according to the outfit and, importantly, the event. If you know you’ll be standing for four hours, plan accordingly.
Taking your shoes off under the table before the main course is not particularly chic.
Coming Straight From Work? Change Three Things
There isn’t always time to go home and start again.
If you’re heading straight from the office, start the day in good trousers, a skirt or a simple dress. Before you leave, change your shoes, bag and jewellery. Add lipstick, loosen your hair or slick it back, and suddenly the sensible 10am outfit has somewhere to be at 8pm.
Keeping a pair of evening shoes and statement earrings in the car has saved more social lives than we acknowledge.
Let One Thing Do the Talking
Especially in Lagos, there can be a temptation to wear the dress, earrings, necklace, statement bag, embellished shoes and possibly a small chandelier on your head for good measure.
Resist.
If the dress is dramatic, let it have its moment. If you’re wearing enormous earrings, perhaps the necklace can stay home. The same applies to designer pieces. The logo belt, monogram bag, statement shoes and oversized sunglasses don’t all need to attend the same party.
Chic usually has a focal point. Choose yours.
And When in Doubt, Slightly Overdress
There are few feelings worse than walking into a room and immediately realising everyone understood the assignment except you.
If you genuinely can’t gauge the event, err slightly on the polished side. Choose the nicer dress, carry the smaller bag, add the jewellery and make an effort with your hair. You can always take off the blazer or remove an earring.
