Before I say anything about the fashion of the day I think I should first say I love seeing us all supporting positive youth activities. It’s always excellent to see such a large crowd turn out for anything local but it is especially heartwarming that it was in support of our younger citizens. Now, I do realize a large percentage of the crowd came for the lime or for the chance to show off their new threads, but for whatever reason you all were there and that should be commended. Enough of that, let’s get down to the fashion. Leggings and Tights and Plaid, Oh My! It seemed the trend for the day to wear coloured leggings with a dress tops or a plaid button up safari style shirt. It would have been my choice to absolutely avoid this trend because of the likeliness that so many others would wear the same style. But I do understand that it gave the wearer the chance to absolutely cover themselves with the school colour of their choice. So I shall say for this occasion it was appropriate. On the flip side of this style, to those who chose a shiny “leather” full length legging for this occasion, I will say you are very brave. The occasion really did not require any glitz for one and also I am very sure the heat affected you more than the rest of us. Black leather should ALWAYS be avoided for a day event in the Caribbean. This is one casual trend we need to leave for evenings only. Another variation to the popular legging choice was the patterned tights. This can be a very interesting selection, but ladies just watch colour and pattern contrast and conflicts. Another thing spotted at the park were ladies wearing high heels. To quote a friend of mine, “Heels? Really? Smarten up!” Which makes me think I need to add to my rule of a 2-inch maximum heel for rocky terrain: that for any event at the park, which has any of the words ‘sports,’ ‘ball’ or ‘one-day’ in its name, heels should be strictly avoided. Think about it this way – if you wear them and you twist your ankle you can’t wear heels again for weeks. Weeks without heels! Torture! A good choice for sports day style would have been a nice pair of jeans and a casual top. The slightly distressed or torn denim is very trendy right now. This look, though very casual, would have been great for the day because the wear could pair the pants with a coloured top to support their school. Finishing this look, a pair of trendy sneakers, or for a less hip-hop look a pair of strappy sandals. These days denim is so vast and varied that you stand a good chance that you and only you are wearing that particular outfit. Personally, my choice for inter-primary would have been a short, lightweight halter or sleeveless jumpsuit. Shorts are definitely very in right now; most designers are showing more leg in preparation for summer. For the less daring a Capri or slightly longer pant solves any conservative issues. This accessorized with a cute belt (to cinch in the waist for some shape), diva shades (to battle the sun) and sandals would be a chic, cool and very trendy outfit. To the gents, it’s hard to really critique you. Most of you wear the standard issue brand name loose fitted jeans/slacks, brand name loose fitting t-shirt/Polo and a brand name pair of sneaker/boots and top it all off with a matching fitted cap. I can’t say you guys don’t look very good but it’s time to mix things up. I credit those guys the dare to wear bright colours. Also I have to love the more tailored baton ups some have sported. Very big in men’s wear right now is the slimmer fitting denims and graffiti printed shirts. In my personal opinion, there is nothing sexier on a man than a crisp button up shirt worn with not-too-baggy jeans and a clean pair of timberlands. Yum! Just as an afterthought, I want to speak on clothing appropriateness, and I saw something I thought was not. Our reigning Nevis Culture Queen is undoubtedly one of the most stunning fitness bodies in the Federation. She can pretty much wear anything and look fabulous. Hands down I think no one would have looked as good as she did in her choice of dress for the day. My issue is that it really was not appropriate for the presentation of trophies to the children that won. Miss culture would be the only person in the park with a valid reason for wearing heels, yes. They give her a regal and stately image. But I personally thought the dress was a little too short and a lot too tight. The dress itself took too much attention away from the children on the platform. A looser, more casual outfit would have been a better choice, and she, I do not doubt, would have look stunning in it. With that said, I want to commend the Culturama Queen on being there to make the presentations. I am sure it was a truly exciting experience for the children to not only receive a gold, silver or bronze award, but to have been presented this honor By Miss Nevis made it all the more spectacular. But that’s just my opinion. Please suggest weekly topics or make comments good or bad! Let me know what’s on your mind By emailing fashion2thestreet@gmail.com.
