Xmas in the village: Hitting upcountry for the Christmas holidays? Here is how to remain stylish without scandilising the elders.
“I have asked for the leave days, grandpa has promised to slaughter a cow, all is really set, except what clothes to pack,” This is the dilemma of a friend of mine who has just learnt that this year, there is no way she can dodge spending Christmas in the village.
I understand her problem because despite this being the 21 century, most villages are still somewhere in the Victorian era and those clothes you had planned for the end of year street jam, or Christmas beach party just won’t cut it. If you are headed upcountry, you have to put more thought in your wardrobe. Probably forget about turning heads and get out more regular stuff.
First and foremost be very mindful of your hemline .A dress or skirt you find acceptable here in the city may turn out to be shockingly short for village folk. Pull out the maxis; they are perfect as long as they do not show your cleavage because that’s another thing that can scandalise our relatives out there. If you are still determined to show some leg, then keep it below the knee.
I think today pants are more or less accepted as normal wear, but do yourself a favour and at least make sure your back or underwear isn’t showing. I know someone whose grandmother kept hounding her at a family function because her back was naked. Eventually she insisted that she tie a lesu around her waist. It was not funny. I would also suggest that you do not wear pants if you are going to church in the village, it doesn’t go down very well in some places.
As much as you want to wow everyone you encounter, you need to remember that a village needs practical shoes. Here’s where you raise your hands in supplication for those cutesy flat shoes. If you need height, let it be a comfortable pair of heels, no stilettos.
It also helps to go easy on the makeup; no shiny green eye shadow, blood red lipstick and other colours that are better suited for a night out.
It may seem like a lot of bother, but believe me, it is better than dealing with the whispers nudges and evil looks if they feel your clothing is indecent. Besides it is only for a few days.
