What very formal means
Many people got confused about the “Very Formal†dress code and that is why some of them blundered. If you are wearing traditional attire, you do not really have a problem distinguishing between formal and informal. But if you opt for western attire you need to know exactly what is expected.
Many people got confused about the “Very Formal†dress code and that is why some of them blundered. If you are wearing traditional attire, you do not really have a problem distinguishing between formal and informal. But if you opt for western attire you need to know exactly what is expected.
Very formal can be interpreted as black tie. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates (skirt or trouser suit).
In our context, few men own a tuxedo apart from expatriates and people like Francis Babu and Bob Kabonero. So a dark suit white or pale coloured shirt, tie or cravat and dark shoes will do.
If you hate suits and ties, opt for a formal African style shirt. They are available in town at a cost of sh50,000 - sh150,000. Go for silk, satin, linen or cotton. Wearing a suit without a tie falls in the casual smart category and is out of place at a formal event. Jazz up traditional wear by adding sequins, pearls and beads to a kitambi or gomesi.
TOP TIP: When in doubt, always wear black and dress it up with accessories. Traditional wear is formal anyway so feel free to turn up in your busuuti, mwenda, suuti or kanzu.
Ends
Very formal can be interpreted as black tie. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates (skirt or trouser suit).
In our context, few men own a tuxedo apart from expatriates and people like Francis Babu and Bob Kabonero. So a dark suit white or pale coloured shirt, tie or cravat and dark shoes will do.
If you hate suits and ties, opt for a formal African style shirt. They are available in town at a cost of sh50,000 - sh150,000. Go for silk, satin, linen or cotton. Wearing a suit without a tie falls in the casual smart category and is out of place at a formal event. Jazz up traditional wear by adding sequins, pearls and beads to a kitambi or gomesi.
TOP TIP: When in doubt, always wear black and dress it up with accessories. Traditional wear is formal anyway so feel free to turn up in your busuuti, mwenda, suuti or kanzu.
Ends