Don't Go Naked This Summer!

By Linda Mupemo

Winter always serves notice that summer is on the way. When it gets cold, when everything around you is freezing, you are assured that it is about to get hot, it is about to get good! 

As summer rears its head, there is a hype in the fashion world about what's hot and what's not, what's trendy, stylish and whatever else.  

It is easy to get so immensed in all the trends that you forget you have to keep your temple covered. Yes, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and how much you value it shows in the way you dress, regardless of the season.

Child of God, do not conform to the worldly fashion trends, do not let the world make you blur the line between fashion and indecency. You can be stylish and modest at the same time. You can be fully dressed and still look elegant. You do not have to be naked in order to make a fashion statement.

James and Constance Phiri showing us how to be stylish and modest at the beach. Baecation anyone? ;-)

The question one might ask is how can a Christian millenial  be both stylish and modest this Summer and all the summers to come? Well, Mukupa's Fashion Haven got you covered. Here are some tips:

1.Think loose, flowy clothing

Be it work, church or beach clothes, loose and flowy outfits give the body the much needed space to breathe. Body hugging clothes are a summer Don't! Think flowy dresses, loose jumpsuits, flared skirts, a loose blouse or pants. Be cautious of your body size. If you are slender like me, avoid wearing buggy clothes that make you look like you raided your chubby grand mother's wardrobe. You can be slender and still rock loose clothing, just pick the right size for your mighty temple!

       Patience Mupemo rocking  her jumpsuit and gladiator heels 

2. Choose light fabrics

Roses are red, violets are blue, light fabrics are summer's twin. It could be chiffon, lace, cotton or silk. Whatever outfit you pick, ensure it is woven with a light fabric that allows air to pass to keep you cool. Light fabrics I said, not see through. See through clothing defeat the whole purpose of covering your body. Go for first grade fabrics that do not showcase what we are covering in the first place, especially for chiffon and lace. 

3. Go bright or go home

The sun is shinning brightly this season, emitting scorching rays. Some colours such as black absorb heat. It is always a good idea to go for bright coloured clothes that reflect the summer rays of sunshine away from your melanin. 

A woman without a white dress in her wardrobe is unforgivable! Apparently, some of my readers are guilty of this fashion felony. I forgive you, for today. Only for today! 

You can never go wrong with a white dress. Be it a formal one you can pair with oh-shut-up bright coloured stilletos, a flared one you can rock at the beach or a maxi, a white dress will always give you that angelic summer glow. 

Blue/white denims, a maroon throw over, a purple flared skirt, sky blue short sleeved shirt, yellow pants, a red tutu, whatever you choose to wear this summer, go bright or go home.  

4. Think African Prints

I know it is difficult to find a trust worthy tailor in Zambia. It is either they don't deliver on time or mess up your material, I have been there! But hey! Chitenge clothes are a must have this summer. Whether shorts, a blazer, a shirt or high-low skirts/dresses, Chitenge clothes give room to the much needed summer breeze. Do go for bright colours.

My Norah Banda is a whole summer vibe in this African print dress 

Mixed with another fabric such as lace or chiffon, African prints make quite a fashion statement.

There are some local fashion designers who sale ready to wear Chitenge outfits such as Mangishi Love, Fay Designs and House of VO. For all your accessories such as bracelets, neck pieces and Chitenge adorned hand bags and clutches, my baby sister Natasha Mupemo ( Tashine Designs) got you covered. 

Tashine clutch, bracelets and ribbon

I have emphasised that being modest does not mean wearing boring clothes napapata! Learn to select clothes that flatter your figure. Do accessorise them accordingly. 

PS, hats are a summer must have. You better bring your own shade! This is the season of being Kingdom and cute my darlings. But whatever you do, do not go naked in the name of being stylish. It is summer time. Glow up my glow getters. Much love!