Congratulations on your nomination at the 18th Annual South African Music Awards. Now, let's talk yellow carpet outfits, please.
Every year I hope that maybe this will be the year when South Africa has a red carpet event that is as stunning as one you would get anywhere else in the world. And once again, I am hopeful this year. But I am going to ask you guys for some help. Please can you all just follow some of these simple rules below, and turn up looking glorious and worth picking a 'best dressed'. Please.
1. This is a formal event. Please come dressed for it. A hoodie and jeans is not an acceptable outfit. Anything with jeans is not acceptable. Yes, that includes a jacket and jeans. Please. It is not 2004.
2. Please wash. Yourself, your hair and your clothes. Turn up spiffy. Looking like you made an effort. These are just the basics.
3. Chaps, a suit is de rigueur. If you want to be different and express yourself, please do so within the broad confines of a suit or traditional dress. There is no shame in looking smart. In fact, Mad Men is testament to how cool it can look.
4. Suits are narrow cut, preferably. Without embellishment. And no, a leather sports jacket is not a suit. Sorry.
5. Ladies, the dress doesn't have to be a boob-tube. In fact, avoid corsets all together. It's better that way for everyone.
6. The dress doesn't have to be beaded or shiny or made of tafatta (worse, crushed tafatta). I promise. It doesn't. How about silk. Go with silk. Everyone loves silk.
7. Let's just remember the 'too short' rule. If you can't bend over or put your hands on your hips without risking a knicker flash, CHANGE YOUR OUTFIT. Thanks.
8. Finally, let's talk 'body con'. Stretch lycra and panelled elastic dresses are great if you are a Pussycat Doll. If you are not, step away. This is a red (yellow) carpet, not a nightclub.
I look forward to watching on the telly on Sunday. And all the best of luck. May the best dressed win!
Yours sincerely
StyleGuideCT