By Atolagbe Oluwayemisi Blessing.


Have you ever wondered why deciding what to wear feels like solving a complex puzzle? Or have you found yourself in a situation where you feel so bad about yourself because of the way people react to your dressing? Well, you're not alone. The concept of dressing In our modern society is a very complex thing, our dressing seems to be a riddle wrapped in culture, religion, societal rules, and more. But the question is : Do we dress to impress others? Must our dressing adhere to prescribed principles, and if so, what principles guide our dressing? In this article I will try to answer some of those questions that you must have been asking too.

Before I proceed, I would like to affirm that dressing is not just about picking clothes; it's about sending messages with our attires. As the popular saying goes “you are addressed the way you dress” Our dressing is a potent means of communication. However there must be a balance between personal expression and societal expectations, individual choice or style of dressing must be valued and respected as well.


Even Though Society often dictates a particular dress code for various occasions, it remains imperative to carve out one's unique style and embrace personal comfort. For instance, the conventional expectation of a Monday appearance is usually something Western (what we call official dressing) that may be challenged by an individual opting for traditional attire. Now the issue is: will this be accepted even though that is what gives the fellow joy, I am sure there will be some strange expressions and comments like “Are we still in the weekend?” “Is today Friday? '' This can reduce the level of the confidence of such a person and make them so uncomfortable. The point here is that a delicate balance must be struck between personal expression and societal expectations. Individual choices in dressing should be valued and respected.

In some distressing cases, individuals have faced assaults and embarrassment, often at the hands of law enforcement agencies. Shockingly, people have been unjustly accused of fraud based solely on their appearance, while women have been wrongfully labeled as prostitutes. These incidents show the profound impact our dressing can have on how we are perceived and treated in society.

The pressing question is: How do we create a balance between personal expression and societal and religious acceptance in our choice of dressing? The key lies in moderacy, our dress choices not only reflect our personal identity but also shape the perceptions of those around us.
The evolution of societal norms in recent years has witnessed a shift towards embracing diversity in dressing styles. However, instances of judgment and prejudice persist, raising concerns about the boundaries of personal expression. It prompts us to ponder whether our dressing choices are a reflection of our authentic selves or a response to societal pressures.

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