Fashion Staples: The Headwrap and Four Ways to Rock the Look.

Headwraps are a huge staple in my wardrobe.

They're easy, quick and undeniably beautiful and therefore have completed many, many of my outfits.

When doing a headwrap just about any piece of fabric will do, so as long, as it is large or small enough to achieve the desired style.

Headwraps can be small and cute, and they also be tall and majestic, it really just depends upon how I choose to express myself in that moment.

Here a few of my everyday headwrap looks!

 

I'm from Nigeria, and in Nigeria, they are called Gele(gay-lai) and they're worn for all sorts of occasions, ranging from casual events to more fancy events. Nigerian geles tend to be much more intricate or ornate than the average headwrap.

If you want to take the history even further back for some headwrap inspiration, let's look to the 14th century Egypt (BC) during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. A bust of Queen Nefertiti donning a her signature headdress is one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt.

I love that I was able to live in Nigeria and experience the culture on a firsthand basis because noticing the similarities in African cultures and fashions that are found in African American culture and fashion just makes me smile.

Despite all imperialistic attempts, rooted in slavery, of stripping African Americans of their culture, Africa is still very much in their blood. It's still very much a part of who they are--who we all are--and it manifests itself in such interesting ways.

Wearing a headwrap is more than just wrapping a scarf on my head, there is a regality in it and an air of elegance.

There is history in it. I believe, it takes courage, especially when living in the United States to wear a headwrap because it's being completely proud and unapologetic with your African ancestry in a society that tends to look down upon such things.

With that little history refresher under your belt, grab your biggest scarf and get ready to wrap.

Here's 4 different ways to channel your Inner Nefertiti.

Look #1.

Look #1 is a pnoyail-headwrap hyybrid, for those days where I don't want to be full wrapped up but i do want my hair out of my face  and body.





 

Look #2.

Look #2 is the classic headwrap look.
Very India Arie, Erykah Badu etc.
This look is for the brave because it can be quite big, and undeniably regal. It's my go-to headwrap anytime, anyday!



 

Look #3.

I do this wrap whenever I'm craving some type of a bang. It does come off a bit more formal, so it can easily be transitioned through different times of the day and events.

  

Look #4.

This is, I believe, the most mainstream headwrap look. It's cute and simple, and still allows me to show off my hair if I'd like.

I don''t wear this look often, but when I do, I tend to wear it very casual happenings, like hanging at the park or just some outdoor relaxation.



 



 

Love and Light,

Rachel.