Wear comfortable clothes but don’t show too much skin.
This was the advice of 27-year-old Cebuano stylist Edward James Castro to party and festival-goers enjoying the spectacle that is the Sinulog.
Castro said that girls who go out for street dancing, enjoying the Sinulog parade or to a party must find the right balance.
After all, Cebu has its conservative side and the Sinulog celebrates a religious feast of the Child Jesus.
“It’s not a good idea to show too much skin, looking like you’re going to the beach,” he told Cebu Daily News.
If the top apparel is sexy, balance it with a pair of above the knee cropped shorts.
Girls may also go for denim or skater skirts as an easy to wear, comfortable choice.
“But make sure you wear Spanx or cycling shorts underneath,” he said.
For a more adventurous look and style, go for customized T-shirts, like Island Souvenirs’ “cut and style” tees, or make your own design at home.
But he warned girls to wear proper inner garments like a tube or bandeau top to cover vital areas if they go out in their customized shirts.
“You definitely don’t want a wardrobe malfunction in front of a huge audience,” he said.
Castro reminded partygoers that comfort comes first before trends.
Those who have fuller and bigger figures must avoid tight tops.
“The fit just has to fall comfortably on your body at the same time showing off your curves,” he said.
Girls can also wear floral dresses and a denim button-down or a colorful romper.
Vintage band shirts would also evoke a bit of nostalgia.
“For a more classic feel, maybe a button-down shirt with fun prints. You can also wear a plaid button-down as a coverup or tie it around the waist,” he said.
Those who want to have more height can cheat the length by wearing ankle boots.
For a more bohemian feel, a printed kimono coverup will do.
Boys can wear comfortable short pants of cotton or a poly-blend. A roomy shirt which is not too tight or too baggy would also be good for the occasion.
“Boys can opt for tank tops or the classic T-shirt. I always lean towards darker colors for obvious reasons,” he added.
Castro said that a nice button-down with a cool tribal print or vintage rocker shirt will also give off a nonchalant vibe.
If going out earlier is part of the plan, Castro advised starting with a white shirt and bringing along a spare to change into – “unless you miraculously avoid all the paint, booze and other stuff being thrown, spattered, slathered on you as you make your way around.”
For footwear, Castro prefers sneakers over slippers.
“I’m pretty sure you get your foot trampled on at one point while you’re walking around. At least you don’t worry too much if your kicks get dirty, maybe hardly even notice it,” he added.
Guys can also wear combat boots instead of sneakers.
For accessories, there are sunglasses, hats and watches.
A wide-brimmed fedora or a snapback is a nice complement to any outfit.
Castro suggests darker colors for those who want to go to a party.
“White should be the best choice since it’s hot but we also have to consider your plans if want to stay put for a long time,” he said.
Should one spend extra for a party outfit?
“Not really. If you have old pants, turn them into cut-offs. If you have unused large shirts then you can make a crop top or sleeveless (shirt),” he said.
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