Jounen Kwéyòl Celebrations: First Impressions

Dress to Impress:  What to WEAR!

Nothing impresses visitors to our beautiful island more than seeing our people decked up in their creole garbs during the month of October. The creole culture is quite visible in the traditional attire of the males and females alike.

For the women, the ‘Wob Dwiyet’ is the island’s traditional wear which includes a floor length floral or madras dress and corresponding headpiece or hat (straw) over numerous layers of white petticoats, decorated in ribbons and Edged with laces. The headpiece worn is known as a ‘Tete Casé’ but women may choose to tie their heads in various styles. A triangular brightly coloured cloth known as a ‘foulard’ is worn with this dress over the shoulders. It is mostly worn by adults whilst younger girls wear the ‘Jupe’ which is a floor length skirt. The ‘Jupe’ is usually worn with a white blouse, petticoat and a ‘foulard’. To Accessorize, vibrant makeup and lots of jewelry are used. Due to the weight of the wear, patrons opt for another option such as wearing the madras cloth in a variety of designs. In recent times, St. Lucians also use plaid cloth to create many fashionable outfits.

The men usually wear straw hats with a white shirt, plain black trousers and a madras or red sash around the waist. This outfit has been handed down for many generations and was often worn by free creoles on Sundays or when attending the market or festivals. Recently, men also can be seen wearing a waistcoat.

The creole season is quite colourful and the streets come alive on Creole Day as everyone is encouraged to wear the national dress or their Rendition.

So, get out there and dress to impress!