What to Wear on a Date when You Don’t Have Money – ‘Lucy’s Tale’ by Ezinne Chinkata

Lucy Kamson’s mom is a petty trader. Her dad worked as a bricklayer before he got hurt in a work accident, and is currently jobless. They live from hand to mouth and can barely afford the basic amenities.

Lucy is super smart and won an all-expense paid scholarship for her education. She graduated top of her class, but university days were tough for young Lucy.

She worked really hard in school and also helped her mom out at the market during the weekends and on some school days. She had no social life and toiled tirelessly. That was until she met Emmanuel, a really nice young man.

Lucy started thinking – “I am 21 years old and would love to meet a young man soon. Emmanuel has just asked me on a date to the park for the 3rd time and I keep turning him down. I have absolutely nothing to wear. All my clothes are worn out and my hair is so due and un-retouched.“

I am certain so many girls feel the same way … inadequate.

Let me tell you something – You are enough! You don’t have to be rich to be worthy. Neither do you have to wear all the new clothes/fads/weaves to be cool. A clean and tidy silhouette is as worthy as it gets.

So here’s my advice to Lucy, and any other girl who feels the same way.

Dearest Lucy, if Emmanuel or any guy you are thinking of dating seems like a keeper (decent and grounded) by all means please go to the park with him.

However, do not;

1. Borrow a dress to wear. Be content with what you have and who you are.
2. Feel inadequate just because you don’t have.
3. Steal from your mom’s savings or go shoplifting.
4. Act falsely and make excuses for any outfit you end up wearing.

You are absolutely beautiful and what you wear is not a measure of your worth. Emmanuel should find you worthy of his admiration regardless of your attire. You are good enough!

Now that that’s out of the way, here is something Lucy could wear that would be easy to put together and still look decent. Go the traditional route with an African sense of pride. You can;

1. Pull out a basic t-shirt or a sleeveless blouse in any plain colour.
2. Head to your mom’s wardrobe and get a long piece of her ankara wrapper. Choose a colour that compliments your skin tone and works well with your top, and wrap it round like a wrapper/sarong. (At a comfortable/right length for your body type).
3. Pair it with whatever shoes you own. Slippers or flat sandals would work fine.
4. Style your hair neatly/nicely.
5. You don’t need a bag if you have none. A simple wallet would work.

And with those simple items, you’ve put together a great look.

It is not what you wear, it’s about the woman inside. To all the struggling young girls/women out there, hold your head high and keep at it! Do not compromise your values or ever feel you are not good enough.

Lucy’s story is a fictional tale that I hope will empower you to think positive thoughts no matter the situation.