Celebrating the beauty, vibrancy, joy and unstoppable energy of the soca season is what attracted Sherry-Kay Jones to carnival in the first place. Growing up, she admired the fashion paraded through the streets and vowed that one day, she would be among the chosen few to join the parade. Her first experience came four years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“You know, growing up, I used to see carnival on television. The women just looked so gorgeous in their costumes. And their bodies were ‘bodying’ in every sense of that word. So, I knew that when I got older, I was going to be one of them,” she told Living.
Although she has been interested in fashion for as far back as she can remember, she doesn’t consider herself a fashionista per se. What she does recognise as true is the fact that she has always had a knack for appreciating timeless trends, and she knows how to style her body with outfits that complement her figure.
“My personal style is definitely bold, sexy and chic. I am going to flaunt my body, and my clothes usually reflect that. I don’t think I have any one favourite outfit, but I love ‘fits that require effort and thinking outside the box,” she added.
For carnival, it was no different. Jumping for Yard Mas for the fourth year, she selected Monet from this year’s Galleria presentation due to the colour combination and stunning details. “It was love at first look. And I was sold,” said Jones.
Leading up to the carnival season, the style enthusiast attended four of the six events out of the VaCae Weekend held last week in Ocho Rios, St Ann. “I wore a leopard print jumpsuit to Tropical Saturday and a white dress to The Estate. I went Risque in a ‘Yes Daddy’ sleepwear romper and rocked a chained two-piece set for Sandz,” she shared.
Jones continues to look up to fashion experts like Karin Jinsui and Wunmi Bello for their adventurous approach to fashion. And even though they are on opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, she admires that they both have different styles and aesthetics.
As style evolves, so too has her closet. Currently trending in her wardrobe is the quintessential little black dress to bring out her sultry side. She also loves sporting mini-skirts, jumpsuits and a white button-down shirt, which pairs well with just about anything. She also appreciates a pair of low-rise, baggy jeans. “I’m really passionate about anything that makes you feel sexy and confident. That includes high heels.”
Her advice to anyone looking to find his or her style is to experiment and take risks. ”You most definitely won’t find your style by always playing it safe. Examine your body, and lean into what works for it. This means, accepting your body for how it is, or even working on it, if that is what you truly desire, and styling it according to your body type, size and shape.”
krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com
