Outfit Breakdown : Styling A Modern Women's Barong Top

My Life Is A Shoe Style Blog Styling A Modern Barong

I mean, I probably keep repeating this but I am a big fan of modern Filipiniana wear and also I love supporting and wearing locally made and designed fashion items. I heard on the news that there is a mandate requiring all government workers here in the Philippines to wear Filipiniana attire to work. I think that is such a good idea because for one, it's a great way to preserve and showcase our culture, not just to the rest of the world but to other Filipinos too! I noticed that a lot of these brands are the smaller and more independent ones, it's really not so mainstream here in the Philippines. Which I find a shame because Filipinos are so creative and I really love shopping and perusing all these different independent makers ! I absolutely love shopping local and independent. In fact, it's the whole reason I have this little space on the internet!

Alegre by Techie Hagedorn Barong top, Tayo Studio Shorts

I think that this is also a great way to get all these smaller and indie brands more exposure! It's really such a shame that not more people know about it! Check out my Shopping Local playlist HERE for ideas on where to find all these local and independent makers in the Philippines or even just ideas also on how to style all these pieces that I accumulated over the years.

The Veronica mules from my shoe line Sala Chaussures

Anyway, for this post, I found this gorgeous barong a year or two ago at a local fair called Artefino (that was such a great local shopping experience and if you are ever in Manila around August, you definitely should check this yearly event! Check out my video on that HERE.

For those that do not know, a barong is actually a traditional formal top for Filipino men. This is usually worn in weddings or more formal occasions and it's made in a pina (pineapple) fabric to keep cool in our hot and humid weather. Some designers have been making modern women's versions and I am all for it! I wore this outfit last Monday ( I am not a government worker but I love to support the Filipinana attire Monday's mandate!). I am also wearing all Filipino indie brands literally head to toe in this outfit. Find outfit details in the captions of the photos!

Bag from La Filippine

Flower earrings from local maker Una Artesana, the rest are vintage/my own

This second outfit idea was actually worn a few nights before Monday. I went out to dinner and a little event with my friends and I styled it this time with a pop of bejeweled blue coloured shoes and some pants. I love how you can take this barong top from casual to dressy!