Reading

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

Leave it to the ladies to breathe new life into this traditional piece

 

 

The Barong Tagalog is a staple most men only unearth from their wardrobes for key events like weddings and formal ceremonies. Well, not anymore.

 

In Keeping with Tradition

Borrow the look straight from the boys. You can make small, subtle variations in styling by substituting all the elements of the traditional Barong Tagalog ensemble with women’s pieces: a white tank stop instead of the standard white undershirt and black cotton skinny leg trousers instead of basic cotton dress pants. Tie the look together with a classic strappy heeled sandal et voilà.

 

A post shared by Robin Mangaser Tizon (@mizdef) on  

 

Starter Pieces:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

MANGO Satin Lace Top, P1,495

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a WomanRAM JEWELRY Carrie ll Ring, P3,430 Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

STEVE MADDEN Black Single-Strap Heeled Sandals, P3,950

RELATED: A Tribute to Outfit Repeaters (Who Are Actually Doing Fashion Right)

 

Suit Up

Always loved the idea of women’s tuxedo dressing? Consider this a local rendition and an alternative to those long gowns or cocktail dresses at your next formal event. Here’s your chance to whip out your power heel, too.

 

 

Get the Look:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a WomanRIVER ISLAND Oval Rose Gold 90's Print Sunglasses, P849

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a WomanDOROTHY PERKINS Small Fit Black Arrow Poly Trouser, P1,195

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a WomanZALORA Navy D'Orsay Faux Suede Pumps, P979

 

Layer Your Pieces

A Barong dress or Barong Tagalog with a loose fit and relaxed silhouette is your best bet if you’re thinking of incorporating the traditional garment into your everyday wardrobe. Wear it over wide-leg trousers and throw on an oversized blazer. You can offset all the baggy elements with sleek sock boots for balance.

 

A post shared by VINTA Gallery (@vinta_to) on  

 

Key Pieces:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

ALDO Therrawien Necklace, P524

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

VERO MODA Gilly Blazer, P4,749

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

JOYSTYX Liza Sunnies, P349

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

O’NEILL Hard Rock One Piece, P3,990

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

SUPRE Wide Leg Jersey Pants, P1,350

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

PUBLIC DESIRE Danger Sock Fit Ankle Boots, P1,919

RELATED: 5 Women on The Ultimate Power Pieces in Their Closets

 

A Dressier Option

Here’s a new take on power dressing: A Barong dress is versatile enough to take you from days taking care of business to nights out for events. It’s a piece you can easily play up or pare down with different makeup looks and hairstyles.

 

A post shared by Nuevo Ystilo (@nuevoystilo) on

 

Complete the Look:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

MAYBELLINE Color Sensational Powder Matte Lipstick in “Rosewood Red”, P299

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a WomanPAPILLON CLUTCH Double Elegant Clutch, P1,461.75 Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

NINE WEST Tornaydo Pumps P2,979

 

Now, Dress It Down

The great thing about the Barong dress is that much like its traditional counterpart, it comes in all types of cuts, shapes and fabric blends. Barong dresses in cotton or linen (compared to the pricier piña or silk) can easily mimic a t-shirt dress. Dare to wear a Barong with sneakers? You can take style cues from Krystal Menez.

 

A post shared by krystal menez (@freshnsteezy) on  

 

Shop Sneakers:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a WomanPUMA Duel X-Strap En Pointe Women’s Sneakers, P4,550

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

DC Kalis Slim S Shoes, P3,470

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

ASICSTIGER GEL Lyte III, P3,900

 

 

Pair It with a Long Skirt

In a Barong and a full skirt, the Filipina is a head-turner. It goes well with all styles, too, so you can go ballgown one day, serpentine the next.

 

 

Another Take:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

RED’S REVENGE Mismatch Pearl Bar Bell Dangle Earrings, P499

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

ELLYSAGE Paneled Maxi Skirt, P2,799

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

VINCE CAMUTO Tiernan Heeled Sandals, P2,629

 

Try Something with a Cape Sleeve

An excellent way to pay homage to tradition is to stick to its distinct, conventional foundations (in this case, material, collar style, buttons and embroidery) and then play around with the other elements built on it. Cape sleeves, in particular, are unconventional but classy, dramatic but fun.

 

 

Shop similar pieces at Kultura Filipino.

 

Rock the Peek-A-Boo Bra

All that see-through material is an invitation to push the boundaries a little and have more fun with your style choices. Undershirts and tank tops are pretty predictable. Why not spin for a cute bralette?

 

A post shared by VINTA Gallery (@vinta_to) on

 

Style Guide:

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

SEEK THE UNIQ Hoja Pequeña Earrings, P2,500

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

SOMURA Black Bralette, P399

Modernizing the Barong Tagalog Might Mean Putting It on a Woman

NAMI Ghost Ring Three-Piece Set, P1,790

 

What About a Bow Tie Sleeve?

Young Filipino designers, especially those with a storied history of working with silk, piña and other indigenous fabric, know how to marry the traditional with the modern better than anyone else. Cebu-based designer Hanz Coquilla, who is well-known in the Philippine pageant circle for his stunning ternos, is just one of them. If you’re looking to invest in a custom Barong Tagalog, look no further.

 

A post shared by Patty Taboada (@pattymanuelle) on

 

Shop made-to-order Barong Tagalog styles by Hanz Coquilla Alta Costura.

 

RELATED: Style Tips of the Month from Actual Fashion Stylists

 

 

Art Alexandra Lara

Advertisement

You may also like

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get weekly updates on trending topics

Ⓒ 2018 – 2023 Wonder ™ | All Rights Reserved

Advertisement

Discover More

Search

Don't miss a thing

Stay up to date to the latest news and articles.