Dear Woman, Let’s Talk Confidence & Style (Featuring Tutu Eletu)

Confidence is the most expensive piece you could ever put on.

It’s a priceless art that commands attention in every room it walks in.

It’s the third part of our “Dear Woman” series and today, we’re talking Confidence and Style. Because the greatest accessory a woman can wear is her confidence.

Our guest is someone I’ve known for a long time and we also share the same name. While we were in school together (she was my senior), she was in the drama club and the drama didn’t stop there. Since leaving school, she has taken on lots of roles and been in several films.

I’ve always seen her as confident and comfortable in her style. She dyes her hair with bold colours, dresses boldly and carries herself with grace. There is no one I would’ve loved to anchor this post than the beautiful Tutu Eletu.

My name is Ibukun Tutu Eletu, a content marketing girlie, strategist, and actress. I love playing sports (especially flag football), watching movies, painting and living on stage in the theatre. I’m all about storytelling, creativity, and building community. With years of experience in content marketing and performance, I’ve found my sweet spot right where art meets strategy. Whether I’m leading a campaign, creating magic on set, or sprinting down the field, I show up with heart, energy, and a little extra sparkle. So many talents… I just let God use all of them.

Hey Ibukun, welcome to the blog! Firstly, how would you describe your personal style in three words?

Playful. Powerful. Effortless.

Have you found your unique style? Or is it still evolving?

It’s still evolving, I think style is one of those things that grows with you. Most days, I lean into sporty casual because it’s functional for my life on the move as an actor and creator. But other days, I love tapping into my “boss woman” energy, think suit pants, sharp silhouettes, clean lines. I’m also soft and girly at times, so you’ll catch me in florals and flowy pieces too. It depends on the season I’m in… or the mood of the day.

What does “confidence” mean to you, in fashion and beyond?

Being able to rock your style, loudly, freely, and fully, even when no one else gets it.

Have you always been confident in your skin and how you dress, or did it take some time?

Oh, it definitely took time. I’m still finding myself. There was a phase when I only wore grey pieces, wild, right? Now I’m a pink and yellow princess. I always have a hint of pink on me. At some point, I used to dye my hair all sorts of colors; it was how I expressed what I couldn’t say. I’ve toned it down now, but the spirit remains.

Is there anyone or anything that inspired the way you show up in the world today — fashion-wise or confidence-wise?

Fashion-wise, This Thing Called Fashion – Nonye and Henrietta Itepu.

Also, my college roommate and friend, Precious, she’s a model, a style icon, and my personal Pinterest board. She helped me find my confidence and voice.

Were there ever phases where you felt unsure about your style or your body? How did you navigate those moments?

Absolutely. First year of uni? Chaos. I came from a boarding school with uniforms, so figuring out what to wear every day after that phase felt like I was dressing for a costume party. My coursemates used to say I looked like a Disney brat, and they weren’t wrong. But over time, I got more comfortable. Precious helped. Pinterest helped. And most importantly, I started shopping intentionally.

Body-wise? I struggled a lot. I didn’t feel comfortable in my skin tone or body type for a long time. Even when people complimented my skin, I didn’t see what they saw. But exposure to more dark-skinned creators, self-affirmation, and just… time, helped me grow.

What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel like that girl?

Either a flowery dress with heels and a bust-down wig or tailored pants, a crisp shirt,and my Doc Martens. Depends on the vibe.

Is there a fashion rule you love to break — or one you swear by?

None really, I wear what makes me feel good and fits my body type.

How does fashion help you express who you are on the inside?

It’s my emotional outlet. Every color I dyed my hair had meaning, pink for freedom, brown when I wasn’t okay, blue during the pandemic, purple and yellow in my happiest seasons. Fashion lets me say the things I don’t always have the words for.

Are there any pieces or colors that instantly make you feel more confident and why?

Yes — yellow. It’s bright, bold, and it brings out the glow in my skin. People always hype me when I wear it, so now it’s my power color. That’s why I gravitate towards gold jewelry and honey-blonde extensions, too. It just works.

What’s one fashion trend you’ll never stop loving — and one you wish would disappear?

Never giving up on oversized button-downs and tailored pants, timeless! As for trends I wish would vanish… ultra low-rise jeans, but i could rock those too.

Lip gloss or matte lipstick? Heels or sneakers? Statement earrings or dainty jewelry?

Lip gloss, always. I don’t mind it smearing — it’s part of the charm.

Sneakers — comfort is queen.

Dainty jewelry — soft and subtle is my style.

What songs do you play when you’re getting ready to step out feeling like a queen?

Anything amapiano or EDM, it gives me the vibes.

What would you say to someone who feels lost in their style or struggles with body confidence?

Start by finding someone who looks like you, someone who makes you go, “Wait… that could be me.” Emulate, then evolve. Build a mood board. But most importantly, work on your mindset. Confidence begins with how you perceive yourself, not how others perceive you.

Any advice for women who want to start dressing more for themselves and less for others?

Start small. Wear one thing a day that feels like you. Ignore the noise; people will always have opinions. The moment you stop dressing for validation and start dressingfor joy, something shifts. Trust that.

If you could tell your younger self one thing about beauty and confidence, what would it be?

You are already enough, glowing skin, quirks, and all. You don’t need to shrink to fit into anyone’s idea of beautiful. Own your space, take up more of it, and wear that color with pride

That is beautiful! I feel so empowered just by your responses.

What I love most about this conversation is how Tutu reminds us that confidence doesn’t have to look a certain way. Some days it’s a crisp button-down and sharp pants; other days, it’s florals, flow, and honey-blonde extensions.

Her story is a reminder that we’re allowed to evolve. That our style can shift with our seasons, and our confidence can shine brighter each time we show up as ourselves.

So dear woman, whether you’re in your boss era or your bloom era, wear it loud. Wear it proud. And never be afraid to express the version of you that feels most true in the moment — even when no one else gets it.

Thank you so so much to our guest, Tutu Eletu! Kindly head over to her IG and TikTok and show some love.

And thank YOU so much for reading! Don’t forget to like this post if you enjoyed it, subscribe if you aren’t already. I would love to read your thoughts so I’d appreciate if you leave a comment.. Stay up to date on all posts by subscribing with your email below or follow the blog socials embedded at the end of the post!

If you want to reach out personally for a guest post/collaboration or just to say hi, send me a mail at itsibblog7@gmail.com.

Till the next time on our Dear Woman series, take care!

How would you describe your personal style in three words?