On February 20, 2023, I joined CHCH Morning Live show as a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle expert to discuss some top tips for styling African fashion into your daily wear. There has always been something inherently attractive about the African and Black aesthetic in fashion. We admire the bright colours, vibrant prints, and bold patterns. We are also drawn to natural materials, fibres and cultural elements in fashion design. Despite this charm and allure, not everyone can style the fashion pieces properly in a classy and cohesive way. So, I am sharing tips for incorporating African style into daily wear.
It is important to note that African fashion is not a monolith. Certain looks are more modern, while others are traditional and even futuristic. This type of fashion is not only about clashing colours, prints, and patterns alone, but it can also be muted, depending on how it is styled. Whatever your personal style is, know that there are many options to choose from in terms of looks. That being said, why blend in when you can stand out? Life is too short to wear boring clothes! If making a fashion statement interests you, try something new that could transform you into a style icon and there are lots of places to shop African fashion online.
Here are three tips below for spicing up your style – the African way!
Pair African prints with matching neutrals
When it comes to styling African fashion, wearing multiple colours, prints and patterns is a fantastic way to express your personality. However, using one shade of colour is tempting, resulting in a monochromatic look. In pairing print clothes with coordinating neutrals, the goal is to create a balance between many colours, shapes, and textures that look good together. So, how do you mix and match them without looking excessive? You style yourself carefully, paying close attention to what makes you happy. Resist the urge to say, “Oh, that looks amazing, but it would never look good on me!” Instead, try on the pieces you admire to see how you genuinely feel about them. If you love the African print dress paired with a solid blazer or jacket and it makes you feel like a million bucks, you should buy them.
Make a statement with bold accessories
A decent-sized necklace worn around the neck can speak volumes when communicating your style, presence, and confidence with the world. Statement necklaces are usually similar to print scarves in that they are worn around the neck to elevate an outfit. Where this is concerned, the phrase “less is more” does not apply, and bigger is always better. This is because, culturally speaking, big jewellery can signify power and prestige. While being modest is excellent, there is no reason why you cannot tastefully wear big necklaces in a way that balances out the rest of your look. Along the same lines, use chunky earrings to frame your face and accentuate your features. Not feeling bold enough for statement jewellery? Try a statement hand bag!
Adorn yourself in an African print neck scarf
If your outfit consists of muted tones such as black, beige, or dark brown, you might want to wear a bright-coloured scarf made of African print fabric to add some liveliness to the overall look. African prints usually come in an array of colours, shapes, and patterns, and they are delightful to the eye of the beholder. To wear a long African print scarf around the neck, you can drape one side over your shoulder and then loop it loosely around your neck twice, ensuring both ends of the scarf eventually fall from your shoulders and are at the same level. Then, you can tuck in any irregular edges sticking out until the scarf takes perfect form.
Once comfortable, go for full print on print!
Finally, I would like to encourage all women to step out of their comfort and into the zone of genius when styling African fashion into their clothing, by embracing all types of colours and prints. I would also add that experimenting with vibrant fashion and style is all about creative expression and choosing inner joy; this is what the African and Black aesthetic is truly all about. Once you have embraced the beauty of African print and are comfortable wearing them on a regular basis, then you can go for full print on print dresses!
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Are you going try to wear more cultural elements in your next outfit?
I’m a seasoned communications and marketing consultant with a penchant for all things stylish and chic. Follow me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates on industry trends and much more!