AD. Many textures and colours come from African influence. In recent years with Afrobeats and a return to Afrocentric styles, trends are becoming popular again. Here are some trends in African clothing.
[Photo by Kingsley Osei-Abrah on Unsplash]
Trends in African Clothing.
Kaftans
Here's a more common piece of fashion that's a pullover robe for both men and women. It's a piece of African clothing that's a bit Plain Jane but does feature some embroidery around the wrists and pockets.
There's a variation of this motif called the "Agbada," which is more of a Nigerian take. It's a bit more elegant with the large tailored cloth oven embroidered around the neck and chest. It's quite a fashionable statement for events, such as weddings and award shows.
You'll find a Ghanian celebrity sporting this now and again.
Rocking Denim With Good Patterns
A big trend for the ladies is wearing big print crop tops or shirts with a nice pair of denim. It's the perfect mix between the Western world and Africa. It's a great combination to wear for a casual day or a night out at a lounge or bar.
They may even wear a scarf around their head with a matching every African print. Just imagine the possibilities that ladies can bring in some variety and color to their wardrobes with prints made out of fine wool. Some may even prefer a state-of-the-art Jacquard weave to keep the quality up.
The off-the-shoulder style is coming back big time, especially for the summer. It'll be perfect to wear at a rooftop day party where you enjoy the charm of the city.
Sporty Wear
There are some days where you want to be comfortable and stylish in your skin. Maybe a slick-looking midi skirt will work well with a blouse. Also, you can keep things simple by having a short skirt match with a plain top.
A less is more approach always works well on the hotter days of the month. It may be good to find a stylist who can suggest some great fabrics to go with your clothing choices. Have a balance between catching someone's eye with the bold colors and prints mixed in with a comfortable feeling when you step outside.
That sporty feeling will help you feel more flexible as you move around for your daily tasks.
Getting a Maxi Dress
If you have more of a curvy figure, this type of dress may suit you better. The eye-catching colors and the way it drapes over the skin make for a flattering look. You'll find this more of a Ghanian aesthetic when they go for the oversized fit.
A maxi dress is perfect for the windy days where you need a garment to be a bit more oversized to help stay warmer. Maybe you want an indigo look that has more of a neutral tone to fit different accessories you plan to wear for the evening. You'll always look stunning in this dress when you don't want to show off too much skin but like the draping elements.
Whether you're going to a family gathering or a party later, this is more of an all-purpose look that's perfect to wear throughout the day. Keep it colorful for your fun engagements, and enjoy a simple colorway made well for a formal affair.
Get Stylish With a Colourful Blazer
There's nothing like a good blazer to help you add some dimension to what you're wearing. One with an African cloth may have a more eccentric appearance. It's not a bad thing either because you'll stand out in a fun and unique way.
For women, they can wear it with denim, skirts, or even tight dresses. The versatility allows them to look good to have on the top to keep them warm and mix things up a bit. Purple, light green, and other color schemes can bring out some personality in what they're wearing.
For the guys, they may want to put some character into the garments they rock. Instead of going for the typical gray and black blazers, they can add some sky blue and green to the mix. It's still masculine, but it'll be a bit more fun and flexible to wear to an event.
Guys can pair these with a nice pair of denim or some black dress pants with casual shoes. If they're going to a more formal engagement, black dress shoes always work with the ensemble. It'll help you add texture and color to your African garments for your personal and professional lifestyle.
Mixing things up with both an African and American style profile can give your wardrobe more dimension. Getting unique pieces helps you show a well-rounded profile. Whether you're going to a small gathering at a friend's house or the hot spot in your city, you have a better variety to wear for various events.
