Long before African prints broke into the international fashion market and before African designers took to the runway, the only places I wore African prints to were church, weddings and African events. This was the time when African attires were referred to as traditional. “What are you wearing to Ogechi’s wedding?” “I’m wearing traditional.” And that will be the end of the conversation because everyone knew there was no further explanation needed when one says they are wearing traditional. Back then, my design/style inspirations were limited to Nigerian newspapers and magazines like Ovation that covers African events and share photos of stylish guests in their monthly issues. But now, African prints have evolved, modernized and can be worn almost anywhere and styled anyway you want. It is also very easy to get design/style inspirations online – thanks to some of my favorite African bloggers like Jadore Fashion, Irony of Ashi and Style Pantry. African prints can now be made into bomber jackets, capes, killer pumps, statement jewelries and lust-worthy handbags that can rival the ones by your favorite western designers.
If you need inspiration on how to design or wear your African prints aka Ankara this season, look no further and check out these fabulous bloggers below.
1. You can design them into shorts and style like you normally style your shorts. I love how Stella of Jadore Fashion styled hers. Very chic and effortless.
2. You can design them into a badass bomber jacket like the one Agatha of Irony of Ashi has on.
3. You can also make them into a pencil skirt and pair with a blouse as seen on Folake of Style Pantry.
4. Or you can make them into a peplum skirt and style with a graphic tee just like Stella. This is my favorite way of wearing prints.
5. How about designing your Ankara into a very chic pencil dress? I really like the details on this one Agatha is wearing.
For more African print style inspirations, check out my Instagram @linda_lme where I will be sharing looks that didn’t make it on this list.
