Fashion Week: 3 Stylish Ways To Slay in Ankara

I have gotten a lot of request to feature an African brand on the blog, and I am excited to do so in today’s post. Fashion week is here and my tingling feelings is stringing me back to my favorite comfort zone of wearing Ankara. I am excited about Fashion week this year, because we seem to be getting back into the 2016 fashion era of well structured clothing and couture.

In today’s blog post I will be sharing three (3) ways you can spin an Ankara look to make it fashion week worthy.

SHOP LOOKS

Shop Ankara two-piece | Shop similar white shirt | Shop similar belt | Shop similar bag

My earlier blogging years were replete with Ankara looks, and I was on every major blog and Pinterest, inspiring people to look their best. During that time I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Dutch Ankara brand Woodin. But In recent years, I’ve gravitated towards less patterns- mostly because I no longer live in Nigeria, where Ankara is easily available, but also because my style has evolved.

However, never say never! Fashion week is here, and I am bringing back my Ankara looks for inspiration since street trends are often repetitive, predictable, and sometimes boring. Styling Ankara is my way of breaking the jinx of having a bad street style during fashion week.

About Today’s Look

In today’s look I am styling a piece of clothing from a two piece that I got from a US-based African brand Pheliylugba. They have different a range of interesting, colorful pieces and patterns that are well made with great shipping time. My shipping experience with the brand was excellent and I got my item within 48hrs, just in time for this shoot. 

I love that we have evolved our Ankara designs to incorporate more ready to wear styles that can be worn for different functions.

ANKARA LOOK 1: FASHION WEEK FITTINGS

I styled the first look in the original pairing it came in. It’s fun and flirty, with enough free space for a fashion house visit and a quick lunch grab mid fittings. I added a cute compact bag from the Italian bag brand, Divina Firenze, and a pair of orange heels from Nordstrom. Details of where to shop the look below 

ANKARA LOOK 2: FASHION WEEK PRIVATE VIEWING

I paired the shorts of the two-piece with a staple white shirt and white heel, with a off-white purse. Private viewings are the best time to be the star of the room, and also when you get to network up. Looking like you have everything all together won’t hurt. Adding a statement piece that can start a conversation is a look to aim for.

ANKARA LOOK 3: FASHION WEEK RUNWAY SHOW

For this third look, I went with a wide-leg white pant, which is one of my favorite purchases this year. I have styled it on my Instagram, see  here and here. It is currently my favorite wardrobe staple because it goes with everything. The main runway shows during fashion week can be hectic, people are mashed up in a sitting setting, a lot of walking around, so you want to look comfortable and stylish. I have paired the top of the Ankara two-piece with the same accessories from look 1, in addition to a belt. 

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I am glad to be back to experimenting with fashion and being and influencing your styles again. One little note, it is the end of August, and usually around this time in Nigeria, women gather to celebrate what is called August meetings. The colors and patterns on today’s fit is very nostalgic and reminds me of similar colors that women during these events wear.

If you enjoyed today’s post, don’t forget to share and leave a comment below. I am looking forward to hearing from you.