Style: African Wear Ideas to Inspire Your Corporate Fashion

The origin of African wear stretches way back in time, possibly as far back as 75,000 years ago! Early Africans used materials like animal skins, fur, and leaves to create clothing that would have been practical for the hot climate, like wraps and aprons.

However, to Ghanaians, ‘African wear’ has been taken to a whole new perspective, especially on Fridays. In 2004, then-President John Agyekum Kufuor launched the National Friday Wear initiative. This program encouraged Ghanaians to wear locally-made clothing, including African prints and designs, on Fridays. The initiative aimed to promote Ghanaian textiles and cultural identity. While not mandatory, it’s become a common sight to see people dressed vibrantly in African prints on different days other than Fridays throughout Ghana.

If you work in the corporate world and are tired of the semi-casual dress code, it might be time to elevate your wardrobe with stylish African wear that will turn heads and have everyone asking for your tailor. This article is just what you need to revamp your office attire and stand out with confidence.

The corporate dress code can often feel monotonous and uninspired, but incorporating African wear into your office attire can add vibrancy and distinction. Whether you’re a man or a woman, these unique styles will help you stand out and express your individuality while maintaining a professional look. Here’s a guide on how to seamlessly integrate African wear into your corporate wardrobe.

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For Men

African Print Shirts:

• Swap your usual dress shirt for an African print shirt. Opt for designs that use subtle patterns and colors to keep it professional. For professionalism, I advise you to stick to long sleeves and not short sleeves. No one wants to see your elbows, especially since it has a tendency to look more ashy. Sorry.

• Pair your African Print Shirt with tailored trousers and some shoes. (NB: since you are wearing an African print, you might be tempted to wear a slipper or a pair of half shoes. This is a no. Go full shoe. It gives you a more classy and confident appeal. For classy corporate shoes, check out AJ Vanush.

Kaftans:

• A well-tailored and well-fitted kaftan can make any man look rich and confident. Having two work kaftans in your wardrobe is a great investment—emphasis on work kaftans, as you should avoid wearing your church kaftans to the office. It’s important to maintain a professional distinction between your work and personal attire. All you need for the office is a simple, elegant kaftan that exudes sophistication and professionalism.
• Please do not use bright colors for your kaftans. You want to draw attention but not too much attention. Go for deep blue, black, grey and a neutral shade of brown
• You will be tempted to pair this with men fashion slippers, although that works perfectly, please check in with your HR

NB: Do not wear African print tailored pants. No No. We don’t do that in corporations. You will get people talking alright but not in the right way.

For Women

Now you know women will have way more options than men. No intended discrimination though. It is just what it is.

African Print Dresses:

• Choose knee-length or midi African print dresses with sophisticated patterns. We want classy, so we do not want to show our thighs here ladies. It’s work, we can show it elsewhere. A well-tailored dress can be both professional and eye-catching. Pair with neutral heels and minimal jewelry for a balanced look.

Peplum Tops:

• African print peplum tops can be paired with pencil skirts or tailored pants. The structured fit of peplum tops adds a touch of elegance while the vibrant prints keep it stylish.

Skirts:

• Pencil skirts or A-line skirts made from African fabrics can be paired with solid-colored blouses. This combination is professional yet vibrant, perfect for a day at the office.This works for us but not men. It is just what it is.

Blazers and Jackets:

• Women can also incorporate African prints into their blazers or jackets. These can be worn over plain dresses or with skirts and blouses for a stylish office ensemble. If you wear an African print blazer or jacket, please wear a neutral-colored attire underneath. We do not want to look like the circus ladies. The blazer already has a lot of colors going on

Accessories:

• Add African-inspired accessories such as statement necklaces, earrings, or scarves. These can enhance a simple outfit and add a touch of cultural flair.

Personally, Jean Mensah inspires me. Get a fashion mentee or even download Pinterest. You will have endless looks.

Remember we want heads to turn in an elegant and classy way.

Fashion “Don’ts” for African Wear (Men and Women)

For Men:

1. Avoid sandals or slippers; opt for formal shoes.
2. Limit accessories; avoid excessive bold pieces.
3. Steer clear of loud or casual prints.
4. Ensure attire fits well; avoid clothing that is too loose or too tight.
5. Coordinate properly; avoid mixing conflicting patterns or colors.
6. No T-shirts or polo shirts; opt for tailored shirts or traditional tops.
7. Maintain neat hair and grooming; avoid unkempt hairstyles or facial hair.
8. Skip overly casual trousers; opt for well-tailored pants or traditional bottoms.
9. Avoid flashy jewelry; opt for subtle accessories.
10. Beware of wrinkled or poorly pressed attire; ensure everything is neat and clean.

For Women:

1. Avoid overly casual footwear like sandals; opt for closed-toe shoes.
2. Limit accessories; avoid overwhelming with too many pieces.
3. Steer clear of overly loud or casual prints.
4. Ensure attire fits well; avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose.
5. Coordinate colors and patterns; avoid clashing combinations.
6. No casual tops like T-shirts; opt for tailored blouses or traditional tops.
7. Maintain neat hair and grooming; avoid unkempt hairstyles.
8. Skip overly revealing outfits; opt for modest cuts and styles.
9. Beware of too much makeup; keep it professional and subtle.
10. Avoid overly flashy or large jewelry; opt for elegant and understated pieces.