Say you had to attend an event, and the dress code was traditional. What’s the first fabric you’d consider to pull it off? Let me guess—Ankara? This fabric has become a key part of African fashion. Even Google’s generative AI regards it as the most popular African fabric. Due to its popularity, many ankara styles spring up every day. A few taps on Pinterest and your screen will be flooded with tons of lovely designs.
With this availability comes another need: what to consider before picking a design. This guide is tailored for every fashion enthusiast looking to get more from ankara styles. Inside, you’ll find practical ways to rock the fabric, ensure it suits your personal style, and serve you for as long as you want.
Different Types of Ankara Styles
Below, we explore the major categories of Ankara styles for the young and old. Rock them as ankara church styles or wear them to weddings, funerals, work, or any outing you deem fit.
Ankara One-Piece Styles
These are single items of clothing covering the upper and lower body. They include ankara jumpsuits, playsuits, dungarees, and dresses.
Ankara Two-Piece
Ankara two-pieces are coordinated sets mostly worn for a cohesive look. They’re often made with the same color or pattern of fabric and usually comprise a top (shirt, top, jacket, or blouse) and a bottom (skirt, pants, or shorts). You either rock your two-piece as a whole or pair them with other tops or bottoms, as the case may be.
Ankara Suits
This is an off-shoot of the two-piece—though some suits come with a vest, making them a three-piece outfit. These Ankara styles exude a professional vibe. They’re perfect as work, business, or church outfits.
Ankara Top Styles
Ankara tops incorporate stylish necklines, sleeves, and structures. Popular styles include crop tops, peplum tops, smocked tops, and many others. Pick a design that matches your aesthetic and pair it with a befitting skirt, shorts, or pants for any casual or formal event.
Ankara Skirts
Think flared, pencil, six-pieces, ruffled, tulip, pleated, peplum, and midi skirts made with Ankara fabrics. Pair them with a matching African-print top, tee, or a cute top made with plain fabrics.
Ankara Pants
These Ankara styles include palazzos, cargo pants, joggers, tapered pants, bell bottoms, and shorts. They pair well with any style of tops.
How to Make the Most of Your Chosen Ankara Styles
Before rocking your chosen Ankara style, consider the following to ensure it serves you:
The Occasion
Where would you wear the fabric to? Church, weddings, fashion shows, a business meeting? Ensure your chosen style is tailored for the occasion. For example, prioritize modest styles for religious or work-related gatherings and revealing styles to casual occasions.
Your Style Intent
How do you plan to look? Simple and blended in with the rest of the crowd or unique and standing out? Knowing your goal for dressing up will guide you in choosing an Ankara style that helps you achieve it.
Your Existing Material
Look at your wardrobe. Do you have the right bag, shoes, jewelry, and other pieces to complement your Ankara outfit? If you’re picking only Ankara bottoms, ensure you have tees or readymade shirts to complete the look. Also, let the colors of these items match the color palette of your Ankara bottoms and tops styles.
The Rewear Value
As sustainability becomes the norm, many fashion enthusiasts are finding ways to extend the durability of their clothes and preserve the environment. So, don’t choose a style you only wear once and that’ll be all. Aim to always wear your outfits in new ways. It’s one of the three R’s of sustainable fashion.
For example, instead of picking an uncomfortable style you can only wear to a wedding, choose something that will serve you during other events too. Additionally, repair them when they need mending and upcycle them into tote bags, hair accessories, or new styles when you get bored of that particular look.
Ankara Styles Remain Timeless
As you already know, Ankara styles are unlimited. Some are as simple as straight pants or a shift dress while others are statement pieces with unique, bold details. Kids aren’t left out of the Afrocentric movement. More often than not, children have donned this fabric, showcasing its versatility and universality.
Whether you want something retro reminiscent of your parents’ style of dressing or you want that trendy, contemporary look, you can never run out of options. Ankara designs remain a crucial aspect of African fashion that will never become obsolete.
