A Guide to Styling Ankara for Every Occasion

Styling Ankara for every occasion has been a question for many women, especially the starters. With its stunning colors and striking designs, Ankara fabric has become a prominent fixture in the global fashion scene.

This fabric not only makes a bold statement but also provides endless styling options for any occasion—be it casual outings or classy gatherings. Originating in West Africa, Ankara has transitioned beyond traditional uses into a modern, universally accepted fabric choice.

Often referred to as Dutch wax print or African wax print, Ankara stands out due to its vibrant patterns and intricate designs. The unique wax-resist dyeing technique used in creating these patterns results in high-quality cotton that is both durable and visually appealing. Traditional Ankara designs are geometric, but the modern variations now embrace a plethora of abstract shapes, animal prints, and even portraits, showcasing the fabric’s versatility.

Ankara can be adapted for various types of clothing, making it an excellent choice for multiple events. Below, we explore how to style Ankara fabric for different occasions while ensuring you remain stylish, confident, and appropriate for each setting.

Casual Everyday Ankara

For day-to-day activities, Ankara can be styled in comfortable yet eye-catching ways:

• Ankara tops paired with jeans:

A simple Ankara peplum top or fitted blouse worn with denim creates an effortless look that balances traditional and contemporary elements. This combination balances vibrant prints with a relaxed aesthetic, perfect for brunch dates, shopping trips, or casual meet-ups.

• Ankara skirts:

A midi or maxi Ankara skirt paired with a solid-colored t-shirt or tank top offers comfort without sacrificing style. This style is great for beach days, picnics, or informal gatherings.

• Ankara jumpsuits and rompers:

For a chic and playful look, go for an Ankara jumpsuit or romper. This one-piece outfit requires minimal styling and is perfect for running errands, casual outings, or vacations.

• Ankara accessories:

For starters who are new to Ankara fashion, start with accessories like headwraps, bags, or shoes to add a pop of color to neutral outfits. Avoid over-accessorizing to maintain a relaxed and effortless feel.

Workwear Ankara Styles

Professional settings call for more subdued Ankara looks:

• Ankara blazers:

A well-tailored Ankara blazer over a simple dress or trousers elevates office attire instantly. Also, an Ankara blazer over a monochrome blouse and pencil skirt or trousers makes for a sophisticated office look.

• Pencil skirts and dresses:

A knee-length or A-line Ankara dress with minimal prints is perfect for corporate environments. Stick to neutral-toned Ankara prints for a more refined office aesthetic.

• Ankara accents:

Consider pairing your outfit with Ankara details rather than full prints, like collar accents, pocket squares, or trim details.

Ankara for Special Cultural and Traditional Occasions

Cultural celebrations such as traditional weddings, naming ceremonies, or religious gatherings often call for elaborate Ankara outfits.

• Aso-Ebi Styles for Traditional Weddings:

Many African weddings feature Ankara Aso-Ebi which are mostly coordinated outfits. Opt for detailed styles with adornments such as beadwork, or embroidery. Gele (headwraps) often complete the look for women.

• Ankara Agbada for Men and Women:

Ankara as Agbada is a flowing robe commonly worn at traditional events, paired with matching trousers and fila (cap) for an authentic and regal appearance. This is an outfit majorly worn by men but with a modern twist, while women are seen pairing theirs with either fila or gele.

• Styling with Cultural Accessories:

Traditional beads, gele, and handcrafted jewelry enhance the richness of Ankara styles for cultural events, creating a regal and culturally rooted style.

Ankara Street Style and Festival Fashion

Street style and festival fashion embrace bold, creative Ankara ensembles that stand out.

• Mix-and-Match Prints:

Experiment with clashing Ankara prints, layering different patterns and colors for a streetwear look. An oversized Ankara jacket over a bodycon dress or wide-leg Ankara pants with a crop top portrays a trendy appeal.

• Ankara Shorts and Kimonos:

For summer festivals, Ankara shorts paired with a bralette or a flowy Ankara kimono over a bodysuit can create a stylish bohemian-inspired look.

• Accessories:

Pair Ankara festival looks with statement sunglasses, chunky boots, or hoop earrings to complete this style’s aesthetic.

Mixing Patterns and Colors

Ankara’s bold nature requires thoughtful styling:

• Follow the 60-30-10 rule when mixing patterns: use your Ankara as 60% of your outfit, a complementary pattern or texture as 30%, and a solid accent color as 10%. For example, imagine styling an outfit with a vibrant blue and yellow Ankara skirt, the Ankara skirt serves as your 60%, a simple white blouse could be your 30%, and yellow shoes or a yellow belt would be your 10%.
• When mixing Ankara patterns, choose designs with at least one common color to create a connection.
• For beginners, pair Ankara with neutral solids like black, white, or denim to let the fabric take center stage.

Caring for Your Ankara Dresses

• Hand wash or use gentle machine cycles with mild detergent.
• Avoid harsh bleaches or chemicals that could fade the bright colors.
• Iron on the reverse side or with a pressing cloth to protect prints.
• Dry Ankara fabric in a shaded area to prevent sun damage and color fading.
• Store Ankara garments in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
• If dry cleaning is required, opt for professional cleaners familiar with handling Ankara fabrics.
• Wash bright and dark Ankara fabrics separately to prevent color bleeding.

Ankara fabric offers a unique opportunity to incorporate cultural heritage, artistic expression, and personal style into your wardrobe.

Whether you’re making a bold statement or adding subtle accents, the versatility of the Ankara pieces makes them appropriate for every occasion. By understanding how to style this iconic fabric across different settings, you can showcase its beauty while expressing your personal style.