When it comes to fashion inspiration, you can certainly rely on South African female celebrities with their bold and unique sense of style. These women are constantly turning heads whenever and wherever they step out.
It’s not just about wearing designer pieces or following seasonal trends; it’s about how they wear them, how their presence lingers long after a red carpet appearance or a single Instagram post. When Bonang Matheba arrived at the 2024 SA Style Awards, channeling blonde beauty in a stunning metallic gown and platinum blonde hair, she owned a moment that lit up the fashion scene.
In South Africa, fashion isn’t just personal. It’s bold and beautiful, and these women embody all of it. What makes these South African female celebrities’ mood board-worthy isn’t just their individual style; it’s how they use fashion to convey confidence and elegance.
Some deliver boss energy in sculpted suits, while others tap into hyper-feminine palettes with ruffles and pastels. Together, they offer a full visual board for how a modern African woman can dress.
So if you’re looking to elevate your style and draw inspiration from icons, here are 20 South African female celebrities who should absolutely be on your fashion mood board.
Bonang Matheba
Photo: Instagram/@bonang_m Bonang is a gold standard when it comes to fashion. Whether she’s hosting global events or launching a luxury brand, her looks are always polished, high-end, and dramatically good. She’s the SA female celebrity you can lean on when it comes to flawless put-together dresses, power suits, and structured pieces that feel edgy. If your mood board needs a dose of sophistication and old-Hollywood glam, Bonang Matheba is your girl.
Ayanda Thabethe
Photo: Instagram/@ayandathabethe_ TV host and actress Ayanda Thabethe is all about clean lines, minimalism, and elevated simplicity. Her style offers inspiration for the modern woman who wants to look put-together without doing too much. From workwear appropriate to monochrome power fits, she is the mood board queen of refined elegance.
Nomzamo Mbatha
Photo: Instagram/@gqsouthafrica Nomzamo Mbatha is that fashionable South African female celebrity who blends heritage with high fashion in the most effortless way. She’s no stranger to dresses with the highest slits, va-va-voom cut-outs, or hairstyles anyone else can easily pull off. Mabatha always wants to be seen, and she does that through fabulous ensembles. You can count on the South African actress if you’re looking to infuse culture into contemporary fashion.
Kefilwe Mabote
Photo: Instagram/@kefilwe_mabote As a fashion influencer and businesswoman, Kefilwe Mabote’s Instagram feed is practically a masterclass in unexpected styling. From tailored Balmain blazers to perfectly cinched dresses and structured bags, her wardrobe choices reflect a deep understanding of silhouette, proportion, and timeless luxury. Her curated looks are always sharp, elegant, and aspirational. She brings that jet-set chic you want front and center on your board.
Minnie Dlamini
Photo: Instagram/@minniedlamini Minnie Dlamini’s style is the definition of soft glam. Her wardrobe includes feminine dresses, edgy co-ords, and bold hues. The South African celebrity’s looks are perfect if your mood board leans towards flirty, flowy, and perfectly put-together ensembles.
Boity Thulo
Photo: Instagram/@boity Boity Thulo is all about versatility. One minute, the fashionable South African is in athleisure, the next she’s in a floor-length sequin gown. She’s unafraid to play with silhouettes and fabrics, making her a must-have on your mood board. She’s that style star that embraces bold transitions — from casual chic to red carpet showstopper.
Mihlali Ndamase
Photo: Instagram/@mihlalii_n Beauty influencer and YouTuber Mihlali Ndamase is one of the most-watched South African female celebrities for a reason. Her style is trend-conscious, and she has amassed a huge social media following from fans eager to see what she wears.
Zozibini Tunzi
Photo: Instagram/@zozitunzi The former Miss Universe is a master of clean silhouettes, tailored suits, and natural beauty. Her fashion choices always exude grace and intentionality. Zozibini Tunzi’s wardrobe is ideal for those who want their mood board to scream intelligent, stylish, and powerful.
Sarah Langa
Photo: Instagram/@sarahlanga Sarah Langa is the poster girl for neutral tones, luxe textures, and designer bags. Her fashion is calm but confident. She’s all about creating a high-impact look without shouting, and that’s a style lesson we all need.
K Naomi Phakathi
Photo: Instagram/@knaomi TV personality and model K Naomi blends modern trends with timeless staples. Think leather jackets over pleated skirts, boxy blazers with towering heels. Her style is youthful, bold, and edgy, a perfect reference for anyone who loves structure with a twist.
Amanda du-Pont
Photo: Instagram/@amandadupont Actress and entrepreneur Amanda du-Pont often struts her fashion sense in vibrant hues and luxe fabrics. Her feminine aesthetic blends traditional African prints with modern twists, making her a notable figure in the movement towards African-inspired fashion.
Aisha Baker
Photo: Instagram/@bakedonline As a blogger and influencer, Aisha Baker brings an authentic view of fashion that resonates with her followers. Her knack for pairing high-end pieces with everyday items creates looks that are not only aspirational but also attainable, making her a relatable style icon.
Nandi Madida
Photo: Instagram/@nandi_madida Nandi Madida is a true fashion chameleon. Whether she’s rocking a daring street style or a dreamy evening dress, her flair for mixing textures and patterns showcases her individuality. Nandi’s looks often incorporate a mix of traditional African elements with contemporary designs, making her a style star to keep on your mood board.
DJ Zinhle (Ntombezinhle Jiyane Mohosana)
Photo: Instagram/@djzinhle DJ Zinhle, an emblem of empowerment, effortlessly combines trendy components with high fashion. Her signature style includes sleek athleisure pieces paired with elegant accessories, proving that comfort and chic can go hand in hand. Her vibrant color choices reflect her dynamic personality.
Nhlanhla Nciza
Photo: Instagram/@ nhlanhla_mafu As a member of the legendary duo Mafikizolo, Nhlanhla Nciza brings a dose of glam to every appearance. Her style is often characterized by striking patterns, exquisite silhouettes, and a bold color palette. Nhlanhla represents a fusion of traditional African fashion with modern trends.
Shashi Naidoo
Photo: Instagram/@shashinaidoo Shashi Naidoo embodies effortless elegance. Her street style is a blend of casual chic, characterized by tailored pants and trendy blazers, making her a relatable yet aspirational figure. Shashi expertly navigates both the realms of casual and high fashion.
Lerato Kganyago
Photo: Instagram/@leratokganyago A television personality and entrepreneur, Lerato Kganyago is known for her exquisite taste. Whether she’s in a flowing gown or an edgy jumpsuit, her style is always polished. Lerato’s ability to mix modern aesthetics with classic elegance earns her a spot on your mood board.
Jessica Nkosi
Photo: Instagram/@jessicankosi Jessica Nkosi’s fashion choices often reflect her radiant personality. With a love for dramatic colors and feminine silhouettes, she knows how to turn heads. Her ability to blend glamour with a relaxed style makes her an inspiration for many looking to elevate their wardrobe.
Thando Thabethe
Photo: Instagram/@thando_thabethe Known for her versatility, Thando Thabethe delivers everything from chic business attire to elegant gowns. She effortlessly blends bold colors and prints, ensuring that she stands out in any crowd. Thando’s confidence in showcasing her curves is a fashion statement in itself.
Pearl Thusi
Photo: Instagram/@pearlthusi Pearl Thusi is all about bold elegance. With a signature flair for sophisticated yet statement-making ensembles, she takes risks that always pay off. Whether in a fitted gown or an avant-garde outfit, Pearl embodies the modern woman with her forward-thinking fashion choices.
These fashionable South African female celebrities offer a unique lens into style, from minimalism to maximalism. So if you’re refreshing your wardrobe or just gathering ideas, this is the ultimate mood board. One scroll through their feeds, and you’ll know exactly what kind of statement you want to make.
