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How to Style an Ankara Dress for Canadian Weather: All-Season Guide
Ankara dresses are famous for their expressive designs and beautiful African prints. Whether you prefer a stylish maxi dress, or something more fun and short, or maybe something elegant and long, the choices are endless.
Making a bold and beautiful statement with Ankara dresses is effortless and always gives you an instant confidence boost.
But if you live in Canada, you know creating a beautiful outfit isn't always easy.
One day, the weather is warm enough to wear a light outfit. The next day it's freezing, and you have to brave the cold winds and rains to even consider leaving the house.
So does that mean your Ankara dresses are only good for the summer?
Of course not!
There are tricks to wearing Ankara dresses year round, including during the falls and winters. Learning about the Canadian climate and combining the knowledge with African print clothes can be very helpful.
There are ways to wear your favorite Ankara dresses during all the different seasons.
We'll show you how to be stylish while wearing your Ankara dresses year round, for the various events in your social calendar, including work, weddings, brunches and all those special dates you need to dress up for.
Ankara Fabric and Why It Works for Canadian Fashion
Let's discuss the fabric before getting into the outfits.
Ankara is an incredibly popular fabric in West African Fashion and beyond. Designers love using Ankara for its bold colors and interesting patterns.
With how dramatic and expressive Ankara can be, designers use it to create so many kinds of clothing including, but not limited to: fitted dresses and skirts, long and flowing gowns, fitted suits and blazers, jumpsuits, sets, and more!
Ankara fabrics are usually made with a cotton base and can differ in thickness and textile. When dressing for Canadian weather it’s important to take into account how warm, breathable and comfortable your fabric will be.
A lightweight Ankara dress may be cool to wear on a hot summer day, but it may not be the best to wear on a freezing winter day.
But don't worry! You don't have to give up your Ankara dresses! The main point is to wear the right fabrics for the weather.
So in the winter time, you can wear the Ankara dress, then layer with tights, leggings, thicker socks, warm coats, boots, scarves and more!
It's a great way to take your existing clothes and create different seasonal outfits!
How to Style an Ankara Dress in Spring
The weather in Canada can be unpredictable. One moment it may be warm enough for shorts and a tank top, and the next you may need a warm coat.
This is where layering can be very useful.
An Ankara Dress With a Denim Jacket
Denim jackets can be a great, and easy, way to style Ankara dresses for spring.
Because denim is a textile that a lot of people are very familiar with, it helps balance the bold colors of Ankara fabrics.
Try pairing a denim jacket with a white or pale color sneaker and a midi length Ankara dress.
Keep in mind that, depending on your print, a plain denim jacket may help give your outfit more balance.
A Lightweight Trench Coat
Another option may be to layer with a beige or other pastel colored trench coat.
These colors compliment a lot of different Ankara prints, and help give the outfit more structure.
Trench coats are especially helpful if you work in, or are planning on going to, a more formal setting, like an office.
Cardigan Layering
Lastly, a neutral color cardigan may help if you are trying to accessorize with a piece that complements the colors of the print on your dress.
Try leaving your cardigan open to help give your outfit more of a relaxed feel.
How to Style an Ankara Dress in Summer
In Canada, summer is arguably the easiest season for wearing Ankara dresses. The fabric can be stiff, so wearing extra layers is sometimes necessary in the other seasons.
Thankfully, with summer weather comes the opportunity to wear lighter silhouettes and experiment with brighter accessories.
Pick Breathable Ankara Dresses
If the fabric lining of your dress is not providing enough comfort, you can also look for styles with lightweight and breathable fabric.
Cotton Ankara dresses are also an option if the fabric is not too thick.
Popular Summer Styles:
-Sleeveless
-Short
-Wrap
-Midi
-Flowing Maxi
-Off Shoulder
-Ankara two-pieces
Pick a Style You Can be Active in
Keep Accessories Simple
The versatility of Ankara prints already adds plenty of visual interest. You don't need to overdo it with accessories.
Try:
-Flat sandals
-A woven bag
-Sunglasses
-Earrings
-A head wrap
-A straw hat
For a casual summer day, you can't go wrong with a neutral bag and sandals with your colorful Ankara dress.
Try Ankara Dresses for Summer Events
Summer events like weddings, backyard barbecues, and festivals are a great opportunity to wear your ankara maxi or midi dresses.
Consider a more structured style for a formal event and dressy accessories for footwear.
For an outdoor formal event, consider the possibility of rain and the conditions of the venue when deciding what to wear.
How to Style an Ankara Dress in Fall
Fall is a great season to try out African print fashion.
For one, layering becomes more important as the weather gets cooler, and the bold and beautiful patterns of Ankara lend well to layering with the thicker fabrics of fall.
The textures and colors of autumn lend well to layering. Think burgundy, camel, chocolate brown, forest green, cream, and black.
Layer With A Turtleneck
Layer a turtleneck with your Ankara dress. This is a great option for your sleeveless or short-sleeved Ankara dresses.
With a black turtleneck, you can warm up your dresses with bold, colorful prints.
With your dress layered, you can complete the look with ankle or knee-high boots, depending on the length of your dress.
Add A Leather Jacket
A black leather jacket, or faux leather, adds edge to your look and a sophisticated contrast to traditional prints.
Try mixing a colorful midi Ankara dress with black leather and black ankle boots for a stylish, yet traditional, look.
Wear With Tall Boots
As the weather gets cooler, tall boots help create a better, more covered, fall look.
With an Ankara midi dress, try knee-high boots for a complete look.
If your print is bold, try pairing your outfit with black or brown boots to help anchor the look.
The formula for an autumn-ready look: an Ankara dress, a fitted turtleneck, a long coat and knee-high boots.
How to Style an Ankara Dress in Canadian Winter
Styling for winter requires more consideration than other seasons.
Depending on where you live, the Canadian Winter can bring extremely low temperatures and wind chill, snow, and icy conditions.
Conditions vary from region to region, so your choice of outfit may depend more on the forecast rather than the date.
The idea is to separate your indoor outfit from your outdoor layers.
You can wear a stylish Ankara dress, for example, underneath a warm winter coat and still look fabulous. Just make sure the entire outfit provides enough insulation for your journey.
Wear Thermal Layers Under Your Dress
Thermal underwear or leggings can be a game changer when the temperatures drop.
Choose a base layer that is close fitting so it can fit beneath your dress.
Depending on the dress, you may be able to wear:
Thermal leggings with a maxi dress
Opaque fleece-lined tights with a midi dress
A thermal top with a sleeveless Ankara dress
Warm socks with winter boots
Wool or synthetic base layers can help manage moisture and provide insulation. Health Canada suggests dressing in layers, using a wind-resistant outer layer, and changing out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
Choose a Warm Winter Coat
A good warm coat can take the edge off a Canadian Winter.
For even more insulation, you may want to consider a warm wool coat or parka, especially if you expect to be outside for a long time.
An elegant long coat can complement an Ankara Maxi dress nicely.
For casual outfits, a long puffer coat works well with Ankara dresses, leggings, and winter boots.
If your dress is brightly patterned, a coat in black, camel, cream, navy, or chocolate brown can help balance the outfit.
Wear Winter Boots With Good Grip
Winter footwear should be more than attractive.
Look for insulated, weather-resistant boots with good traction for snow and slippery sidewalks.
You can wear ankle boots with midi dresses or taller boots with shorter dresses and warm tights.
If you expect deep snow or freezing rain, choose footwear for those conditions rather than relying on fashion boots designed mainly for appearance.
Add a Scarf, Hat, and Gloves
Accessories can make a winter outfit feel complete while serving a practical purpose.
Try coordinating your Ankara dress with:
A wool scarf
A knitted hat or beanie
Insulated gloves or mittens
Warm socks
A structured winter handbag
You can choose one color from your Ankara print and repeat it in your scarf or hat.
For example, if your dress features burgundy and gold, a burgundy scarf can tie the outfit together without competing with the print.
Best Jackets and Coats to Wear With Ankara Dresses
Not every jacket works equally well with every Ankara dress. The best combination depends on the dress's length, shape, print, and the weather.
Here's a simple guide.
Outerwear | Best for | Styling tip |
Denim jacket | Spring and cool summer evenings | Pair with casual midi dresses |
Trench coat | Spring and fall | Choose a neutral color |
Cardigan | Mild spring and fall days | Keep the cardigan simple if the print is bold |
Leather jacket | Fall and mild weather | Combine with ankle boots |
Wool coat | Cold fall days and suitable winter conditions | Choose a length that works with your dress |
Insulated parka | Cold winter weather | Prioritize warmth and weather protection |
A useful rule is to let one item lead the outfit.
If your Ankara dress is the statement piece, choose relatively simple outerwear. If your dress has a subtle print, you can experiment with more distinctive jackets and accessories.
How to Wear Ankara Dresses With Sweaters
There are many ways to style an Ankara dress, especially with the help of knitted sweaters.
Wear a Sweater Over Your Dress
A cropped sweater can be a great addition to a sleeveless or fitted dress. It instantly makes the outfit look more put together and provides a unique way to style an old dress.
The look can also be achieved with a longer sweater, but a belt may be necessary to bring focus back to your natural waist.
Wear a Thin Sweater Under Your Dress
Thin knitted sweaters can also be worn underneath Ankara dresses. This is a great trick to use with sleeveless dresses, and in the fall when it is still fairly warm.
Using a cardigan to tie the outfit together can add an extra pop to your look.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Every Season
Ankara prints are so versatile that different shoes can change the whole look and feel of your outfit.
The same dress can look casual, professional, or formal depending on what you wear with it.
For spring, try wearing white sneakers, loafers, or ankle boots.
For summer, sandals, flats, and dressy heels are also great choices.
For fall, ankle boots and knee-high boots can be worn with midi and maxi dresses.
Insulated boots are a good choice for the protection and traction they offer in the winter.
If you are planning on being on your feet for a long time during your commute, prioritize comfort.
How to Accessorize an Ankara Dress in Cold Weather
Accessories help bring the outfit together, but there's no need to match every item perfectly.
Instead, look for colors that complement the Ankara print.
If your dress features orange, blue, and yellow, you might choose a navy coat and a tan handbag.
If your dress is predominantly green, gold earrings and a cream scarf may work beautifully.
For winter, consider practical accessories such as wool scarves, knitted hats, and insulated gloves. These can add color and texture while protecting you from the cold.
For formal events, statement earrings, a clutch, and elegant shoes may be all you need once you're indoors.
How to Style Ankara Dresses for Work in Canada
Ankara dresses can work well in professional wardrobes, especially when the silhouette and styling suit your workplace.
For a business-casual look, choose a tailored Ankara midi dress and add a plain blazer.
Neutral colors such as black, navy, cream, and camel are easy to coordinate with colorful prints.
Complete the outfit with loafers, low heels, or ankle boots.
During colder months, wear a warm coat for your commute and keep an extra layer at the office if needed.
If your workplace has a formal dress code, consider structured designs, modest necklines, and less elaborate accessories.
Building a Versatile Ankara Wardrobe for All Four Seasons
You don't need a completely separate wardrobe for every season.
A few versatile pieces can help you style the same Ankara dresses in different ways throughout the year.
Consider keeping these essentials in your closet:
One lightweight denim jacket
One neutral cardigan
One tailored blazer
One trench coat
One warm winter coat or parka
Comfortable sneakers
Ankle boots
Insulated winter boots
Opaque tights or thermal leggings
A warm scarf, hat, and gloves
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Ankara Fashion in Every Canadian Season
Working with Ankara prints for the Canadian climate doesn’t need to be complicated . With an understanding of the season and simple adjustments with layers, you can pull together a look in no time.
In the spring, denim jackets and cardigans are good options to throw over your dress. For the summer, consider light layers like dresses or cardigans with sandals and simple accessories. For fall, try boots with a leather jacket and cardigans.
You have many options for winter layers. Outside of your normal layers, consider a parka or wool coat. Accessorize with warm mittens or a scarf, and pull on some boots designed for the snow and ice.
With all the layers, your Ankara print can really take center stage in any outfit, making a strong statement throughout all of the Canadian seasons.
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