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Mixing African Prints With Western Wardrobe Staples: A Style Guide
Have you ever admired an Ankara jacket, African print skirt, or Kente-inspired blouse and had no idea how to style it, all the while feeling like you were about to cross the line of appearing formal, traditional, or over the top?
We have all felt this way at one point or another.
African prints are vivid, bold, and invoke feelings of exuberance. The challenge is finding ways to appropriately incorporate them into outfits.
Fortunately, you don't need to go out and spend a ton of money to be on trend with the latest African fashions.
The truth is, the best outfits come from blending African prints with the normal everyday Western clothes you already own.
For example, jeans, shirts, blazers and denim jackets, sneakers, and trousers.
It's all about balance and finding the right blend of your culture and your sense of style.
You can wear African prints to brunch, to work, and on the streets of your neighborhood.
If you appreciate rich African fabric prints, modern, trendy and edgy Afrocentric styles, and traditional African clothes, you've come to the right place.
This guide will teach you how to use African prints and blend them with clothes you already own to create sophisticated outfits.
Why Mixing African Prints With Western Fashion Works
African print styles and Western styles mesh very well together. African prints incorporate vibrant colors, geometrics, and bold prints, while Western styles are normally muted and simple. By combining the two styles, you get a perfect well-rounded outfit.
When you combine the two, each piece gets room to shine.
For example, an Ankara blazer paired with plain blue jeans creates a stylish outfit without requiring much effort.
The blazer brings the color and personality, while the jeans make the look relaxed and easy to wear.
The same principle works with an African print skirt and a plain white shirt, or an Ankara top paired with black tailored trousers.
The secret is balance, not matching everything perfectly.
You don't need every item to share the same print or color. In fact, keeping some pieces simple often makes the African print stand out even more.
Pair Ankara With Classic Blue Jeans
If you're just starting to experiment with African print fashion, jeans are one of the easiest places to begin.
Almost everyone has a favorite pair of jeans, and denim works with a wide variety of Ankara colors and patterns.
How to Style the Combination
Try these outfit ideas:
Ankara blouse + straight-leg jeans + sandals: A relaxed outfit for brunch or shopping.
Ankara blazer + dark denim + loafers: A polished look for dinner or a casual business meeting.
African print bomber jacket + black jeans + sneakers: A contemporary streetwear combination.
Ankara crop top + high-waisted jeans + simple earrings: A playful outfit for a casual outing.
The type of jeans you choose can also change the overall feel.
Straight-leg and slim jeans create a more streamlined appearance. Wide-leg jeans give the outfit a relaxed, contemporary silhouette, while distressed denim adds an edgier touch.
If your Ankara piece has large, colorful patterns, try dark or medium-wash denim to create visual balance.
Style African Prints With a Classic White Shirt
The versatility of a white button down shirt can not be overstated. Depending on the occasion, a white button down can make a good impression while still being casual and relaxed.
It can even be worn with African prints!
A clean white button down shines a spotlight on Ankara prints by providing a clean background.
Try These Combinations
Ankara Skirt and White Shirt
Paired with a white button down, an A-line or fitted Ankara skirt can be dressed up with simple heels or loafers.
Ankara Pants and an Oversized Shirt
Keep it casual with a pair of wide legged African print pants and an oversized white shirt.
Ankara Vest and a White Shirt
Layer an African print vest over a white shirt for an interesting spring and fall look.
African print details on a white outfit
If you prefer subtle styling, choose a white shirt with African print cuffs, a collar, or a pocket detail.
This combination is especially useful when you want to introduce African fashion into a professional wardrobe without making the outfit feel too elaborate.
Use African Prints with Denim Jackets
Try pairing a denim jacket over an Ankara dress with white sneakers for a cute and casual look.
A denim jacket can also pair well over an Ankara skirt.
Outfit Ideas to Try
Wear a denim jacket over an Ankara maxi dress with white sneakers.
Pair an African print skirt with a fitted T-shirt and a cropped denim jacket.
Layer a denim jacket over an Ankara jumpsuit for a relaxed weekend outfit.
Combine a colorful African print blouse with black jeans and a denim jacket.
A light-wash denim jacket often works well with bright summer prints, while darker denim can create a more structured look.
For a balanced outfit, consider the proportions. A cropped jacket can complement a high-waisted skirt, while a slightly oversized denim jacket can work nicely with a fitted dress.
Wear African Prints With Western Blazers
Blazers are excellent for anyone who wants to incorporate African prints into workwear or smart-casual outfits.
You can approach this combination in two ways: wear an African print blazer with Western basics, or add a plain blazer to an outfit featuring an African print garment.
African Print Blazer With Neutral Basics
Try an Ankara blazer with a black camisole, tailored trousers, and loafers.
The neutral pieces create a sophisticated base, allowing the print to become the focal point.
This outfit can work for creative workplaces, networking events, dinners, and other occasions where smart-casual clothing is appropriate.
Plain Blazer With an African Print Dress
A black, cream, navy, or camel blazer can make an Ankara dress feel more structured.
This is a particularly useful combination when you want to wear a colorful dress to the office or a professional event.
Styling tip: Pay attention to the fit of your blazer. A well-fitted shoulder and sleeve can make an outfit look more intentional, even when the rest of the pieces are simple.
Mix African Prints With Western Skirts and Trousers
Just adding one colorful element to your outfit can make a huge impact.
Western skirts and trousers are perfect for this purpose as they tend to have a simple, plain silhouette which can act as the base for a more colorful top.
African Print Tops With Tailored Trousers
For a smarter look, you can wear an Ankara top with black or cream tailored trousers.
This look is smart enough for the office and with a change of shoes you can alter the formality for after work or the weekend.
Ankara Skirts With Plain Tops
African print pencil skirts can also be paired with fitted tops, for a smart look. A more flowing skirt would look nice paired with a fitted top or T-shirt.
African Print Trousers With A Neutral Top
Ankara trousers can make a nice statement piece. These can be worn with a black or white tank top or fitted neutral top.
Add African Prints to Western Streetwear
There is a natural synergy between some elements of African prints and some of the fashion trends in contemporary streetwear.
There are various trends in streetwear including bold and expressive graphics, oversized silhouettes, graphic pieces, sneakers, and denim. African prints also easily transition into this world.
African Print Bomber Jackets
An ankara bomber can really pop when paired with black jeans and sneakers.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple so that the jacket is the focal point.
African Print Shirts With Cargo Pants
If you're going for a more relaxed fit, try an African print shirt with neutral colored cargo pants and a pair of casual sneakers.
This works especially well with a more fitted or contemporary shirt.
African Print Accessories
If you aren't ready to totally commit to an African print look, consider small details like African print fabric sneakers or a bucket hat and crossbody bag.
Easily the most accessible way to wear African inspired prints with western garments is through accessories.
An African print bag can totally change an outfit, especially a neutral one you wear a lot.
Consider adding:
An Ankara headwrap
An African print handbag
A colorful fabric belt
A statement necklace
African print shoes
A patterned scarf
Fabric-covered earrings
For example, a plain black midi dress paired with an Ankara headwrap and matching clutch can look elegant without feeling overly complicated.
How to Mix African Prints Without Clashing
Mixing different prints can be exciting, but it takes a little more thought than pairing Ankara with plain clothing.
The good news is that you don't need to avoid print-on-print outfits altogether.
You simply need a strategy.
Start With a Shared Color
If you're combining two patterns, look for at least one color that appears in both pieces.
For example, an Ankara skirt featuring blue and white could work with a striped shirt that also includes blue.
The shared color helps create a connection between the pieces.
Combine Different Print Scales
Try pairing a garment with a large geometric pattern with another piece featuring smaller stripes or subtle checks.
When the patterns have different scales, they can be easier to distinguish from each other.
Let One Print Lead
If you're new to mixing prints, make one garment the main statement and keep the second pattern less dominant.
For instance, pair bold Ankara trousers with a shirt featuring thin, understated stripes.
Use Neutral Accessories
Neutral shoes, bags, and outerwear can help bring the outfit together.
Black, white, beige, brown, and denim are useful choices when the clothing already contains several patterns.
Remember, fashion is about experimentation. You may discover combinations that work beautifully even if they don't follow every traditional styling rule.
Choose Western Shoes That Complement African Prints
Shoes can change the mood of an outfit dramatically.
The same Ankara dress can look casual with sneakers, polished with loafers, or elegant with heels.
Here are a few easy combinations:
Footwear | Best pairing | Overall look |
White sneakers | Ankara dresses, jeans, printed trousers | Casual and modern |
Loafers | Ankara skirts, blazers, tailored trousers | Smart-casual |
Neutral sandals | Ankara maxi dresses and summer outfits | Relaxed and elegant |
Ankle boots | Ankara midi dresses and fall outfits | Contemporary |
Heels | Formal Ankara dresses and occasion wear | Dressy and sophisticated |
Western-style boots | Ankara skirts, denim, and selected dresses | Modern with a subtle Western influence |
When choosing shoes, consider both the occasion and comfort. If you're walking frequently, practical footwear can make the outfit much easier to enjoy.
Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing African prints with Western fashion is largely about finding combinations that feel comfortable and authentic to your personal style.
However, a few common mistakes can make styling more difficult.
Using too many statement pieces at once.
A bold Ankara jacket, patterned trousers, colorful shoes, and a large statement bag may compete for attention.
Try choosing one main focal point.
Ignoring proportions. If you're wearing oversized trousers, a more fitted top can create balance. Alternatively, a loose blouse may work beautifully with a streamlined skirt.
Choosing colors without considering the overall outfit. You don't need to match every shade, but repeating one color across two or three pieces can help create cohesion.
Buying pieces you can't style in multiple ways. Before purchasing a new garment, think about at least two or three outfits you could create with it.
Assuming African prints only belong at traditional events. Ankara and other African-inspired textiles can work in casual, professional, and contemporary wardrobes when styled appropriately.
Final Thoughts: Make African Prints Part of Your Everyday Style
An easy way to make stylish, unique, and versatile outfits is to use African prints with Western staples.
To start, throw an Ankara blouse over your favorite jeans. To add layers, put on a denim jacket or blazer and change up the look by tying the blazer at the waist, or throwing on a pair of white or denim sneakers. The outfit options are endless and will only get more elaborate the more you play around.
Get comfortable and add other African print skirts, trousers, jackets, and dresses.
The print options are endless. Layer different textures, or play with African prints to add color to a neutral or monotone outfit.
The best way to figure out what to wear is to experiment. If an outfit feels right to you, then wear it.
You don't have to save your African prints for special occasions. By using them in your everyday outfits, you incorporate your heritage into your everyday look, and it adds an element of creativity.
Take it slow and experiment to figure out what works. That's the best way to learn what is most comfortable and culturally expressive for you.
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