If there is one thing you should know about the alté babes, it’s that they don’t play when it comes to their wardrobe. From clothing to accessories, everything was intentionally put in place to express who they are without having to explain themselves.
Curious about the items they reach for most, we spoke to 10 of our faves about the pieces they simply can’t live without.
1. Cheetah print shorts and bag — Omoloto
My go-to item is anything cheetah-print in my wardrobe, including my shorts and bags. I really love them because they make me feel and look good.
Styling tips: Pair both with a sleeveless, cropped top and thigh-high boots of your choice.
Price Range: ₦5,000-20,000
Where to Buy: Yaba Thrift Market
2. Black Tourmaline Crystal Necklace Set — Bumai
I find myself reaching for my black tourmaline crystal necklace set a lot. It’s not only for the crystal’s protective qualities; I also love how the necklaces can serve as statement pieces but also blend with an outfit.
Style Tips: You can wear them as a set, individually, or layered with other necklaces.
Price Range: ₦8,000-20,000
Where to Buy: CharmedbyChidi on Instagram
3. Black and White Keffiyeh — Z
I gravitate to my keffiyeh a lot because of what it represents. It’s a symbol of Palestinian resistance and resistance against oppression in general. I also love how much it complements most of my fits.
Styling Tips: It’s versatile enough to pair with most of your outfits.
Price Range: 20$
Where to Buy: Vela
4. Arm Cuffs — Teal
My favourite accessory is the arm cuff. While it is considered basic jewellery for earthy girls, I love that it’s not rigid and it comes with a variety of designs. You can also get them in either gold or silver to match your look for the day.
Style Tip: It’s always best to pair arm cuffs with any sleeveless outfit. Whether it’s a sleeveless top or dress, an arm cuff is sure to go well with it.
Price Range: ₦400-1,500 if you get them at a thrift market like Katangua, but 2,000-5,000 for new ones.
Where to Buy: OKIRKS
5. Leather Jackets — K
I gravitate towards my growing collection of leather jackets because they are versatile pieces that you can style up or down. My favourite ones, in particular, are the brown and black leather jackets. I reach for my black jacket because not only is it black, but it’s a trench, so it works in a classy or grunge way. My brown leather jacket works because it’s a neutral colour that you can style anything with. It also has a 90s-rock feel.
My leather jackets instantly elevate any outfit I pair them with. They make me feel confident in my skin, and they garner lots of compliments.
Style Tip: Pair it with a mini skirt, a form-fitting spaghetti strap dress and thigh-high boots, or a simple pair of jeans.
Price Range: ₦5,000 on thrift.
Where to Buy: Yaba Market, or Katangua Market
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6. Evil Eye Necklace — Kemi
I love the fact that it’s very niche, and I also like it when people ask me what it means. It is an accessory I wear every single day because I believe that it can protect me from evil eyes.
Style Tip: Its versatility lets you pair it with every outfit in your wardrobe, but it pairs spectacularly well with sweetheart-neckline outfits.
Price Range: ₦2,000-4,000
Where to Buy: Shein
7. Punk Silver Necklaces — Agatha
I cannot do without the punk silver necklaces because no matter what outfit I put on, they always elevate the look. When they mention accessories that help complete the outfit, silver punk necklaces should definitely be involved.
Pro-tip: Do not buy it if it’s not stainless steel because one wear, and it will immediately get rusty.
Style Tip: Layering is where the magic is at. Why wear one necklace when you can wear five to better complement your outfit?
Price Range: ₦1,500-5,000
Where to Buy: Ruby the Chargie or Temu
8. Beaded Bracelets — Ade
I love reaching for my beaded bracelets every day. Even when they don’t necessarily complement the outfit, I always find a way to make it work. I usually wear a stack on one hand or both hands, and I always ensure it comes in different colours and patterns.
Styling Tip: It’s better to pair your stack with a short-sleeved outfit so that they can draw the right attention. It’s also essential to choose the right colours that can complement your outfit of the day. This will help prevent colour clashes.
Price Range: ₦200-500 per piece
Where to Buy: OKIRKS
9. Acrylic Bangles — Kamsi
My go-to accessories are the acrylic bangles. Not only are they earthy, but they are also aesthetically pleasing accessories that do a great job at highlighting my skin and hair.
Styling Tips: Pair it with a sleeveless top and a boho skirt.
Price Range: ₦6,000 per piece
Where to Buy: @Isiomaniaa
9. Flare Jeans — Chiamaka
I adore my flare jeans because of their ability to cover my insecurities (my large calves) and accentuate two of my biggest assets (my waist and hips). They come in dark blue, a colour I prefer in jeans, which instantly gives them a Y2K feel when I wear them. They are literally the best things to happen to my wardrobe since I started elevating my style.
Styling Tips: Pair with a crop top and sandals, or a baggy shirt with boots, and bayonetta glasses.
Price Range: ₦8,000-10,000
Where to Buy: Yaba Market
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