The 7th edition of Ake Arts and Book Festival is set to commence on the 24th of October. The week long festival will focus on the theme Black Bodies, Grey Matter and will take place at Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. Writers, bibliophiles and publishers across Africa and Africa diaspora will be in attendance.

For the second time in a row, the literary festival will hold in Lagos and while there are a lot of events lined up to keep you excited until the D-day, there’s something that should keep you up at night before it starts: WHAT TO WEAR. This is super important. Can’t go to this event of a lifetime where you’ll see all the big shot authors you’ve been wanting to meet and not fit in.

That’s why we’ve made a list of five items that will have you blending in appropriately:

1. Sneakers:

Comfort is a prime necessity at Ake Festival. Considering how you’ll have to go to different venues for each panel discussion and book-chat for the duration of the festival, wearing comfortable shoes is a great idea.

2. Tote Bag:

You are definitely gonna need this for all your book purchases. Get one that looks cool and complements your outfit.

3. Statement hair:

This just had to make the list. Guests of Ake Festival seem to be unofficial ambassadors of African hair and how unique it is. You want to make sure your hair is AMAZING.

4. Print Fabrics:

Whatever style you lean towards, be sure to infuse a bit of African print in your outfits. This is really essential.

5. Jewelry:

You can go for bold or minimalism but always choose something that will make you stand out, approachable or maybe help you strike up a conversation with your favorite author during a book signing.

You’ll be sure to fit in if you add these items to your list of what to wear at Ake Festival this year. And if you already have these items, then go register ASAP.

This year’s edition of Ake Festival is proudly sponsored by Sterling Bank and guests will include: Adepero Oduye, Logan February, Ade Bantu, Nnedi Okorafor, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Mona Elthaway, Mo Abudu, amongst others.

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