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  • As we all know by now, Alté isn’t just music, it never has been. It’s a mood, a movement, and the definition of main character energy. No one embodies Alté style better than Nigerian women artists who are turning stages, sidewalks, and IG feeds into full-blown fashion runways. 

    “Alté”, which is derived from the Nigerian term ‘alternative,’ symbolises the essence of freedom of expression across various artistic forms.”

    TeeZee

    Whether you’re into soft-girl sorcery or chaos-core layering, there’s an alté aesthetic for your vibe and a woman already nailing it. 

    Here are seven alternative artists, their Alté style, and how to dress like them.

    The Soft Witch

    Dreamy, soulful, and a little off-beat (in the best ways). Think flowy fabrics, velvet crop tops, alt makeup, and soft-girl energy with spooky undertones.

    Lady Donli's Alté Style
    The Guardian Nigeria

    Artist: Lady Donli 

    How can this list exist without her? How can we give accolades without laying her flowers first? The First Lady of Alté, our Pan African Rockstar! She walked so your favourite alté girl could strut in beaded sandals and glitter liner. 

    In a space still dominated by hypermasculine energy, Lady Donli leaned into softness as power. Her music talks about joy, desire, independence, and emotional growth, and she’s done all this while championing other women creatives and staying fully independent.

    Style: Beaded braids, witchy rings, vintage florals, crochets, and thrifted gems. Donli’s style is alté at its dreamiest. Think retrofits, oversized jackets, velvet, beaded jewellery, tinted glasses, and ethereal makeup. Her fashion tells stories, and often feels like a direct extension of the themes in her music.

    Alté Style Moodboard with Lady Donli

    Song: Cash

    Wear This If: You want to hex your ex with your eyeliner but still light a scented candle and forgive him in your journal.

    The Maximalist Chaos Queen

    Loud. Layered. Unapologetic. Think fishnets, chunky boots, PVC corsets, bright makeup, and chain belts.

    SGaWD's Alté Style
    WordPlay

    Artist: SGaWD 

    She’s all fury, fashion, and femme power. In a culture that often tries to shrink women by telling them they’re too loud, too sexual, too aggressive, SGaWD built an entire persona around being too much on purpose. Her lyrics are cocky, her visuals are chaotic, and her fashion is unmissable. She’s not packaging herself for anyone’s comfort, and that attitude has redefined what femininity in alté can look and sound like.

    Style: SGaWD dresses like she’s going to curse your ex and headline a warehouse party after. Her aesthetic pulls from punk, grunge, dominatrix streetwear, and Nigerian club girl culture. Fishnets. Metallics. Bold colours. Lots of skin, lots of attitude. She’s not trying to be palatable, she’s dressing for impact. 

    Alté Style Moodboard with SGawd

    Song: Pop Shit

    Wear This If: You’re ready to fight a stylist and a system at the same time.

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    The Effortless Art School Babe

    A little grunge, a little “I just threw this on,” always hot. Paint-stained denim, DIY details, and layering. She’s effortlessly stylish even when she’s tired.

    Ayra Starr's Alté Style
    The Guardian Nigeria

    Artist: Ayra Starr 

    Half her closet is thrifted, half is fast fashion, and she makes both look expensive. She doesn’t overdo it; she curates. It’s a studied nonchalance. She might sing about heartbreak, but she’s wearing asymmetric eyeliner while doing it. 

    Style: Ethereal brat meets futuristic it-girl. Think mesh tops, mini skirts, Y2K silhouettes, and body jewelry. She mixes teenage rebellion with rich auntie vibes. Ayra embodies cool with an edge. She made being a “sabi girl” an aesthetic: bold, stylish, soft when she wants, sharp when she needs to be. She’s the girl at the party you wish you were dressed like. She’s giving confidence without too much noise.

    Alté Style Moodboard with Ayra Starr

    Song: Bloody Samaritan

    Wear This If: You want to look like your life’s a short film and your ex is still watching.

    The Afrofuturist 

    Metallics, indoor sunglasses, and sculptural fashion: alien superstar, but I still buy gala.

    Wavy's Alté Style
    The Guardian Nigeria

    Artist: Wavy The Creator 

    She’s the alien superstar. Bold silhouettes, cold tones, mirror-tinted glasses. Her fashion choices feel like an art installation: metallics, leather, latex, tech fabrics. They are mysterious but magnetic. You might not get them right away, but you’ll never forget the first time you saw her.

    Style: Space buns, silver chains, latex or leather outfits, and glow-in-the-dark nails. Androgynous, cyberpunk, experimental. Wavy doesn’t do “normal.” Their fits are abstract, oversized, and often genderless. A true fashion chameleon who dresses like the future came early.

    Alté

    Song: H. I. G.H.

    Wear This If: You want to dress like a post-colonial android who’s emotionally intelligent. 

    ALSO READ: #BumpThis: 15 Nigerian Women Share Their “Hot Babe” Anthems

    The Earthy Muse

    Rooted, introspective, and timeless. Embracing natural fabrics, earthy tones, and minimalist designs.

    Asa's Alté Style
    NotJustOk

    Artist: Aṣa 

    She’s a quiet blueprint. Though Lady Donli is considered the first lady of alté, before the genre was a vibe, Aṣa was out here dressing like herself, sounding like herself, living like herself. She gave space to softness, to solitude, to not always needing a full beat or five layers of irony. Her influence shows up in the quieter girls of alté who want to create without shouting.

    Style: Ankara pants with linen tops, aso-oke tunics, shell jewelry, headwraps, books tucked in totes. Natural fabrics. Loose-fitting dresses. Layered beads. Locs or twist-outs. Aṣa’s look is never trend-chasing; it’s timeless. She dresses how her music feels: raw, textured, poetic.

    Alté

    Song: Fire on the Mountain

    Wear This If: You find beauty in simplicity and draw inspiration from nature’s palette. You like fabric that breathes. You’re less “fashion girlie,” more “spiritual aunty in a linen set”, and you’re proud of it.

    The Dark Siren

    Gritty, introspective, and genre-defying. Her style blends oversized skater silhouettes with delicate, feminine pieces, reflecting a duality that’s both soft and confrontational.

    Bloody Civilian's Alté Style
    NativeMag

    Artist: Bloody Civilian 

    She’s moody, intentional, and emotionally layered. Bloody Civilian’s sound is textured and cinematic, and her aesthetic matches that energy. She’s not the most visibly “alté” in a loud, fishnets-and-neon kind of way. But in terms of tone, control, and offbeat intensity? She’s alté through and through, just on the darker, art school drop-out side of it.

    Style: Baggy pants, tight dresses, skater-inspired looks, layered dark streetwear, structured bustiers, oversized outerwear, bold hair choices, minimal jewellery. Minimalist but powerful, she leans into blacks, grays, muted tones, and brings a masculine-meets-elegant twist to everything she wears. Her fits aren’t loud, but they’re saying everything. She dresses like her music sounds: intentional, genre-free, and just a little dangerous.

    Alté

    Song: How To Kill A Man

    Wear This If: You’re channeling your inner rebel, ready to challenge norms while keeping your style enigmatic and bold. You want to dress like a quiet, angry genius who reads poetry at 2 a.m. and says “it’s fine” when it’s absolutely not. You’re soft, but you’re calculating. And you probably have a playlist called Revenge but Gentle.

    These Alté Nigerian Musicians Don’t Look Like Their Government Names

    The AfroFusion Alchemist

    Eclectic and soulful, merging Afrobeats with reggae, R&B, and dancehall. Her fashion is a tapestry of cultural influences, reflecting her genre-blending music.

    Kold AF's Alté Style
    Music In Africa

    Artist: Kold AF 

    Kold AF blends Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, soul, and dancehall, and her style reflects that fusion. It’s never doing too much, but it’s never basic. She’s warm and cold at once. Femme but not flimsy. Street but soulful. She represents the new era of alté-adjacent girls who are grounded in genre fluidity and cultural style fluency. She wears Nigeria, the diaspora, and a bit of Tumblr-era moodboard energy all at once, and somehow, it all feels authentic.

    Style: Baggy pants, minimal crop tops, stacked jewelry, protective styles (braids, locs), mixed textures (denim + silk, jersey + lace). Slouchy cargos with halter tops, oversized jerseys with gold hoops, corsets styled over T-shirts, Adire skirts with Nike slides. It’s streetwear softened by soul. She’s not dressing to shock, she’s dressing to vibe. 

    Alté

    Song: Tension


    Wear This If: You’re the kind of girl who’ll pull up in cargos and a corset, with a playlist titled “healing, but make it hot.” You’re chill until you’re not.

    ALSO READ: Kill It at Any Alté Party With These 10 Fashion Tips

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  • Is your fashion sense unmatched or do you lack even a drop of style? Take this very simple quiz and we’ll let you know. But before you do, promise you won’t vex when we tell you the truth and it’s not what you wanted to hear.

    You promise? Alright, go ahead:

  • Do you love edgy, daring, super cool hairstyles? Do you want to get more creative with your hair? You’ve come to the right place. We predict these will be the top hair picks of 2025, so you’re welcome.

    Bai

    This not-so-popular haircut is inspired by the late Baingor Joiner, a young Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist. Bai is a form of self-expression that represents coolness, creativity, freedom and afrofuturism. Who wouldn’t want to embody these values in the new year?

    Bai (left); VRSD (middle and right)

    Blade

    If you haven’t seen this OG Marvel franchise, featuring Wesley Snipes, then you aren’t as hip as you think. And if your barber isn’t skilled, what you’ll get is a violation instead of a stylish and confident don’t-fuck-with-me look.

    Image source: CG Hero

    de Lima

    This radical haircut was football legend and ex-Brazilian striker, Ronaldo de Lima’s tactic to shift attention from his injury during the 2002 World Cup, and it worked. After he sported the cut, he (and his team) won the semi-final against Turkey and the final against Germany. This was the cut he had on as he lifted the 2002 World Cup and won the Golden Boot.

    Image source: Sportsmanor

    Prettyboy

    Nigerian artist, Prettyboy D-O, is popular for his creative hairstyle. He dyes his hair in multi colours and patterns — sometimes, it’s wildfire, flowers or heart symbols. D-O is a walking canvas, and his style is for the vibrant risk-takers.

    Instagram: @prettyboydo

    AG Retro

    Adekunle Gold had this haircut on for a promotional shoot in 2018. It’s a 90’s retro style, an Afro-fade with a part down the middle. If you rock vintage fashion, this is the perfect cut to cap it up.

    Image source: The NET

    Micro puff-puff

    Most recently seen on the late Mohbad, this eye-catching style requires your hair to be just long enough to twist into neat, tiny knots. This can be your prelude to full braids.

    Image source: Nigezie Xtreme

    Gorimapa

    A skinned, shiny head will forever be popular among the people of earth. If you like breeze hitting your skull directly, getting random scalp rubs, or paying barbers simply disgust you, go for this cheap, simple and classic cut.

    Image source: PM News Nigeria

    READ: Naija Boys With the Hardest Steeze on the Internet

  • Do you want to level up your fashion game, change your style or add to your wardrobe? These Nigerian ladies have the distinctive fashion tastes that might inspire yours.

    Temi Otedola

    Temi loves contrasting pieces and matching unique items. Her fashion style is chic, captivating but easy on the eyes. Although she focuses on her acting work these days, her JTO FASHION blog still inspires many with her personal style and fashion exploration. 

    Image source: @temiotedola

    Fisayo Longe

    Fisayo Longe owns Kai Collective, a go-to fashion brand that launched in 2016. You may have seen one of her remarkable colour-mesh designs popularly known as Gaia Dress. Fisayo’s style is pretty experimental, marrying vibrant colours together to make a dress or top. Either way, she kills it. 

    Image source: @fisayolonge

    Hafymo

    Fashion, beauty and lifestyle content? Leave it to Hafsah Mohammed AKA Hafymo. She has a penchant for wide-legged pants, bright colour combos and complex designs, a tradition that carries on in her fashion and clothing brand, Chenemi.

    Image source: @hafymo

    Anne Nonye Udeogu

    Anne Nonye is an unconventional fashion babe and content creator who operates ThisThingCalledFashionn, an online platform she founded to showcase her personal style in 2020. To look like a hottie straight out of a Beyoncé shoot or an expensive corporate babe, or to turn ankara into a style high-end brands will envy, Nonye is your go-to. If you’re looking for more than fashion inspiration, her online store whatnaylikes, has enough looks and pieces to shop.

    Image source: @ThisThingCalledFashionn

    Style Senami

    Apart from being one of the hottest young fashion stylists and consultants in Lagos, Style Senami, born Senami Mague, knows all the creative ways to style your skirts and corsets. You can learn one or two cool fashion things on her Fashion Bae Show. Peep her @whatshestyled page to see more of her work and people she’s styled.

    Image source: @stylesenami

    Veekee James

    If you’re looking for gorgeous styles your strict mum or church’s mummy G.O. won’t stop fanning over, Veekee James has all the fashion ideas for you. Do you need bespoke wear? She got you — just that she doesn’t make clothes below ₦1m.

    Image source: @veekee_james

    OnyiiBekeh

    Onyii Azode effortlessly pulls all styles. You’ll like her if you’re a fan of colours and clothes that take the Nigerian sun into consideration. Outstanding casual and street fashion? Check. Unique corporate styling? Check. Holiday, carnival or sexy style ideas, she does it all. She was studying in Medicine before fashion got her attention in 2018. Now, she calls herself a “medical doctor with a fly closet”.

    Image source: @onyiibekeh

    Diana Eneje

    Diana Eneje is a fashion model and influencer whose style can be described as “hot city girl vibes”. From effortlessly slaying crochet designs, to rocking short dresses with beautiful bag selections, to turning athletic wear into street fashion, Diana is HER. Her YouTube channel covers her fashion and lifestyle, so go there for all the fashion inspiration you need.

    Image source: @diana_eneje

    Ashley Okoli

    Ashley is a stylist, designer and creative director popular for her daring “Y2k Nollywood babe” look. Her hairdo, eyebrows, makeup and clothing choices always distinguish her from the crowd. Overall, her approach to fashion expresses boldness and freedom.

    Image source: @ashh.ok

    Bamy

    Bamy is a fashionista in the intersection of music, social media management and content strategy and production (WeTalkSound, Tea With Tay). Her style mixes clean masculine fashion with femme designs. And her sunglasses combinations are top notch.

    Iretizee

    Iretizee, born Ireti Zaccheaus, is a fashion designer and founder of Street Souk, an African streetwear brand. Her style is sexy androgynous. Both men and women can be beneficiaries of her charming fashion steeze.

    Image source: @iretizee99

    Ogechi

    Ogechi is a content creator who’s built a huge following off her fashion and lifestyle content. With her cool make-up game, Oge‘s style leaves bold, classy and soft-life effects on you. This may be what you need.

    Image source: @she.is.oge

  • If you were outside your house (or maybe even inside) during Detty December 2022, you must’ve seen the knotless French curls sitting on someone’s head and parading around town. 

    French curls were at every house and beach party, club and traffic from Victoria Island to VGC. But if you thought it was just hair for December rocks, think again because we’re two months into 2023, and the girlies have refused to let the style go. 

    Curious, I caught up with some French curl baddies, and they gave us the lowdown on why this hairstyle is their new fave. 

    But before we get into it, shoutout to the OG French curl icon, Brandy AKA Miss Moesha Mitchell.

    “I feel like a baddie with French curls” 

    — Vanessa 

    I got my French curls done in January when I was visiting Nigeria. I didn’t want basic knotless braids, so I looked for options on Pinterest before I found these curls that added an extra oomph. I used one pack of extensions, and everything, including the braiding, cost ₦‎15k in Abuja. Thanks to PHCN wahala, it took them six whole hours to finish braiding it. 

    I’m actually having the best time with my French curls because they’re incredibly versatile. I’m doing up-dos and clip styles. I feel like such a baddie (which I am) with them. 

    “I saw it on Ayra Star, so I knew I had to get  them”

    — Oro

    The first time I saw French curl braids was on social media in 2021, but it wasn’t until Ayra Starr started doing that different versions started flooding my Instagram TL. She made the hair famous, no cap. When I wanted to get mine done, I heard some people paid ₦‎4k per bundle for the attachment. I have a big head and full hair, so omo, that was a no for me. I eventually found these Darling extensions for about ₦‎7k total and got my braids done for ₦‎5k in Warri. 

    The French curls were cute at first, but over time, they got tangled, and it was a hassle trying to keep them apart. I doubt it’ll still be popular by December 2023. Remember when everyone was drawing hearts with their braids? We move on fast. 

    “I typically wear braids for three weeks, but my French curls lasted for a whole month” 

    — Ngozi 

    I’ve done the layered version of the French curls twice — once in December and the other in January. I like messy hair and volume; this hairstyle gave me both at the same time. I also didn’t have to style my hair all the time, and as a lazy person, I appreciated that. 

    It took an average of eight hours to get it done because it was just one person braiding my hair. It was cheap at around ₦10 – 12k for the braiding and extensions because I made it in Apapa. I typically wear braids for three weeks, but I had it on for a month and got another one in a different colour as soon as I took it out. I’ve shaved my hair now, but I’d still do it again if I grow my hair out, even if it’s no longer popping. I stick to things a lot. 

    RECOMMENDED: How to Dress Like a Sabi Girl, According to Ayra Starr’s Stylist

    “Getting French curls took 10 hours and cost me ₦‎45k”

    — Toju

    I’ve only done the French curls once, and what won me over with the hairstyle was the bounce because I usually don’t like braids. I chose a shade of blonde that complimented my dark skin.  For the braiding, I went to a salon in Lagos where it cost about ₦‎45k and took almost 6 hours to get it done.

    I feel French curls will still be a hot trend next year because it’s really pretty. 

    “I can style them in so many different ways” 

    — Kulupsy 

    My friend was the first person I saw French curls on, and I thought it looked gorgeous, so I decided to get them too. Choosing the colour was the interesting part because there were many options. I had to find one that would match my skin and still pop, so I went with a mix of blonde, brown and black. Making the hair took about three hours and cost ₦‎35k at some salon my friend recommended. 

    I love how French curls look on me and how I can style them in a double bun or a mid-part. The style might go out of fashion before the next Detty December, but I have a feeling the attachment won’t go anywhere. It’s so soft.

    “Regular box braids don’t look good on me, so I’m ready to try French curls” 

    — Gift

    I haven’t gotten the French curls yet, but it’s the next hairstyle I’m trying. I saw it on this fine babe on Twitter, and I know shoulder-length curls suit my face. Regular box braids don’t work for me, so why not? I got the bundle for ₦‎3k, and the braiding will cost me ₦‎12 – 15k, depending on how tiny the braids are. That’s Lekki price sha. I could find a trenches salon that’ll do it for less, but I’m tender-headed and working from home, so I need some order in whichever salon I go to. 

    “French curls are comfortable and stylish enough for me to take on my trips” 

    — Simi

    I’ve gotten French curls twice now — the first time was in 2021 and again in 2022. I saw it on Instagram and liked how light it looked on the girl who was wearing it. Then I did it the second time because I was travelling and wanted something comfortable and stylish to travel with. 

    Brown is my go-to colour for braids because it works with my skin tone. I’m not adventurous, but I want to change that, so I might go blonde or try grey the next time I make French curls. 

    ALSO READ: Nigerian Fashion Is in Its Ashawo Era and We’re Here For It

  • If there’s one video that’ll remain iconic for years to come, it’s this interview video of the girl in the market who says, “Me on my own, I’m ashawo. Everybody on their own, ashawo,” when asked about women being slut-shamed. And honestly, where is the lie? With the way we’re wearing less and going out more, it’ll seem like we’ve fully entered an ashawo era of fashion, and I’m totally here for it. 

    Image credit: Nylon Magazine

    Nigeria’s relationship with Ashawo fashion back in the day

    Just like the world around us, fashion is constantly changing and evolving. Whether we like it or not, the clothes we wear are a tool to reflect or at least capture part of the conversation going on in a particular era. In the 1960s and 1970s, Nigerians tried to find an identity in a country that was finally independent of colonisers.

    But by the 1990s, we had finally settled on a trend that embodied the saying “go big or go home”. The geles were as wide as DStv dishes, and the baggy pants were baggying like no tomorrow. 

    In all these eras, Nigerians have always factored in “morals”, choosing to be covered up no matter what. Wearing a backless dress or showing your belly button was scandalous in the 1990s. I mean, anyone who grew up watching old Nollywood movies will tell you miniskirts were the trademark look of a wild girl whose over-sexualisation would eventually make her barren or single to stupor. 

    A Scene from The President’s Daughter (1998)

    The moral standard for fashion was so high that sometimes the sex workers in Nollywood films wore turtlenecks. 

    A scene from Domitilla (1996)

    With the 2000s came even skimpier outfits thanks to the MTV generation consuming Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. However, Nigeria’s adoption of this fashion trend (now fondly referred to as Y2K fashion) was restricted to the video vixens on screen or the bad girls in films like Abuja Connection, Sharon Stone or Girls Cot. 

    A scene from Girls Cot (2006)

    No matter how much fashion evolved or changed in the Western world, for Nigerians, it still remained a tool used to police women’s bodies — labelling them as either good or bad girls. 

    Alté scene brings back y2k fashion

    The first time I noticed Nigerians reclaiming the word “ashawo” and getting into our slut rhythm was in 2018, as alté culture became mainstream. Heavily influenced by the sluttiest era of all time, the late 1990s to early 2000s, alté acts came with a different sound and look. The boys had their hair dyed in crazy colours like pink and purple, while the girls rocked see-through tops and low-rise jeans. 

    RECOMMENDED:  These Old-school Fashion Trends Still Bang in 2022

    As usual, the first reaction was resistance: the alté boys were called gay, and the girls? Well, the worst insult Nigerians feel they can give a woman is ashawo/slut. Did the happening babe care? No. Over time, more mainstream acts tapped into this market and what once felt like a niche group on SoundCloud and a closed-up part of Instagram filtered down to regular folks. 

    Image credit: Alté Culture Fest

    I remember turning up to a concert in Lagos in 2019 and feeling like I’d been sucked into a 2000s music video. That same year, Hot Girl Summer became a thing thanks to Megan Thee Stallion, and Old Nollywood pages started popping up randomly on Instagram, romanticising the early 2000s and turning the bad girls from that era into fashion icons. These looks quickly moved from concerts and the gram, to parking lots and regular hangouts. 

    In 2022, what our parents frowned on has gotten a facelift and rebranded as Y2k-inspired looks. From Ayra Starr to Odunsi The Engine, the cut-outs are everywhere, and crop-tops have become baggy shirts at this point. 

    Did I forget to mention that the men are also in on the ashawo fit trend? Dying your hair pink or painting your nails are no longer signs that you might be queer. Now it just means you’re either a creative, someone on Twitter with interesting opinions, or a tech-bro.

    Men have also made ashawo shorts a thing — are you really a happening guy if your shorts are kissing your knees? Nah, bro. 

    Ashawo fits have become a statement

    Taking men out of the equation, by reclaiming these ashawo clothes, women are finally controlling the narrative. If we unpack operation “cover yourself up”, it’s easy to see that it has nothing to do with women.

    Instead, it’s always been a tool to keep women in check and excuse men of sexual misconduct. That’s why the question, “What were you wearing?” pops up when sexual harassment or abuse cases come into the light. But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that covering up hasn’t stopped these cases from happening daily. 

    Alté fashion icon, Ashley Okoli

    These ashawo clothes are a way for women to say that their worth isn’t tied to their bodies. 

    With the way fashion has continued to evolve since 2018, it looks like our dress sense isn’t going to get less sluttier anytime soon. These clothes aren’t about sex or simple thirst traps; they’re about confidence and ownership. If you can’t pull it off, fine. But don’t hate on the people who can, because that’s just tacky. 

    QUIZ: How Fashionable Are You?

  • If you don’t have these 13 staples in your closet, you’re not the modern corporate queen you think you are. Follow these tips, curated especially for our tropical weather, to perfect the minimalist smart-casual look.

    Low-heeled mules/sandals

    Say bye-bye to those plain stuffy court shoes with the ridiculous heels that hurt our ankles after a long day. These low-heeled, no-stress mules or sandals are in. And they come in as many styles and colours as you want.

    RELATED: Y2K Fashion Accessories That Are Still a Must-Have in 2022

    Classic ballet flats

    You probably remember these from secondary school. Only the cool girls whose parents actually put out wardrobe allowance for them owned these. Now, as a working-class gal, you can finally buy them for yourself. They are still as cool, classy, and most importantly, comfortable as ever.

    Neutral-coloured oversized dress shirt

    They are your regular office buttoned-down shirts but with a twist. Dress shirts are better tailored, made from finer fabric like silk, linen, or pure cotton, and have intricate details that set them apart from the regular. Get them slightly oversized and in natural tones — white, brown, faded blues and greens — and just like that, you’ve turned your plain old work outfit into a stylish number.

    White cami top

    A basic item that serves as a clean slate on which to build all your effortlessly elegant looks, this unbothered queen is a must-have. Wear it and then throw on that oversized dress shirt with a couple of buttons undone, or a simple sweater, blazer, light jacket… can you see what I’m saying?

    Tailored cigarette pants

    Cigarette pants are the sweet in-between where skinny pants and regular straight pants meet. In their expertly-tailored, just above the ankle-length form, they scream smart-casual like nothing else does.

    RELATED: 9 Lagos Fashion Trends That Need To Die

    Midi A-line skirt

    Once relegated to the teachers’ and headmistresses’ closets, the midi skirts have staged a protest. They’ve come back rebranded, and nothing says boujee like these new versions of the “Mary Amaka” skirts. You get extra marks if yours are asymmetrical or come with a nice side-slit.

    Black sheath dress

    This work-closet staple is an underrated versatile queen. It is simple and quiet, while it does the Lord’s work, sliming a working girl’s figure, emphasising her femininity and giving off “cultured” vibes. The sleeveless version can be paired with sleeved dress shirts to create a whole new outfit each time. Switch up your work shoes with a pair of going-out sandals, and you have a perfect dinner-date look. I said “versatile”, didn’t I?

    Print shift dress

    A shift dress in ankara, adire, kente, batik, or any other print fabric is the perfect item to add some colour (and spice) to this neutral-toned list. It is guaranteed to inject a fun vibe into your work life, even if you can only wear it on Fridays (tell HR we said office dress codes need to die a quick but painful death).

    Neutral-coloured summer pantsuit

    Pantsuits are generally hard to wear in this our climate, but sometimes, the occasion calls for a power suit and all your “boss lady” attitude. Summer pantsuits were invented particularly for hot weather, and you need to get some. They come in a lighter fabric and with less lining than the regular pantsuit. Some have shorter sleeves too.

    RELATED: These Nigerian Fashion Brands Have Happening Babes in a Chokehold

    Small chunky gold hoops

    No one knows who invented the golden hoops, but I’m sure it has African roots because they suit our ears and skin so well. They are a good standalone, but they go well with chunky single or double-layered chain-link necklaces too.

    Tarnish-proof gold and stone jewellery set

    The gold and clear stone necklace and earrings set is the perfect finishing touch to the polished minimalist work look we want to achieve. Just make sure you buy the set that won’t fade after some weeks.

    50+ SPF sunscreen moisturiser

    If you’re not applying sunscreen to your face every time you step out of your house, you’re wrong. Global warming is upon us, and not to get into the complicated science of it, the sun’s rays are not very safe for our skin. It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, dark-skinned or light, sunscreen is a must. And for the bountiful gift of sunlight we enjoy in Africa, you’ll need one that’s 50 SPF or higher. The best sunscreens keep our faces smooth and dewy. Don’t you want that?

    Moisturising lip balm

    We can’t talk style staples without throwing in basic skincare. Whether you’re a makeup person or not, you should always have a good organic lip balm in your closet and everyday bag. Let’s keep our lips supple and hydrated, shall we?

    READ ALSO: These Fashion Trends Have Now Come Full Circle and You Need to Update Your Wardrobe

  • Everyone is talking about Netflix’s Blood Sisters. The star studded limited series follows two friends, Sarah (Ini Dima Okojie) and Kemi (Nancy Isime), as they try to escape the police and a ridiculously hot/silent Ramsey Noah after beheading Sarah’s abusive fiancé minutes to their wedding. Yes, it’s chaotic as hell, but I loved every minute. One thing about the show that’s blowing people’s minds (asides from the gripping plot) is the fashion. Every single character served lewks worthy enough to grace the MET Gala red carpet   Let’s talk about some of our favourite looks from the show. 

    9. Abasiyama’s seduction outfit

    Starting this right with my girl, Abasiyama (Toke Makinwa). This is how you turn up to your ex’s wedding with the intention to spread bad vibes and wreck homes.. I still can’t get over her “Chai, let me kiss you for the last time as a single man,” line. Abby baby, please seek help.

    8. Kemi’s girl boss looking for a gun look

    I call this outfit: Suited to kill. This babe was on a gun hunt while trying to hide a murder, but still had time to dress in couture. The fabric from the sleeves alone is enough to make another dress. This outfit is giving She-E-O/Girlboss/Beheading queen vibes. You better werk, sis! 

    7. Sarah’s engagement dress

    While we can all agree that Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon) was a terrible man who lowkey deserved the ending he got, we also have to admit that the dress he wanted Sarah to wear for their engagement party was way better than her first choice? I mean, unlike that “show me your back” number she first had on, this dress is giving wealth and opulence. Anyways, RIP Kola, your fashion sense may be top notch but the evil you’ve done is enough. Have fun styling Karashika in hell.

    6. Yinka’s wings of celebration outfit

    This is exactly the type of power suit I also want to wear while receiving updates on the man I’ve paid someone to kill. Look at the wing thing on the shoulder. Sis, where are you flying to? While we’re on Yinka’s (Kehinde Bankole) case, can we get into her acting in this scene? She was probably doing sungbalaja in her head while pretending to be saddened by Kola’s death. A true Uduak (Kate Henshaw) in the making. No wonder they were giving each other hot hot. Uduak could see herself in Yinka and lowkey respected her for being that bitch. 

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    5. A literal slay queen

    She came, she slayed and she beheaded. This jumpsuit is EVERYTHING! This look alone is enough to convince the judge that Kemi (Nancy Isime) doesn’t deserve to be in jail wearing those ugly prison uniforms.

    4. Frozen part three

    Madam Uduak is giving ice queen with that cape and big ass diamond earrings. Elsa was found dead. By the way, is it me or was this staircase a supporting character on this show? 

    3. #Kate4Disney

    Someone get Disney on the phone. We need to get Kate Henshaw a role that’ll let her explore her Disney villain fantasy.

    2. The “I don’t want to be here” Iro and Buba

    How else will everyone know you’re beefing your soon-to-be daughter-in-law if you don’t show up and try to outshine her? Madam Uduak was on a mission here, and she clearly succeeded. Our favourite perpetually irritated villain ate and left no crumbs. Those shoulders alone na die. 

    1. She is an icon and she is the moment.

    THIS IS IT. No words. How is this woman dressed like this in her living room on a regular afternoon. What will she now wear when there’s something really important going on? The colour of this dress, her nails, the earrings, the couch…This is a moment. 

    ALSO READ: We Ranked Nollywood-Hollywood Crossovers from Waka Pass to Iconic

  • We’ve previously written an article about fashion trends that have come full circle. Although that article highlighted the influence Y2K fashion has on what we wear now in terms of clothing, we didn’t quite talk about accessorising.  

    Accessorising is a big part of fashion, it’s the thing that takes your look from a nine out of ten to a perfect ten. The cool kids and fashion people have tapped into fashion trends from the past to give us some of their most interesting looks. 

    1. Resin rings 

    Everything that’s going to be listed in this article is a must-have, but most especially raisin rings. You can trust a raisin ring to elevate your look and bring out the youth in you.

    2. Chain belts

    Chain belts are interesting. I really don’t know how they work, but all that matters is how stunning they make outfits look. The girls that get it, get it and the girls that don’t, don’t. 

    3. Multi-layered necklaces 

    Multi-layered necklaces have been around longer than a lot of us young people and they never really left. In 2022, if you don’t own a pair, it means you know nothing about fashion and style. 

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    4. Hoops/ chunky earrings 

    Hoops are the baddies of accessories. They take you from looking like a babe to looking like a bad bitch. Best in fashunz.

    RELATED: 8 Sure Ways to Become a Certified Bad Bitch

    5. Ugly glasses 

    The fact that these are being called ugly glasses doesn’t mean they’re actually ugly. These glasses are usually designed to be cool, not fine. They are going to help you look really cool, even though they don’t do much to protect your eyes. 

    6. Bucket hats

    Gen Zers are single-handedly keeping the bucket hat industry in business. Bucket hats are functional and although they aren’t particularly cute, they work.

    7. Mini bags

    What more can women store their patience in if not a mini shoulder bag? Mini bags have been serving us for years for multiple reasons like holding our millions, as well as the little tolerance we have for annoying people.

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  • Being fashionable in Nigeria is hard work — the girls that get it, get it. If you’re not battling with the heat, you’re struggling to understand why designers increase their prices every time they decide to give their clothes Nigerian names. 

    But what can we do? To help us serve lewks and stunt on Lai Mohammed’s internet, we decided to browse through some of the women-led brands killing it in the fashion game right now. 

    It’s drip or die this 2022 and we’ve chosen fashionable violence. 

    1. Elfreda Dali 

    If you’re looking for volume, structure and experimental design, then Elfreda Dali is your girl. Launched in 2018 by Elfreda Fakoya, the label has quickly become a favourite of the Nigerian alté crowd. From photoshoots with Teezee and Tay Iwar to live stage performances with Tems, this label is creating pieces that empower a new generation of stylish rebels and we’re totally here for it!

    2. Kadiju 

    Kadiju is all about the dramaaaaa. From puffy ruffles and layers to high shoulders that would give 1990s NTA TV hosts a run for their money, this label is for the girl who isn’t afraid to stand out. There could be 100 people in the room and 99 don’t believe in you but best believe that when you’re in a Kadiju outfit, all eyes will be on you. Are you ready for all that attention? 

    3. Twenty Six 

    Strong colours and maximum comfort are the qualities that keep the girls coming back to Twenty Six. With all the heat in the country at the moment, it just makes sense for us to be drawn to a label that understands the need for variety when it comes to sizes and most importantly, the weather. We want to look good, but we also want to breathe. Shoutout to Twenty Six for making sure fashion girlies can cross these two things off their checklist. 

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    4. Pepper Row 

    Pepper Row is all about sustainability — something we need to start prioritsing  in this Nigeria. Taking a page from the past with hand-dyed and hand-woven pieces, the label caters to easy-breezy fashion girlies who want to look cute, but also protect the ozone layer. In a fast-paced industry where clothes are either being made or disposed of every minute, Pepper Row’s commitment to recycling in fashion is a rare and commendable feat. 

    6. Melodia 

    Last year, the people on Jack Dorsey’s app discovered the Melodia dress and since then, we’ve known no peace. Every “it” girl wants to tweet their fire jpegs and attach the name “Melodia” and we can’t even blame them. From the short dresses that give good girl with a sprinkle of bad bitch to the more structural pieces the label has been serving recently, it’s been fun to watch the Melodia brand grow, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. 

    6. Whipped and Co

    Gorgeous, gorgeous girls can be found dancing and having fun in their Whipped and Co outfits. Made for the confident, carefree and in the moment girlies, this label can give you sexy brunch babe and rich single aunty in one look. Here’s our purse, Whipped and Co, finish us! Please, drain our accounts. 

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