The MAG weekly Fashion and Lifestyle Blog for the modern African girl by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 193 20th February, 2026
Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things that may interest today's African girl.
This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, Titi. This week's subjects: Touch-Up Tricks: Glow in 5 Minutes, Fashion in space, Valentine roses with thorns, and some extras, and less babies, Menopause problems and solutions, Changing eyesight with age? and Frankies
Touch-Up Tricks: Glow in 5 Minutes: You don’t need a full glam session — just the essentials. Keep a small pouch in your work bag with lip gloss, pressed powder, and a mini perfume.
A swipe of red lipstick can transform your look faster than a ride from Cantonments to Osu in evening traffic.
And for the finishing touch? Loosen that sleek bun into a low ponytail or soft waves. Effortless never looked this good.
Style Meets Ambition: This isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling ready for every part of your day. The Accra corporate girl is dynamic: she negotiates, networks, and glows while doing it. Her wardrobe simply follows her rhythm.
So next time you’re heading from a presentation to a party, skip the panic. You don’t need a new outfit — you just need a few clever swaps and the confidence to shine in both worlds.
Elegance isn’t in the clothes alone — it’s in the ease. It’s the way you carry yourself through traffic, deadlines, and dinner lights with that quiet “I’ve got this” energy.
Because the Accra corporate girl doesn’t just change outfits — she transforms atmospheres.
Pro tip: Choose lightweight fabrics that won’t crease while you’re conquering your day. Nobody wants “meeting wrinkles” at a soirée.
Swap & Slay: The Accessories Game:
Accessories are your transformation tools. During the day, go minimal — a structured tote, simple studs, and a nude heel. But as dusk approaches, it’s your cue to switch gears.
Swap your tote for a small statement clutch, change your studs for gold hoops or bold earrings, and if you dare — slip into strappy heels.
Just that, and you’re red-carpet ready without breaking a sweat (or your schedule).
Grounding shades: Camel, coffee brown, and charcoal — ideal for trousers, blazers, and skirts.
Accent tones: Soft blush, olive, and muted gold — subtle pops that keep things warm and modern.
When you stick to this palette, your wardrobe becomes harmonious. Everything goes with everything. Suddenly, dressing for work feels like a five-minute affair instead of a morning crisis.
From Minimal to Memorable:
Neutral doesn’t mean basic. The trick is in the textures and cuts. A linen blazer over a silk camisole, a pleated ivory skirt paired with a structured tan belt — it’s about layers and details that catch the light without shouting for attention.
And let’s not forget shoes. Nude pumps are a staple, but pair them with gold hoops and a textured handbag, and you’ve just turned “simple” into “stunning.”
Neutrals in the Accra Glow:
Here’s the bonus: neutrals love the Accra sunlight. The way a soft beige dress glows against melanin skin under that late-afternoon golden hour? Pure magic.
Whether you’re walking through Ridge after a meeting or heading to an after-work hangout at Skybar, neutrals make you look effortlessly radiant.
In conclusion; Neutrals aren’t about playing it safe —they’re about playing it smart. They’re the silent statement-makers that say, “I’m confident enough not to shout.”
So next time you’re tempted by that bright orange blazer, pause. Ask yourself: Would beige do it better? Chances are… yes, darling. Yes, it would.
Why Neutrals Are the New Power Move
In Accra’s fast-paced corporate world, where the heat is real and the hustle never ends, neutrals are your wardrobe’s calm amidst the chaos.
They make you look composed, intentional, and professional without even trying. A cream blouse paired with tailored camel trousers says, “I mean business, but make it chic.” And the best part? Neutrals mix and match like besties. You can build five polished outfits with just a few core pieces — and no one will ever notice you’ve repeated a skirt twice this week.
Go for prints with muted tones or geometric patterns that feel sophisticated. Think navy, maroon, olive, or soft gold. Pair with nude pumps or loafers, and you’re boardroom ready with a twist.
The Statement Skirt — Chic Yet Professional
A high-waisted Ankara pencil skirt is your wardrobe MVP. Pair it with a crisp button-down shirt or a silk blouse in a solid colour.
It’s the perfect mix of feminine and fierce. Add a slim belt and minimal jewelry, and you’ve turned your office corridor into a runway — without breaking any rules.
The Hybrid Dress — Half Print, Full Confidence
For the girl who loves versatility, look for dresses that blend Ankara accents with plain fabrics.
Think a shift dress with printed sleeves, or a monochrome body with an Ankara collar and waistband. It keeps the vibe professional but with a cultural edge — like saying “Yes, I’m fashionable, and I can still close that deal.”
The Subtle Touch — Ankara Accessories
Not ready to go full-print? Start small.
Add a pop of Ankara through accessories — a fabric belt, a tote bag, a headband, or even a statement shoe. These accents bring colour and creativity to your look without crossing the corporate line.
It’s a great way to test your comfort zone while keeping things sleek.
The Friday Flair — Go Bold, Stay Polished
Ah, the sacred Casual Friday. Your chance to fully embrace the print!
Try a tailored Ankara jumpsuit or a midi dress with structured shoulders. Keep your accessories gold-toned, your heels simple, and your confidence sky-high. The key is tailoring — clean cuts keep your look professional even when your fabric is loud.
Style Note:
Ankara at work isn’t rebellion — it’s evolution. It’s the Accra girl’s way of saying, “I can honor my culture and run the boardroom — in the same outfit.”
So next Monday, when you reach for that plain black blazer, pause. Your Ankara is waiting — bold, beautiful, and absolutely ready for business
Gone are the days when corporate wear meant dull greys and strict suits. Today’s Accra professional knows how to weave her roots into her rhythm, one print at a time
The New Corporate Power Look:
Modern power dressing is no longer just about shoulder pads and monochrome suits — it’s about expression. In Accra, where creativity meets commerce, the corporate wardrobe has evolved.
Imagine a fitted Ankara blazer layered over crisp white pants. Or a pencil skirt in a muted kente print paired with a silk blouse. It’s structure meets story — and it commands attention without saying a word.
The key? Balance. Let one piece shine. If your Ankara skirt is vibrant, pair it with solid tones — think camel, cream, or navy. You want to say, “I’m bold, but I’m in control.”
Print Meets Professionalism:
Wearing prints at work doesn’t mean dressing for a festival. It’s about tailoring and tone. Choose Ankara pieces with cleaner patterns and softer palettes for a refined, office-ready finish. Earth tones, navy blues, and pastels make prints feel elegant and powerful — not overpowering.
A structured Ankara jacket, for instance, instantly elevates a plain shift dress. Or try a high-waisted wax print trouser with a tucked-in chiffon blouse for that “I came to close deals and turn heads” energy.
Accessorize with Intention:
When you’re working with bold patterns, accessories should whisper, not shout. Go for minimal jewelry — gold studs, thin bangles, or a classic wristwatch. Pair with nude or black pumps to keep the focus on your statement piece.
And bags? A structured leather tote or clutch in a neutral tone balances the vibrance beautifully.
Cultural Confidence:
What makes the Accra corporate girl so inspiring is how effortlessly she blends the modern with the traditional. Her wardrobe tells her story — global, grounded, and unapologetically Ghanaian.
When you wear African prints to the boardroom, you’re not just dressing up — you’re carrying generations of creativity, craftsmanship, and culture with you. It’s more than style; it’s representation.
Blending African prints with corporate fashion is an art — one that the Accra woman has mastered with grace. It’s about walking into every room knowing that you belong there, colour and all.
Because power dressing isn’t just about suits anymore. It’s about showing up in your truth — wrapped in prints that speak volumes, stitched with purpose, and styled with confidence.
So go ahead— wear your Ankara to the boardroom. Make the culture look corporate.
Gone are the days when corporate wear meant dull greys and strict suits. Today’s Accra professional knows how to weave her roots into her rhythm, one print at a time.
The New Corporate Power Look:
Modern power dressing is no longer just about shoulder pads and monochrome suits — it’s about expression. In Accra, where creativity meets commerce, the corporate wardrobe has evolved.
Imagine a fitted Ankara blazer layered over crisp white pants. Or a pencil skirt in a muted kente print paired with a silk blouse. It’s structure meets story — and it commands attention without saying a word.
The key? Balance. Let one piece shine. If your Ankara skirt is vibrant, pair it with solid tones — think camel, cream, or navy. You want to say, “I’m bold, but I’m in control.”
Print Meets Professionalism:
Wearing prints at work doesn’t mean dressing for a festival. It’s about tailoring and tone. Choose Ankara pieces with cleaner patterns and softer palettes for a refined, office-ready finish. Earth tones, navy blues, and pastels make prints feel elegant and powerful — not overpowering.
A structured Ankara jacket, for instance, instantly elevates a plain shift dress. Or try a high-waisted wax print trouser with a tucked-in chiffon blouse for that “I came to close deals and turn heads” energy.
To be continued....
Jute and kenaf fabrics reimagined for chic tailoring.
Plant-dyed textiles.
Circular fashion markets expanding across Accra, Lagos, and Abidjan.
West Africans are embracing sustainability — but still slaying.
Metallic Moments & Futuristic Glam:
Nightlife fashion is stepping into the future. Think liquid metallic dresses, chrome-detail agbadas, iridescent mesh overlays, and holographic mini-bags.
When the sun sets, West Africa is turning up the shine.
Afro-Minimalism Rising:
After years of maximalism, a calm wave is coming. Expect clean silhouettes, earthy tones, simple gold jewellery, and architectural garments inspired by modern African art. Afro-minimalism is for the chic, subtle, well-curated dresser.
Streetwear with Heritage:
West African streetwear is absorbing cultural inspo like never before — adinkra symbols, Fulani shapes, Tuareg indigo traditions, northern embroidery motifs, Ga prints, Yoruba bead colour codes. Young creatives are blending heritage and hype to produce streetwear that’s cultural, cool, and ready for global runways.
Beauty Trends: Soft Glow + Bold Statements
2026 beauty in West Africa brings:
Glass-skin-inspired melanin glow
Chrome eyelids
Brown ombré lips
Sculptural braids and Fulani-inspired cornrows
Ultra-short natural cuts
Henna artistry returns in mainstream fashion.
Community-Driven Fashion:
Expect more fashion pop-ups, mobile ateliers, and community design collectives. West Africa’s fashion scene is becoming more collaborative, accessible, and youth-driven — and 2026 will be its most exciting year yet.
The Return of Tailored Power Dressing:
Sharp shoulders. Cinched waists. Sculpted silhouettes.
Power dressing is back — but softer, sleeker, and more Afro-centric. In 2026, West African tailoring will focus on fluid suits, tone-on-tone styling, minimalist metallic accents, and gender-neutral structured pieces. Corporate wardrobes will lean into cool neutrals like clay, sand, kola-nut brown, and millet gold.
Afro-Resort Wear Every Day:
With travel culture exploding, resort wear is no longer just for holidays. Get ready for linen sets, crochet dresses, flowy kaftans, and raffia accessories as everyday staples. Designers are embracing breezy, breathable fabrics perfect for West African heat — but serving effortless elegance.
Statement Accessories: Bigger, Bolder, Brighter
2026 accessories in West Africa are loud and unapologetic:
Oversized artisan jewelry
Hand-carved wooden clutches
Beaded crowns inspired by royalty
Geometric sunglasses
Stacked anklets
It’s the year of maximalist accessorizing, driven by a renewed love for craftsmanship and heritage.
Emerald pencil skirts with neutral bodysuits.
Berry red suits for the daring queen.
Metallic accents here and there because why not? It’s giving glamour without shouting “I’m the office Christmas tree.”
Tip: Harmattan dust + white clothing? Choose wisely. Or carry wipes. You know your enemies.
Ankara… But Festive!
Nobody does Christmas creativity like the Accra fashionista:
Ankara with gold foiling.
Wax prints featuring deep greens, burgundies, or navy.
Subtle shimmer woven into patterns
A dramatic peplum top here, a structured blazer there.
This is the season to let African prints mingle with corporate silhouettes. From Makola to the boardroom, the slay is intentional.
Statement Sleeves With Corporate Discipline:
Puffy sleeves, bishop sleeves, ruffles — the girls are not holding back.
But of course, we balance it with:
Straight-leg trousers.
Midi skirts.
Minimal accessories.
Let the sleeves do the talking while you close deals like the star you are.