The MAG weekly Fashion and Lifestyle Blog for the modern African girl by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 178 14th November, 2025
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: The Everyday Girl’s Guide to Slaying in Stripes, Taking the law into your own hands, Prostitutes, and Saffron Saga Indian Restaurant
The Everyday Girl’s Guide to Slaying in Stripes. Hey fashion fam! This week, we’re talking about one of those timeless trends that never misses— stripes! Whether bold, subtle, or totally dramatic, stripes have a way of turning even the simplest outfit into a statement. From the office halls of Airport City to rooftop brunches, stripes are serving main character energy all over town.
Stripes, darling, are not just lines on fabric—they’re a lifestyle. Bold, confident, a little unpredictable… just like the Accra girl herself. Whether you’re catching tro-tro to work, brunching at cafés, or hitting a night out, stripes are the easiest way to look effortlessly stylish without even trying too hard. So if you’ve been wondering how to wear your stripes without looking like a traffic cone (we’ve all been there ), relax—your girl’s got you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to rocking stripes like the confident, stylish Everyday queen you are. Let’s get into it!
Monday to Friday: Boss Babe in Pinstripes.
Work clothes don’t have to be boring. A tailored pinstripe blazer or wide-leg trousers says, “Yes, I came to the meeting — and yes, I look amazing.”
Go for light fabrics like cotton or linen — because this Accra heat doesn’t play.
Vertical stripes elongate your frame and make you look super polished. Pair them with solid colours (think white, beige, or navy) and finish off with comfy loafers or block heels. Now that’s executive realness, Ghana edition.
Taking the law into your own hands. Is not allowed. But still? In 1998 Spanish María del Carmen García's 13 year old daughter got raped. The rapist, Antonio Cosme was sentenced to 9 years jail. In 2005, on temporary release, Antonio taunted Maria near her home, suggesting he would have another go at her now 20 year old daughter. She went to a petrol station, bought a few gallons of petrol, found Antonio in a bar, poured the petrol over the rapist and lighted the fire. He died after 8 days. She got sentenced to 9.5 years in jail but on appeal this was reduced to 5 years. Her case received public sympathy, and petitions for her release or a pardon were signed by thousands. A court suspended her sentence in 2011 pending a pardon application, and she was released after serving about a year. However, the government denied the pardon, and she was ordered back to prison in 2013. She was granted open prison in 2017 and finally released in 2018. Right? Wrong? Your daughter?
Prostitutes. These days if you drive through Accra in the evening, and especially during the weekends you'd think the town is full of them. I have sort of respect for their daredevil attitude, to step into a completely unknown stranger's car just like that? Some guys have different motives than simple sex, and if you get out of it alive reporting to the police may give you another unpleasant experience. But who are those girls? Some indeed reckon that a few customer's a week allows them to sleep long and do their nails during the day, why get up at 4:30am to get to an underpaid job at 8 and get home at 10pm? But for some it is a way of survival, get sufficient money to continue their education, or pay their mother's hospital bill. Well paying jobs are not as plenty, especially if you don’t have the right background, connections or education. And hustling often gives little return, and needs starting capital.
Guys are different from girls, and a young fit male can “do” it several times a day. Most often they don't, and for some of them this is a problem, the urge to have sex can become too much. Great, there are prostitutes, go there and keep your hands off my 14 year old daughter. So though one may have her opinion about the morality of prostitution, at least some of the potential rapists have a way of getting rid of their urges. And if you really think that sex for money is bad, evil, just ask yourself why you expect hubby to give you money. Don't be too quick in condemning others.
Saffron Saga Indian Restaurant 12th lane, Osu, Accra. This Indian restaurant used to be called Koh – I -Noor after a big 190 carat Indian diamond (38 grams) which ended up as one of the British crown jewels (the ownership is still controversial, in any case the Brits did not pay for it). Former owner of Koh – I – Noor Indian restaurant, Mr. Cheema sold to the new owners after he had to suffer a triple by pass operation. And the new owner made the place look 21st century, when you enter you feel like entering a party. Not knowing much about Indian food we asked the waiter to serve us an introductory dinner, but without milk, they use lots of that, also lots of yoghurt, because one of us was lacto intolerant (like 75% of us are). We had mutton seekh kebab, nice and differently spiced than our kebabs, kadak roomali, a very thinly baked bread, baked on a hot wok, a bit like the original Napoli pizza which was a thin crusty dough with some toppings, this one came with various spicy crumbly things on it, and chicken dum biryani and schezwan fried rice chicken, both chicken dishes a bit like what would be chicken jollof and chicken curry jollof, except that the chicken came in very very thing slices. An interesting meal with interesting combinations of spices. Not everyone supports the Indian spices which are many more than the traditional Ghanaian ones, and we all reacted to this in our own ways, though no disasters happened..... Service is prompt, friendly and knowledgeable, prices are what one should expect in such an “up” place, though not up like some of the up places. And here too you discover a service charge at the end of the bill, 5 % in this case.
Lydia...
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Colour crush: Mustard, deep green, or burgundy—those tones eat under natural light.
Accessories: Gold hoops, a beaded bracelet, or leather mules. That’s the Ghanaian soft life energy we love.
Friday: Casual, Cute & Ready for Chops.
Friday is the runway between work and vibes. You’re professional till 4:59 PM, and at 5:00 you’re brunch-ready.
Ladies, pull out high-waisted jeans or wide-legged trousers with a tucked-in chiffon blouse.
Gents can keep it crisp in chinos and a linen shirt (because we know the guys are reading this too).
Style note: Clean sneakers or loafers are totally fair game.
Pro move: A signature fragrance completes the look—think fresh, floral, or woody.
Survive the Accra Weather (and Still Look Like a 10/10)
Carry a shawl or blazer—you’ll need it for that icy office AC.
Say no to polyester — it’s basically a sauna in fabric form.
Light colours = less sweat, more glow.
Always pack a hand fan—yes, the fancy foldable ones count as an accessory now.
Corporate life in Accra doesn’t mean dull suits and dark colours. Mix prints, play with fabric, and never be afraid to show a little personality. The key is balance—stay professional, but make it fashion.
Because dear office girl, when you look good, you work good—and you’re way too stylish to be melting in polyester.
Pair your prints with a crisp white blouse or a structured blazer. Clean, powerful, yet feminine.
Pro tip: Keep your Ankara lightweight — cotton prints are perfect for the heat.
Pair with: Nude pumps or simple block heels. You’ll thank yourself by noon.
Tuesday: Chill, But Make It Smart.
The week’s pace is picking up, so let your outfit breathe. A linen shirt dress or culotte set keeps things easy but professional.
Colour inspo: soft greens, sandy neutrals, and light blue — perfect for Accra’s sunshine.
Local hack: Keep a mini handkerchief or tissue in your bag. It’s not “sweating,” it’s just that tropical glow trying to break free.
Wednesday: Midweek Monochrome.
When in doubt, go monochrome. An all-white or all-navy fit says “organized” even if your inbox says otherwise.
Try pairing a silk blouse with wide-leg trousers, or go for a tailored kaftan in a single tone. Simple. Chic. Strategic.
Style trick: Add interest with texture — pleats, embroidery, or a soft ruffle detail keep your look from feeling too plain.
In a world that values creativity as much as competence, dressing avant-garde for work isn’t rebellion, it’s evolution.
Styling Tips for the Workplace.
Balance the Bold: If your blazer has exaggerated proportions, keep the rest streamlined. Let one piece be the conversation starter.
Play with Layers: A high-neck silk blouse under a sleeveless jacket adds visual intrigue without breaking professionalism.
Accessorize Intelligently: Sculptural jewelry — think geometric earrings or asymmetrical cuffs, adds artful punctuation to the outfit.
Confidence Is the Final Layer: Avant-garde fashion thrives on presence. Own your silhouette, and the room will follow.
Designers Leading the Movement.
If you’re looking to build your avant-garde corporate wardrobe, look toward designers who master the balance of innovation and wearability.
Maison Margiela and Junya Watanabe for structural experimentation.
The Row and COS Atelier for minimalist, architectural refinement.
Peter Do and Helmut Lang for urban, clean-lined power dressing.
Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake for poetic yet professional drapery.
The Future of Office Fashion; The next generation of professionals isn’t asking for permission to express individuality — they’re demanding design with purpose. As workplaces embrace hybrid models and flexible dress codes, the avant-garde corporate aesthetic is becoming not only accepted but aspirational. It symbolizes intellect, innovation, and the freedom to create — both in fashion and in thought.
This is the wardrobe of the modern thinker, the creative strategist, the leader who understands that fashion is a form of language.
Key Elements of the Look: Architectural silhouettes, boxy blazers with cinched waists, angular shoulders and dramatic lapels turn the everyday suit into a statement. The fit is not always traditional — sometimes oversized, sometimes cropped — but always intentional.
Monochrome, Muted, or Metallic.
The colour palette is often minimalist: shades of charcoal, ivory, navy and black dominate. But unexpected pops — metallic silver trousers or a matte cobalt trench — bring the edge.
Deconstruction and Layering.
Avant-garde corporate thrives on disruption done tastefully. A shirt that morphs into a vest, a blazer with cut-outs, or a silk tie transformed into a belt — these details challenge expectations while staying polished.
Textures as Statements.
Leather panels on wool, sheer overlays on structured tops, or matte fabrics paired with gloss finishes — texture plays as big a role as silhouette.
Statement Footwear.
Architectural heels, square-toed loafers, or minimalist platform boots anchor the look with a subtle but assertive energy.
The trick? Styling joggers in a way that says “professional” without sacrificing the ease they were made for.
Here’s how to take your joggers from casual to corporate without raising eyebrows at the Monday morning meeting:
Balance with a Structured Bag
Soft pants need a structured partner. A boxy tote, satchel, or classic crossbody balances the casual nature of joggers and adds a refined edge.
Skip the slouchy hobo bags or sporty backpacks — they’ll lean too far into weekend territory.
Tuck It or Crop It
When choosing tops: A tucked-in blouse or shirt defines your waist and adds polish.
A cropped sweater or jacket keeps proportions balanced, especially if your joggers are high-waisted.
Avoid oversized or tunic-length tops that can drown the outfit in bulk.
Bonus Styling Tips
Jewelry: Add gold hoops, a delicate chain, or a minimalist watch to elevate the look.
Layers: A longline coat or trench in colder months pulls the whole outfit together.
Iron/Steam: Wrinkled joggers look messy. Always press or steam them for a crisp finish.
When Joggers Aren’t Office-Approved. While joggers are becoming office-friendly, they might still be a no-go in ultra-formal or conservative environments. If your dress code leans toward the traditional, test the waters with structured ankle pants first, or save the joggers for casual Fridays.
Office Joggers Cheat Sheet
Style ElementPro TipFit & FabricTailored, structured, neutral.
Top Layer: Add a blazer or cropped knit
Shoes: Leather loafers, boots, or minimal sneakers
Accessories: Structured bag, simple jewelry
Tops: Tucked-in blouse or fitted tee
Joggers at the office aren’t just a trend — they’re a reflection of how the modern workplace is evolving.
With the right styling, you can feel like you’re in loungewear while looking completely pulled-together. It’s comfort, but make it corporate.
So go ahead — redefine your 9-to-5 style, one jogger at a time.
Try this outfit combo:
Black joggers
White fitted tee
Checked or camel blazer
Leather loafers or pointed flats.
It’s polished, modern, and ready for anything from budget meetings to brainstorm sessions.
Footwear Matters
Shoes can make or break a jogger-based office look. To keep things elevated:
Choose leather loafers, minimalist sneakers, or ankle boots.
Avoid anything too chunky, sporty, or worn-out.
For dressier offices, pointed-toe flats or low block heels work wonders.
Keep the colour palette cohesive to create a sleek silhouette from head to toe.
Stick to a Neutral Palette: Colour can make or break a ruffle look at work. Neutrals like black, white, navy, camel, and soft gray help tone down the drama of ruffles and make them feel more sophisticated.
Chic Combo: A black ruffled blouse tucked into high-waisted camel trousers instant CEO energy.
Let Accessories Take a Back Seat: Ruffles are already a focal point. Avoid chunky jewelry or overly bold bags when wearing them to the office. Instead, opt for dainty studs, a simple watch, and a structured tote.
Work-Ready Add-On: A leather satchel in a classic tone complements ruffles without competing for attention.
Layer with Intention: Blazers and cardigans can help “calm” a ruffled top if you're worried about making too bold a statement. Choose structured outerwear that won't clash with the lines of your ruffles.
Pro Tip: A cropped blazer over a ruffled blouse keeps your look modern while adding polish.
What do you think? Would you wear ruffles to work—or do you already? Share your favorite ruffled pieces in the comments below!
Start Subtle: If you're ruffle-shy, begin with minimal detailing. Think a crisp white blouse with a small ruffle at the collar or cuffs. These little touches add visual interest without overwhelming your outfit.
Style Tip: Pair a ruffle-cuffed blouse with tailored trousers and loafers for a polished but soft look. Keep accessories.
Structure Over Volume: The key to making ruffles feel work-appropriate lies in choosing structured silhouettes. Look for blazers with angular ruffle trims, pencil skirts with asymmetric ruffle hems, or dresses with architectural ruffle accents that enhance rather than overpower your figure.
Best Bet: A sheath dress with a one-shoulder ruffle detail can be both boardroom-ready and fashion-forward when paired with a sleek bun and block heels.
Balance is Everything: Ruffles naturally draw attention, so balance them with clean, simple pieces. If your top has bold ruffles, opt for a streamlined bottom—think cigarette pants or a midi skirt. Likewise, pair a ruffled skirt with a fitted knit or basic blouse.
Don’t: Pair a voluminous ruffle blouse with a frilly skirt unless your workplace is a runway. Do: Mix textures and keep one half of your outfit structured.
A turquoise statement necklace with a classic white shirt.
Colourful loafers or heels with a tailored black ensemble.
Small touches can transform an outfit — and often spark conversation.
Fabrics That Compliment Colour
Not all fabrics wear colour equally. Here's what to look for:
Silk & Satin: Enhance the richness of jewel tones.
Linen: Gives earthy colours a breathable, natural look.
Wool & Tweed: Perfect for deeper, colder hues.
Cotton & Poplin: Crisp and clean, great for brights and pastels alike.
How to Stay Professional While Going Bold: Worried about crossing the line between creative and chaotic? Here are a few rules of thumb:
Stick to 2–3 colours per outfit. Let one be the dominant shade.
Balance with neutrals. Pair that coral blazer with a white blouse and taupe pants.
Pay attention to cut and fit. A brightly coloured outfit still needs structure.
Understand your office culture. Tech startup? Go wild. Law firm? Try coloured accessories or toned-down pastels.
The Bottom Line: Colour in corporate wear isn’t just a trend — it’s a movement. It’s about breaking outdated norms and allowing personal style to coexist with professionalism. Whether you’re an HR exec in a raspberry pantsuit or a software engineer in a pistachio-green shirt, colour gives your look personality, confidence, and edge.
So the next time you’re reaching for that black blazer — ask yourself: What would magenta do?
Style Tip of the Week: Pair a bright blazer with neutral high-waist trousers for a clean, contemporary look that turns heads for the right reasons.
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