The MAG weekly Fashion and Lifestyle Blog for the modern African girl by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 174 17th October 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 Philosophy of Avant-Garde Corporate wear, British Durbars, The inherent dangers of buying copycat perfumes, Food and medicines expired, and Second Cup Spintex
The Philosophy of Avant-Garde Corporate wear. Avant-garde corporate style is not about breaking rules just for shock value — it’s about redefining what professionalism looks like. It’s the evolution of power dressing: confident, architectural, and conceptual, yet completely wearable. The focus is on intention over convention. Think sculptural tailoring, asymmetrical lines, exaggerated proportions, and materials that tell a story — neoprene, organza, and deconstructed wool.
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.
Want more fashion-forward takes on office trends? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay ahead of the style curve — one power look at a time.
Sunset Shades: Rust orange, terracotta, blush pink, and marigold are warming up the boardroom. These earthy, sun-kissed hues bring optimism and a sense of groundedness to the workplace.
Power Pastels: Pastels are no longer just for spring or casual Fridays. Lavender suits, mint trousers, and powder-blue blouses offer a soft, approachable alternative to more traditional corporate colours.
Colour Blocking: Mixing bold colours like cobalt blue with tangerine or fuchsia with camel creates dynamic, creative looks that are still polished. Colour blocking works best with structured silhouettes and minimal accessories.
For the Men: Breaking the Navy-Grey Binary: Men’s corporate fashion is also undergoing a chromatic revolution:
Burgundy or forest green suits are taking the place of tired charcoal.
Patterned shirts in peach, lilac, or teal peek out from under sleek blazers.
Even ties and socks are getting bolder — think geometric patterns, gradients, or subtle florals.
Tip: Keep the tailoring sharp and the palette cohesive to pull it off with confidence.
Adinkra Cloth: This is perhaps the most symbolic funeral fabric. Originally hand-stamped with symbols that represent proverbs and values, black and dark red Adinkra cloths carry deep meaning. Symbols like “Eban” (safety/security) or “Dwanimen” (humility) are commonly featured.
Lace and Satin: Contemporary funeral fashion among urban Ghanaians now includes Western-inspired black lace dresses, tailored suits, and satin gowns. These often come in custom cuts, keeping the traditional spirit but adding modern flair.
Accessories: Understated, But Significant.
Headwraps (Duku): Women often wear matching headwraps tied in dramatic styles. These are not just decorative—they're symbolic crowns of mourning and respect.
Jewelry: Gold jewelry is rare at funerals unless the event celebrates an elder. Simple pearls, black beads, or silver accessories are preferred. Men often wear beads or symbolic rings.
Shoes: Modesty is key. Simple leather sandals or closed shoes are preferred. In some regions, especially among the Ga, people may even go barefoot for certain rites.
Modern Twists on Traditional Mourning Wear; Ghana’s younger generation is finding ways to honor tradition while expressing individuality. Tailored jumpsuits, structured blazers, and custom-made dresses are now common at funerals in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centers. Influencers and fashion designers have even begun to showcase “mourning couture” on social media, proving that even in grief, Ghanaians dress with intention and identity.
So next time you find yourself at a Ghanaian funeral, know this—every thread, every colour, and every fold of cloth means something.
The Colours of Mourning: Red, Black, and White
Red & Black: Traditionally, red and black are worn to mourn someone who died under tragic or unexpected circumstances or someone of relatively younger age. These colours signify pain and loss. Women typically wear kaba and slit (a matching blouse and wrap skirt), while men wear rich ntama (cloth wraps), often with traditional sandals or slippers.
All-Black: When the mood is more subdued, especially during the wake or church service, all-black outfits dominate. These are sleek and somber, often tailored in elegant fabrics like lace, cotton, or satin.
White & Black/Full White: When the deceased lived a full, prosperous life—often in their 70s or older—white is worn to celebrate their transition. It’s not just mourning, but a recognition of a life well lived. White lace dresses, white agbadas, and even contemporary all-white suits make appearances.
Some fashion houses in Ghana now specialize in funeral attire, offering clients curated looks that blend fabric, cultural appropriateness, and personal style. Families even issue dress codes with colour themes (e.g., “black and touch of red”) for different days of the funeral rites.
And some go in for their own printings, but the minimum is 100 pieces of 6 yards, leftovers are going for a discounted price and are used by upcoming designers.
Accessorize with Intention: Baggy jeans draw the eye downward, so balance your look with standout accessories. A structured leather bag, bold earrings (like beaded or brass pieces), or a minimalist wristwatch can all elevate the outfit.
Local love: Support regional artisans by choosing accessories made in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, etc. Think Aso-Oke tote bags or Fula-inspired jewelry.
Keep the Jeans Clean and Tailored (Yes, Tailored!)
Baggy doesn’t mean saggy. Your jeans should fit at the waist and drape neatly down—no dragging hems or excessive slouch. Consider visiting a tailor to adjust the length or taper slightly at the ankle for a more intentional silhouette.
Pro tip: Opt for solid washes—medium blue, black, or gray—without rips, distressing, or logos. This keeps the jeans within professional bounds.
Sample Looks:
Look 1: Creative Agency Professional (Unisex)
Light-wash baggy jeans, White tucked-in shirt, Ankara blazer, Black loafers, and a Beaded necklace or leather wristband.
Look 2: Corporate Friday Vibes (Women)
High-waisted black baggy jeans, Fitted cream blouse, Brown block heels, Tan leather handbag, and Gold hoops.
Look 3: Finance Bro with Flair (Men)
Dark navy baggy jeans, Pale blue button-down shirt, Charcoal blazer, Oxford shoes, and a wooden bead bracelet for a subtle cultural nod.
