The MAG weekly Fashion and Lifestyle Blog for the modern African girl by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 169 12th September 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: Colourful Corporate, Worms, The richest actors, MJ Grands Hotel, Bandex Tai, Oven and Kitchen Chinese Restaurant East, and Kula Bistro
Colourful Corporate: There was a time when corporate fashion meant grayscale suits, beige blouses, and the occasional navy blue dress if you were feeling daring. But those days are behind us. A bold, refreshing wave is sweeping through office wardrobes, and it’s bringing colour — lots of it.
Here's a fashion post on Colourful Corporate Trends — engaging, stylish, and suitable for a fashion-savvy audience interested in workplace style:
Accessories That Pop: If you’re not ready to commit to a full-on colour moment, try accessorising with intention:
A crimson handbag with a beige pantsuit.
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 It’s about breaking outdated norms and allowing personal style to coexist with professionalism.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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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.
Pair with a Structured Blazer: A blazer is your best friend when trying to elevate denim. Choose a well-fitted blazer in breathable fabrics like lightweight wool, cotton-linen blends, or even Ankara for a bold Afrocentric touch. Pairing a neutral blazer (black, navy, or tan) with classic blue or black baggy jeans instantly balances the relaxed vibe of the jeans.
Style tip: For an Afro-modern twist, go for a fitted Kente or Adire-print blazer to celebrate local heritage while keeping things professional.
Tuck in a Crisp Button-Down Shirt: Whether it's white, pastel, or pinstriped, a crisp button-down shirt brings instant polish. For men, opt for long sleeves rolled up just above the elbow—stylish and heat-appropriate. For women, consider a tucked-in shirt with subtle puff sleeves or ruching for shape.
Layer a slim belt over the jeans to define your waist and add structure to the outfit.
West African practicality: Lightweight cotton or batik shirts are breathable and local—perfect for hot office days with unreliable AC.
Footwear Matters: Keep It Clean and Smart.
Your shoes will make or break the look. Steer clear of overly casual sneakers unless you work in a very creative industry. Instead:
For women: Block heels, loafers, or clean mules.
For men: Leather loafers, monk straps, or sleek sneakers in neutral tones.
Pro tip: In cities like Lagos or Accra, where you might hop on okadas or trotros, consider bringing your work shoes in a bag and changing at the office.
Hats: Fedora, beret, or wide-brim hats provide extra style and protection against the cold.
Footwear: Ankle boots or knee-high leather boots are perfect for colder days. Choose styles that complement both casual and formal outfits.
Play with Length & Fit. Long coats come in various cuts — oversized, tailored, belted, or open-front. Play with different styles:
Belted Coats: Cinch the waist for a feminine silhouette.
Oversized Coats: For a relaxed, chic look, pair with slim-fitting pants or leggings.
Straight Cut: Classic and versatile, suitable for any occasion.
Keep Practicality in Mind. West Africa's weather can be unpredictable, so opt for coats with water-resistant features if rain is forecasted. Also, ensure your coat allows for ease of movement and layering.
Sample Looks to Inspire You
Casual Day Out: Beige long wool coat + Ankara print dress + ankle boots + colourful scarf.
Office Chic: Navy tailored long coat + white shirt + black trousers + leather loafers.
Evening Elegance: Deep red velvet long coat + black turtleneck + fitted jeans + knee-high boots.
Final Tips
Invest in a quality long coat that fits well and keeps you warm.
Mix traditional fabrics with modern cuts for a unique, West African-inspired look.
Don’t forget to embrace bold colours and patterns to brighten up the cold season.
Stay warm, stylish, and true to your cultural roots! Whether you prefer classic neutrals or vibrant hues, a long coat is your best friend this season. Happy styling!
Until next time, stay fabulous!
Contemporary Looks: A simple turtleneck or fitted sweater in neutral shades works well underneath. Add slim-fit jeans or tailored trousers for a sleek silhouette.
Anticipate on next blog for continuation.
Mix Traditional & Modern. Combine traditional fabrics with contemporary cuts. For example, a wrap skirt made from Ankara fabric paired with a sleek crop top creates a perfect blend of heritage and modernity. This fusion not only celebrates your roots but also keeps your look fresh and trendy.
Layer Up with Accessories. Accessorize with statement jewelry—think chunky bead necklaces, gold hoops, or colorful bangles. Headwraps or gele styles can add an extra flair for special outings, or keep it simple with a stylish hat for daytime adventures.
Comfort Meets Style. For casual days, go for linen or cotton maxi dresses in vibrant prints or solid colours. Pair with comfortable sandals or sneakers, and add a crossbody bag to keep it practical yet fashionable.
Night Out Glam. For evening occasions, opt for a fitted midi dress with intricate embroidery or metallic accents. Pair with heels and bold makeup—think fiery reds or shimmering golds—to make a statement.
Weekly Style Tip: Layer with confidence! Whether it's a denim jacket over a traditional dress or a vibrant scarf, layering adds dimension and personality to your outfit.
Inspiration for the Week
A bright Ankara jumpsuit for brunch with friends.
A flowy maxi skirt paired with a crop top for a relaxed weekend.
An elegant boubou for family gatherings or church services.
Casual jeans and a printed blouse for errands or casual meetups.
Remember, fashion is a powerful way to express your identity and culture. Be bold, be authentic, and wear what makes you feel confident and proud of your roots!
Micro Twists & Mini Braid: The tiny twist and braid craze continues strong, with stylists creating intricate micro patterns that look almost like artwork. These styles are not only protective but also incredibly photogenic, perfect for social media content. They’re often styled into updos or left flowing for a sleek look.
Hybrid Styles: Fusions of Tradition and Modernity: Many stylists are experimenting with fusion styles—combining traditional patterns with contemporary cuts and colours. For example, blending Fulani-inspired braids with neon hues, or incorporating beadwork into sleek, modern buns. These hybrid styles celebrate African heritage while embracing the future of fashion.
2025 is a vibrant year for African hairstyles—a true testament to the continent’s rich cultural tapestry and innovative spirit. Whether you’re rocking bold colours, intricate braids, or natural textures, there's a trend to match every personality. Embrace your unique style, celebrate your roots, and let your hair be your canvas for self-expression! Stay fabulous and keep following for more updates on the latest in African fashion and beauty trends!
