The MAG weekly Fashion and Lifestyle Blog for the modern African girl by Lydia, every Friday at 1700 hrs. Nr 177 7th 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 Accra Office Girl’s Style Survival Guide, How to get rid of our colonial legacy and what's in a name, Simple happiness, Women stronger than man, and How to peel an egg
The Accra Office Girl’s Style Survival Guide. Let’s be honest—office fashion in Accra isn’t just about looking good. It’s about strategy. Between the blazing sun, surprise downpours, and the icy blast of office AC, your outfit has to work overtime.
Thursday: Tradition Meets Trend: Thursday is the perfect day to sprinkle in some cultural pride. Whether it’s a sleek kaba and slit, a short kaftan dress, or even a kente-trimmed blouse, blend tradition with office elegance.
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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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.