Lagos Fashion Week is one of the most exciting events in Africa’s fashion calendar, where style, culture, and creativity come together in a vibrant display of individuality. I recently attend this fashion show. So, I decide to share what I wore to Lagos fashion week and easy to recreate street style looks you can copy.
Just yesterday, my friends and I couldn’t decide on what we would wear, but we tasked ourselves to come up with some options. Well, I have come up with some ideas of what anyone can wear for the Lagos Fashion Week, and I will be sharing them in this blog.
As with any fashion concept, you must not follow any idea exactly the way it is stated. The beauty of fashion is that you get to tweak them and make the ideas pop in your own unique way.
Here are some outfit ideas for Lagos Fashion Week. Also, I have capture some easy to receate street style inspiration for you. If you’d rather see it in Video format, check my youtube channel for great looks for street style.
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What to wear for Lagos fashion week: 10 outfit ideas
Fashion season is my favorite time of the year. After following the street style looks from Paris fashion week and New York fashion week, I must say that this outfit ideas are street style worthy.
Let’s get you dressed for street style looks at Lagos fashion. Also, you can definitely style any of these looks for GTfashion weekend 2024. When is GT fashion weekend 2024? This year, GT fashion week will take place this month from Nov 9th to Nov 10th. So, get ready to slay the street style with this street style outfit ideas.
What I wore to Lagos fashion week: The Neon Pops
Lagos Fashion Week is all about displaying uniqueness right? If you want to get all heads turning, then you have to show up in a way people cannot ignore! Even if it means showing up in bright neon colors!
Once you’re in neon, you can be sure to have heads turning. Now how do you do this? You can go full-on neon with a dress or simply add fluorescent accents to your outfit. You can even go a step further and try neon heels, bags, or even a neon trench coat over an otherwise neutral ensemble for a sharp contrast.
Understandably, you might be nervous about neon pops. Personally, I would be hesitant to show up in this fashion style as it is out of my comfort zone, but that is what Lagos Fashion Week is all about! It is all about trying out new and daring styles!
If you are nervous, you can start small with neon accessories or shoes to add that pop of color.
Got anything neon in your wardrobe? You’re good to go!
A pop of Neon with my Loewe Puzzle bag
Distressed Denim
As I always say, when in doubt, go denim! Without a doubt, we cannot deny that denim is a street style favorite. Now, you may think that this is basic as denim is what we wear on a regular day. However, for fashion week, you can tune it a notch higher by showing up in distressed jeans!
I would recommend trying a denim jumpsuit or mix distressed jeans with a structured top. For footwear, add statement heels or boots to make your look less casual and more runway ready. Importantly, don’t forget to add chic accessories like sunglasses or hats.
Distress Denim and a bag charm
Be the Metal!
I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re giving me the side eyes as you’re reading this and wondering how metal comes to play in fashion. However, have you heard of sheer fabrics and metallic accents? These work perfectly for a night show or after party!
If you have a sheer blouse, pair it with a metallic skirt or pants. It would make you stand out (in a good way)! For a more sophisticated look, you can add a leather jacket or tailored pants.
Oversized Clothing
Got clothes that are oversized? Lagos Fashion Week may just be the best time to pull them out of your wardrobe and play around with styling!
For me, I would go for an oversized shirt dress that I can pair with a belt or an oversized blazer over a fitted top for contrast. I would then pair it with sneakers or chunky boots. Talk about boss babe vibes?
Athleisure
I remember the first time a friend mentioned this fashion trend and I was confused. But now? It has become one of my favorite fashion trends!
The trend is as the name implies as it is the combination of comfortable clothing that you would use for athletics. Think about your jogger, sweatpants, etc.
Now, you may be wondering how to pair these fashion items for Lagos Fashion Week right? You can pair your joggers with a sequin top or a bomber jacket with a pencil skirt. This gives a perfect combination of comfort and glam
For footwear, go for luxury sneakers or high-heeled boots.
Go Monochrome
They say there is beauty in simplicity right? This is where monochrome styling comes to play. I absolutely love to play with monochrome stylings and have found that it brings out the fashionista in me.
All you have to do is pick a bold color and build your entire look around it. What’s your favorite color? Now is the time to go heavy on it! Then, make sure to pair with accessories like statement earrings and belts to make the outfit pop better.
Be a Maximalist
Typically, people would advise that you be a minimalist, but not for Lagos Fashion Week! This event affords you the opportunity to go hard and heavy on styling, and you shouldn’t waste the opportunity!
This is the time where you bring out different items from your wardrobe and find how to pair all of them together. You can wear a silk slip dress over a turtleneck or a bold kimono over a fitted crop top and trousers. All these will come together to create a striking look!
Then make sure you do not forget your accessories like oversized sunglasses, handbags, and layered jewelry. They can add even more character to this look.
Color blocking with accessories red Loewe belt dupe and suede sling back heels
Bold Prints and Patterns
African prints are a must for Lagos Fashion Week, but you can give them a modern twist by mixing traditional Ankara fabrics with contemporary styles. I would suggest that you try a printed blazer with wide-leg trousers, or a maxi dress in a vibrant kente print. The key is to balance bold patterns with solid accessories.
Wondering what to use as accessories? This is where you go for those chunky jewelry in the form of earrings, bangles, necklaces, etc. If you love to wear prints but not bold enough to pull it off. Or need ideas on how to mix prints and pattern check it out on the blog.
Pin stripe button down shirt and print skirt
A Tailored Suit
Of course, you are not going for a presentation or lecture. Yes, you are going for Lagos Fashion Week, and you can rock a suit for it!
Now, think of a well-tailored suit in an unconventional color like teal, mustard, or pastel pink. I’m sure you can see the vision already and can tell that it would make a strong fashion statement.
If you want a more casual or street-style vibe, choose a cropped blazer or high-waist trousers. Then, complete the look with sleep pointy-toe heels or bold sneakers.
Cultural Fusion
I know I had mentioned something about African prints earlier. But you can also decide to incorporate African-inspired elements with global fashion trends for a cultural fusion look. Think of mixing a traditional headwrap (Gele) with modern dresses or Ankara accessories with minimalist outfits.
You should also go for African-inspired jewelry like beaded necklaces or Maasai earring to make a bolder statement!
Favorite Nigeria designer at Lagos fashion week: Ugo Monye
The first show that I saw Ugo Monye designs, I was floored. I love his designs. Also, he doesn’t fail to give a show plus entertainment. Ugo Monye is one of the best Male Nigerian fashion designer asides Mai Asafo.
If you need contemporary designs and outfits rich in Nigerian culture, Ugo Monye is your plug. Love all the outfits he showcased on the runway. This year like no other, he gave us fashion as well as entertainment. He featured some Nigerian Celebrities. Also, my favorite Nigerian artiste, Davido who looked so good in Native attire.
Trust, you will love everything about this designer. You can wear his designs for street style looks, traditional weddings and if you’re bold to the office. Below are some of my favorites of his collection this year.
I don’t like Agbada as an outfit. It is so big and show case wealth in Nigeria. However, this Agbada in a lady I can get behind. I love how it was styled and it a great outfit for street style.
This shirt that is giving off Hawaii or Maimi vibes is perfect for vacation. Treat your man to these cute outfit. The shirt and a pair of straight cute jeans is perfect for work. Even a lady can rock this shirt or the pants with other outfits in their closet.
Key take aways
I attended the Q-rising talk where some designers spoke about fashion in Africa. Is westernization a threat to African fashion? Designers in Africa struggle to thrive because of lack of support from the government. I wonder how Nigerian designers are coping with the high cost of productions that affects all businesses. With little or no support from the government, we cannot achieve what other western brands have achieved.
Another challenge is the exploitation of Designer in Africa by foreign buyers. Imagine selling out your brand you built from scratch to become an employee literarily to western or foreign stores.
Why do we give preference to Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Fendi more than Nigerian designer brands like Ugo Monye, Mait Atafo, Orange Culture or the fast-rising green initiative designers? Well, I am also guilty of this. I am willing to spend up to $4000 for a Loewe bag or outfit than spend 200,000naira for a Nigerian designer brand.
Have you ever attended Lagos fashion week? Do you shop Nigerian fashion designer brands, or you would rather spurge on western or European designer brands. Let’s have a chat in the comment section.
Panelist at the Q-rising Talks featuring some Nigerian designers.
FAQ on Lagos fashion week
- When is Lagos fashion week 2024? Lagos fashion week 2024 took place from Oct 24th to Oct 27th. It is almost a weeklong show. You can attend the talks or fashion business series. Also, you can take part in the master classes.
- How do I get tickets for Lagos fashion week? You can purchase tickets for Lagos fashion week from their website. The fee is about 24,000naira. Price may change and will be updated on their website.
- How do I get a press pass for Lagos fashion week? Simply follow their Instagram handle @Lagosfashionweekofficial or stay updated on the time for press pass registration. This is available to bloggers, influencers or content creators, and media houses.
- What time does the show start at Lagos fashion week? If you don’t like to stay out at Night, then you can opt for the talks and masterclasses. Lagos fashion week shows typically starts from 5pm to 11pm daily.
- Is there opportunity for Model casting? Yes, there is. Stay updated by following their Instagram handle as stated above to know when to go for casting. The requirements are clearly stated on their website.