Ankara Lookbook
Happy Sunday! Though, I'm most likely in pajamas while I upload this post and pictures, I had fun going through my closet to see how many Ankara and Aso ebi outfits I've acquired over the years. Just know it's a lot and that there will be more look-books of my collection! For those of you who may not know, Ankara, Ankara fabric, or Dutch wax fabric are 100% cotton wax prints that are widely used clothing material in West African countries. They are vibrantly colored and ornately patterned.
For Africans all over the world, these materials are made into Traditional style or Modern style outfits to be worn to parties, celebrations, or weddings. Aso ebi or Asoebi is a uniform type dress typically worn in West African cultures to show solidarity during a celebration. This is most commonly seen at weddings where the females in a bride's extended family or new extended family, share the same pattern of dress (in different style) at a ceremony. Almost like how bridesmaids all wear the same color dress at a Western wedding. Aso ebi is not limited to just Ankara fabric, it often includes lace and other ornate fabrics. Because the clothes are usually worn for celebrations they are almost always hand made. With most of my clothes, I either designed the outfit or found inspiration from somewhere else and brought it to my tailor to be created.
This first look includes a blue ankara halter top that was actually from a uniform for a dance team that I was a part of. It was made by a professional tailor so it is double lined with a stretchy back band. I decided not to wear the matching fringe skirt because I would rather use this top to go out so I included a navy blue high-waisted pull ring trousers from Forever 21, and an orange kimono.
My second outfit may look like a long sleeved white, purple, and yellow dress but it is actually a top that I belted and pinned at the opening. This outfit I had initially made as a uniform for school club event I was hosting. I remember the first time I wore it, I didn't belt it and I kept it open because I wore a blue fitted pencil skirt underneath.
This orange, burgundy, and purple deep-V and leg-slit look, is one of my favorites. I wore this as a part of an Aso ebi to a wedding a few years ago. I can't say it was easy to dance in but it was very flattering on. It is also double lined with a full zip back.
This last pink and blue off-the-shoulder dress was inspired by something Bella Hadid wore to an awards ceremony years ago. I wore this for an Aso ebi at a recent wedding with a blue head wrap and pink embroidered hand fan.
With ankara and traditional wear in general, all of the fabrics are very detailed and pretty to look at. It still surprises me how many different patterns and colors I actually own. Then again that makes sense because being a part of Aso ebi, I don't get to choose the prints (the bride or the mother of the bride chooses). I do get to decide the style and how to accessorize it. Because this look-book is showcasing the outfits I have, I didn't fully accessorize with the items I had first worn the outfits with. For the pictures I kept it simple with nude strap heels, thin gold hoops, and a black suede belt. I provided links to similar items below. Note that these include affiliate links in which this blog receives a small commission from.
See More Looks at my ShopStyle Shop
I hope you enjoyed this post and have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!
Disclaimer: Nik's Closet contains some affiliate links to sites that a small commission is made from such as the ShopStyle affiliate advertising program and the Amazon Associates affiliate program. This basically means that any purchases and/or clicks made through the ShopStyle or Amazon widgets or links on my posts may give me a commission. That does not mean you are charged any more or any less as a result, I just make a small amount from what I recommend on my blog and social media.
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Author-NicoleHello, my name is Nicole. This is a collection of some of my favorite things, DIYs, food, and mostly Fashion. You should see how messy my closet is. I truly have a clothing obsession and collections of random craft supplies in the corner. Don't forget to leave your unproductive biases and criticisms at the door. Come embrace the Black Girl Magic. Welcome to my closet! Archives
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PopularDisclaimer: Nik’s Closet Culture contains some affiliate links to sites that a small commission is made from such as the ShopStyle affiliate advertising program, the Amazon Associates affiliate program, and RewardStyle Influencer program. This basically means that any purchases and/or clicks made through the ShopStyle, Amazon, or RewardStyle widgets and/or links on Our pages may give US a commission. That does not mean You are charged any more or any less as a result. This site just makes a small amount from what is recommended on here and on Our social media.
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