50+ African print styles for ladies in 2025 (stunning photos)
African print styles for ladies are among the best fashion designs in today's world. These attires were formerly restricted to traditional occasions, but that has changed with time. People now wear them at formal and casual functions like church and graduation parties.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Stunning photos of African print styles for ladies in 2025
- 1. Straight corset Ankara
- 2. Akan-inspired gold design
- 3. Cute and artsy
- 4. Spaghetti-halter maxi with a keyhole
- 5. Agbada free gown
- 6. Midi Ankara skater dresses
- 7. Glamorous off-shoulder mermaid gown with ruffles
- 8. Mixed Ankara midi dress
- 9. Long-sleeved short free dress
- 10. Maxi A-line gowns
- 11. Modern Xhosa gown
- 12. Ankara ball gown
- 13. Kaftan gowns with Ankara flowers
- 14. Stunning halter high-low gown
- 15. Straight green Ankara with an overlaying lace
- 16. Flared gown style
- 17. Balloon-sleeved design
- 18. Simple and short boubou dress
- 19. Ankara jumpsuits
- 20. Triangle neck midi bodycon
- 21. Long sleeve short skater dresses
- 22. Bell-shaped lace Ankara dress
- 23. Short off-shoulder dress
- 24. Ankara kaftan gowns with stones
- 25. Colourful Iro and Buba
- 26. Denim Ankara shirt dresses for ladies
- 27. Simple Ankara maxi dress
- 28. Short high-low Ankara shirt dress
- 29. Ankara tunic dresses for women
- 30. Ankara crop top and high-waisted pants
- 31. Puff-sleeved short tunic
- 32. Ankara suit for women
- 33. Simple straight maxi dress
- 34. Medium-length Iro and Buba
- 35. Dera dresses
- 36. Blouses flowing at the bottom
- 37. Simple one-arm blouse
- 38. Ankara cape tops
- 39. Rich Auntie Kaftan with side cuts
- 40. Ankara wrap maxis
- 41. Black and white Ankara goddess
- 43. African with lace at the front
- 44. Ankara kimono
- 45. Off-shoulder with pleated sleeves
- 46. Flayer sleeves
- 47. Peplum with a side cape design
- 48. Lacy-Ankara midi design
- 49. Peplum wrap tops
- 50. Shorts suit
- 51. Lace-Ankara high tea look
- Is it OK to wear African print?
- What is the most popular African clothing?
- What are the different African styles of fashion?
- How do you wear African prints?
Key takeaways
- African print styles for ladies are inspired by African culture and made by local tailors.
- Different countries have different names for the traditional fabrics. Popular names include Ankara, Dashiki, Gele, Kitenge, Aso, Kente, and Batakari.
- It is an honour to see people worldwide wearing the latest African print styles for ladies.
Stunning photos of African print styles for ladies in 2025
Despite the Western influence that has taken a toll on almost every African, the people of Ghana continue to embrace traditional African dresses for ladies with much pride and elegance. Check out these trendy and beautiful African dresses for ladies in 2025.
1. Straight corset Ankara

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This African dress style for a woman is classy and timeless. The upper bodice of this dress is intricate. The satin detail is well-thought-out.
2. Akan-inspired gold design
This Akan-inspired design is a fantastic choice for those looking for modern African dresses for ladies. The Akan people from Guinea Coast are known for their love of fashion.
3. Cute and artsy

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If you are looking for the latest African dresses, consider this design. The artistic fabric used to make this dress is stunning. The backside is more plain and toned down, making it ideal for a formal night out.
4. Spaghetti-halter maxi with a keyhole
There are hundreds of timeless African print designs, depending on preference and occasion. The keyhole design on the bust makes the design above even cuter.
5. Agbada free gown

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Agbada-free gowns are becoming popular and ideal for weddings, birthdays or dinner parties. They are comfortable and fit for any body type.
6. Midi Ankara skater dresses

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Combining lace and Ankara creates a unique and eye-catching dress that blends the materials beautifully. You can draw attention to your arms by using lace as the sleeves.
7. Glamorous off-shoulder mermaid gown with ruffles
This Ankara style is stunning. You can accessorise with some necklaces but even bare, it would still work. If you are looking for modern African print dresses with impeccable construction and embellishment, this design would work perfectly for you.
8. Mixed Ankara midi dress

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Midi dresses can have various necklines, such as V-neck, round neck or off-shoulder. Such dresses are suitable for formal occasions such as meetings. You can add a touch of lace material to give it a unique yet simple look. For those looking for new dress styles for ladies, consider the look above.
9. Long-sleeved short free dress

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If you are looking for short gown African print styles for ladies in 2025, this long-sleeved short or mini, free-flowing gown will offer you a unique and stylish look. Such dresses are perfect for outdoor events, summer parties, and music festivals.
10. Maxi A-line gowns

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Maxi A-line gowns are versatile and can be worn for various occasions. They work well for both casual and formal events. You can choose different necklines, sleeve lengths, embellishments, and colours to create a gown that matches your style and the event's theme. If you are looking for simple African print styles for ladies in 2025, try the looks above.
11. Modern Xhosa gown
The traditional attire of the Xhosa people consists of various elements, including colourful fabrics. The colours used in outfits are bright and bold, and each has a symbolic meaning.
12. Ankara ball gown

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If you are looking for cute African print styles for ladies in 2025 in Nigeria for weddings, these gowns combine the elegance of ball gowns with the vibrancy of Ankara fabrics. The bold patterns and rich colors of the Ankara print add a cultural and artistic flair, while the flowing ball gown silhouette ensures a regal and timeless look.
13. Kaftan gowns with Ankara flowers

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Kaftan dresses are a valuable and prized piece of clothing. Most women wear them during big religious festivals and family events. Although these clothes are usually affordable to the middle class and the elites in society, you can find cheaper ones of low-quality materials.
14. Stunning halter high-low gown
The halter high-low design is an excellent choice for the woman who does not mind showing off some skin. The outfit pairs well with strappy heels.
15. Straight green Ankara with an overlaying lace

Source: UGC
This outfit blends simplicity with sophistication. The straight-cut green Ankara fabric brings a bold and vibrant look, while the overlaying lace adds a touch of delicacy and elegance.
16. Flared gown style

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The flared silhouette gives a sense of drama and movement. To accentuate your figure and have a flattering silhouette, tie a belt or a waistband. Ideal for both formal and semi-formal events.
17. Balloon-sleeved design
Balloon or puff sleeves are all the rage right now. Lovers of long, fitted Ankara gowns should have a balloon-sleeved dress in their wardrobe because they are timeless pieces.
18. Simple and short boubou dress

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These short, flared boubou dresses are poised to be the standout Ankara designs. The look is ideal for the liberated woman who does not mind showing off some leg skin.
19. Ankara jumpsuits

Source: UGC
Ankara jumpsuits offer a unique and eye-catching style. Look for designs that have elasticated waistbands or are specifically designed for expectant mothers to ensure a comfortable fit.
20. Triangle neck midi bodycon
If you are looking for classic female Ankara designs, the triangle-cut neck midi bodycon is one of the top options. The triangular neckline with lace is exquisite, and the lacy sleeves add oomph to the overall design.
21. Long sleeve short skater dresses

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With a pair of heels, a long-sleeved skater dress is one of the best choices for a church service for any lady. It is elegant yet very decent, chic, and modest.
22. Bell-shaped lace Ankara dress
If you want to feel comfortable and elegant, go for bell-shaped dresses. Bell-shaped gowns are the dress of choice for many African ladies. Their comfort and stylish details make them a must-have attire for those looking for the trendiest African print styles for ladies.
23. Short off-shoulder dress

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These styles showcase the shoulders, adding an elegant and trendy touch to the outfit. Off-shoulder gowns reveal both shoulders, while one-shoulder gowns expose just a single shoulder.
24. Ankara kaftan gowns with stones

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Ankara kaftans are something you should add to your wardrobe for upcoming events. They are among the most popular clothing trends in West Africa this year. They are pleasing to women who want classy and chic formal outfits.
25. Colourful Iro and Buba
The Iro is a wrapper made with Ankara fabric tied around the waist, while the Buba is a long-sleeved blouse. The look above is perfect for social occasions.
26. Denim Ankara shirt dresses for ladies

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When you combine a denim shirt dress with a bright-colored Ankara fabric, you take the dress to an all-new level of style. Most people who love these dresses pair them with sneakers and sandals and wear them to informal occasions.
27. Simple Ankara maxi dress
The Ankara maxi dress's full-length hemline and dramatic flow make it an excellent choice for formal occasions. These dresses, known for their exquisite print combinations, are ideal for casual outings and more formal events when you want to make a big impression.
28. Short high-low Ankara shirt dress

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The hem of an Ankara high-low shirt dress is shorter at the front and longer at the back. This asymmetric hemline can be flattering for various body types because it creates an illusion of longer legs and balances the silhouette's overall look.
29. Ankara tunic dresses for women

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A tunic dress is a loose-fitting shirt that looks like a long shirt or a short dress. The African fashion industry has thousands of Ankara tunic dresses for modern women and girls. Most African women wear tight leggings underneath their Ankara tunic dresses for a fashionable and comfortable look.
30. Ankara crop top and high-waisted pants
This combination is one of the hot Ankara styles for ladies, offering a stylish, modern touch to Ankara fashion. The crop top often comes in bold patterns, while the high-waisted Ankara pants balance the look with a wide-legged or fitted style.
31. Puff-sleeved short tunic

Source: UGC
Puffed sleeves look so good on A-line Ankara tunic dresses. So, if you have a slim neck, try puff and balloon sleeves in all versions. Also, choose tunic dresses with subtle puff sleeves or darts if you have an inverted triangle body shape.
32. Ankara suit for women
An Ankara suit for ladies is a trendy and bold outfit that combines traditional African designs with contemporary tailoring. It often consists of a fitted coast and matching pants or skirt, resulting in a sleek, professional appearance suitable for formal events or corporate settings.
33. Simple straight maxi dress

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A maxi dress is an obvious option for most women going to church. It is classical and modest for most mature women. A maxi dress is also versatile because slim and plus-size women can look good on them.
34. Medium-length Iro and Buba
This is the perfect dress for people who do not like short dresses but are also uncomfortable with long ones.
35. Dera dresses

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Dera dresses are recommended for all women because they will fit you whether you lose or gain weight. These free-flowing outfits are also the best for pregnant mothers, especially if you want to keep it a secret as you plan to surprise your loved ones with the good news.
36. Blouses flowing at the bottom

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These blouses can enhance the figure by accentuating the waist and hips when they end right at the midsection. The blouse doesn't have to be the same colour as the tail, and it goes great with plain trousers.
37. Simple one-arm blouse

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When the weather is unbearably hot, a nice little one-sleeved blouse will help you stay cool. Bright patterns and asymmetric shapes will likely attract attention.
38. Ankara cape tops

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A versatile cape top and black jeans combination make it one of the most preferred among trendy modern-day women. This combination is ideal for anyone attending a wedding function.
39. Rich Auntie Kaftan with side cuts
These Ankara gown styles are classic, sophisticated, and beautiful. Designed with the intricate patterns of Ankara cloth in mind, these garments are ideal for females who value modesty in style without sacrificing classic elegance.
40. Ankara wrap maxis

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If you have been staring at African dress design pictures, you will take a special liking for the maxi wrap dress. Not only is it elegant, but it is also classy to rock to your social functions.
41. Black and white Ankara goddess
A black-and-white Ankara dress is timeless. Because the colours are neutral, you can rock it for formal and casual events. The lacy gown on top of the bodycon maxi is classic. This style is perfect if you are looking for unique long gown styles.
43. African with lace at the front

Source: UGC
The lace at the front of this design is simply stunning. The design is perfect for those who wish to show off their legs at the front and cover them at the back.
44. Ankara kimono

Source: UGC
The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment and the national dress of Japan. The kimono design has been embraced by other cultures, including African communities.
45. Off-shoulder with pleated sleeves
Pleats are usually used for aesthetic function and practicality because they allow freedom of movement and airflow. When used on sleeves, pleats make statement pieces. The off-shoulder bodycon maxi with pleated sleeves is elegant and classy.
46. Flayer sleeves

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The bodycon design with flayer sleeves will make heads turn. The never-ending urge to prove how good African fabrics look has always been the driving force of such designs.
47. Peplum with a side cape design
Many women love the peplum design because it hides bigger tummies and gives an hourglass figure. The side cape adds extra oomph to the outfit.
48. Lacy-Ankara midi design
Midi dresses are timeless because they are not uncomfortably long or short. The blend of lace and Ankara is exquisite.
49. Peplum wrap tops

Source: UGC
These peplum wrap tops are versatile and can be paired with almost anything. They are excellent for hiding bulging tummies!
50. Shorts suit

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Shorts suit fit the bill this season for everything from office wear to weddings. These are ideal for the modern woman who loves fashion.
51. Lace-Ankara high tea look
Usually, ladies wear light and flowy dresses, sandals or wedges, and fascinators to high or afternoon teas. You can become the centre of attention by having a lace midi bodycon with a colourful headpiece.
Is it OK to wear African print?
Yes it is. Many people rock African prints to formal and informal events.
What is the most popular African clothing?
The most popular African clothing items include Dashikis, Kitenges, and Djellabas.
What are the different African styles of fashion?
There are many elements of African fashion styles. Check out the design options above for inspiration.
How do you wear African prints?
You can rock African prints whichever way you please, as long as you do not offend people from specific African communities.
There are tons of African print styles for ladies to rock in 2025. You can refer to the options explored above for inspiration.
Yen.com.gh recently published a variety of stylish top designs to wear with African print skirts for women. African print skirts and top sets are popular fashion options among women of all ages.
These outfits are pleasant and simple to wear. If you want to add a contemporary flair to a traditionally styled skirt, choose an elegant top in colours that complement the skirt.
Source: YEN.com.gh

Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over three years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at chrisndetei@gmail.com

Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com