15 Stylish tops to wear with African print skirts for women

15 Stylish tops 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. Explore the stylish tops to wear with African print skirts for women.

Turtleneck (L), crop top (M), and blouse (R)
Turtlenecks (L), crop tops (M), and blouses (R) are among the most stylish tops to wear with African print skirts. Photo: @PreciousJohn on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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African print skirts with tops have been popular for a long time and are still prevalent across the continent. Despite its diversity throughout the continent and beyond, the style originated in the western regions of Africa. The fabric is available in various colours, styles, and apparel designs and can be paired with any blouse design.

Stylish tops to wear with African print skirts

African print skirts are available in all sizes and may be paired with any top, depending on your preference. Skirts can be long or short and in various colours. In most circumstances, go with a neutral-coloured shirt, such as white or black. Here are the latest skirt and top styles.

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1. African print top with Ankara patterns

A lady is rocking a multi-coloured African print top with Ankara patterns
Ankara fabric crop tops with African prints paired with a skirt highlight an African woman's beauty. Photo: @ankaralooks
Source: Instagram

African print crop tops of Ankara fabric plus a skirt give a lady a look that brings out the African beauty. Because of the numerous African prints and pattern varieties, you can choose from various combinations of top colours and designs. African tops and skirts' material styles are appropriate for an informal or casual event.

2. Off-shoulder top

A lady with a white top and an African printed skirt
An off-the-shoulder top style has an upper garment that extends from below the shoulders to the waist. Photo: @firstsightclothing
Source: Instagram

The off-shoulder top and African tribal print look fantastic together. An off-shoulder top design features an upper garment from the bust area to the waistline. African-patterned pencil or knee-high skirts are an excellent match for this top. Wear wedges or heels to add a refined twist to the outfit.

3. Crop top

A happy woman wears a black top with a long African printed skirt
Crop tops lend a youthful edge to the traditional pencil skirt, making it appear more modern and trendy. Photo: @couleursdafrique974
Source: Facebook

Crop tops add a youthful touch to the classic pencil skirt, making it look more current and edgy. They're perfect for casual occasions or evening attire. Crop tops look good with high-waisted skirts to preserve balance and refinement. To achieve a more conservative look, layer with a blazer or cardigan. Crop tops are among the best short tops to wear with African print skirts.

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4. Blouse

A lady with a white blouse and bow tie
Blouses are fashioned from light, breezy materials and generally have button-down fronts, little bow ties, or ruffle details. Photo: @ifashy
Source: Facebook

Blouses are made of light, airy materials and often have button-down fronts, tiny bow ties, or ruffle accents. Tucked-in styles are suitable for defining the waistline. You can experiment with different sleeve lengths, from long sleeves for a traditional style to sleeveless for a contemporary flair. The latest African skirts and blouses are ideal for the office or formal parties.

5. Black tube top

An African woman is wearing a colourful African skirt and a black tube top
A black tube blouse is ideal for showcasing your shoulders. Photo: @africanbravo
Source: Instagram

A black tube top is perfect for showing off your shoulders. It features an adjustable neck that sits above the bust to cover the chest. The tube top's body-hugging aspect gives it an attractive, pleasant appearance. You can pair the dress code with pump shoes, trainers or heels.

6. Wrap top

A white wrap top
Wrap tops match a variety of skirt lengths and styles, resulting in an evolving and classy look. Photo: @mayrushfashionline
Source: Facebook

Wrap tops are attractive and versatile, thanks to their cross-over style and customisable fit. They are suitable for any body type. Wrap tops complement various skirt lengths and styles, creating a dynamic and sophisticated look. To accentuate the neckline, pair it with elegant necklaces or scarves. Wrap tops are among the best women's tops to wear with African print skirts.

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7. Peplum top

Ankara Peplum skirt and blouse
Peplum tops are distinguished by flared lower hems that produce an hourglass shape. Photo: @Bestankarastylesanddresses
Source: Facebook

Peplum tops have flared lower hems that create an hourglass appearance, emphasising the waist and enhancing curves. They lend a formal touch to African skirt styles, making them perfect for office or social engagements. Consider a peplum shirt with a modest flare for a professional appearance or a more prominent peplum for a statement look.

8. Tank top

A woman is rocking a white cami top
The cami top features a round or square neck and strap shoulders. Photo: @PreciousJohn
Source: Facebook

The tank top is designed to have a round or a square neck plus strap shoulders. Add a classic look to the style by accessorising with sandals and bellies. You can wear these traditional African skirts and tops to parties or casual occasions.

9. Lace top

A woman wears a black lace top
Lace tops add an elegant flair to any outfit and are especially suitable for special events. Photo: @ankara_remmies
Source: Instagram

Lace tops convey elegance and class. They offer a romantic touch to any clothing, ideal for special occasions. Combine with solid-coloured skirts for a stunning contrast. Avoid very crowded patterns that may contrast with the lace. Wearing a lace top with few accessories creates a balanced image.

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10. Denim top

A woman is rocking an off-shoulder and crop denim top
Denim tops are versatile and may match any skirt style. Photo: @chicamastyle
Source: Instagram

African print skirts come in various vivid and eye-catching colours, and one side of the outfit should be toned down and neutral. Denim tops are moderate and can complement any skirt style. You can also replace the top with a denim jacket or shirt. Wear your skirt with a denim jacket and a neutral-coloured crop top or tank to dress up the appearance.

11. Polka dot button-up blouse

A lady is wearing a yellow and black top
Polka dot button-up blouses liven up the skirt with their vibrant colours. Photo: @hildabaci
Source: Instagram

Polka dot button-up tops add a lively and colourful touch to the skirt. Balance is crucial; mix bright designs with neutral, modest skirts. They are perfect for adding colour and fun to your regular outfits or casual occasions.

Tiny prints or vertical stripes also offer a slimming effect, while significant patterns can be more visually appealing.

12. Cold shoulder top

A woman with a flared cold shoulder top
Cold shoulder tops feature bare and exposed shoulders. Photo: @rutie_b
Source: Instagram

This daring African top style is remarkable and spectacular, making it an outstanding wardrobe choice. The bare and exposed shoulder detailing changes your look and adds glam. The designer can tailor your top, including a neck pattern, to your specifications. Pair the dress code with a strapless bra.

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13. The turtleneck top

A turtleneck top with a pencil skirt
Turtlenecks exude a chic, slimming refinement. Photo: @PreciousJohn
Source: Facebook

Turtlenecks provide a stylish, form-fitting sophistication. They're great for a streamlined look, particularly with high-waisted pencil skirts. Turtlenecks work best with solid-coloured or minimally patterned skirts. They make an excellent canvas for spectacular jewellery and scarves. Turtleneck tops are among the best long tops to wear with African print skirts.

14. Textured top

A woman with a textured red top
Textured tops create a distinct style. Photo: @PreciousJohn
Source: Facebook

Textured tops featuring ruching, embroidery, or pleats provide a distinct look. They look great with basic, sleek pencil skirts that let the fabric stand out. Choose lighter textures like lace in the summer and heavier materials like cable knit in the winter.

15. T-shirt top

A woman with a white t-shirt and ankara skirt
An African print skirt paired with a casual t-shirt creates an edgy vibe. Photo: @PreciousJohn
Source: Facebook

This style blends a sophisticated African print skirt with a casual t-shirt to create an edgy look. When designing a t-shirt, it is ideal to choose neutral colours. However, printed versions may also be effective. Adding a leather jacket may quickly transform your appearance from basic to elegant. If you feel your clothing is too plain, add a lengthy necklace.

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How do you wear African prints?

You can mix and match different styles and patterns to suit your taste. To complete the look, pair a vibrant African print skirt with a neutral top like a T-shirt or blouse. Crop tops, off-shoulder tops, or even turtlenecks can also add a contemporary flair, creating a unique and fashionable outfit for any occasion.

How do I choose a top for my skirt?

When selecting a top for your African print skirt, consider the colour and style of the skirt. For a bold and vibrant print, wear neutral tops like black, white, or denim to tone down the outfit. Depending on the occasion, you can also choose a crop top, blouse, or wrap top and accessorise with stylish shoes and jewellery to complete the look.

There are some of the most stylish tops to wear with African print skirts. These combos are incredibly adaptable, making them one of the most popular among sophisticated women. You can also pair them with various accessories and stunning shoes to complete the look.

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Yen.com.gh recently published a fantastic list of dress styles in Ghana. One characteristic distinguishing Ghana is its robust fashion sector, which has changed over time. Today's Ghanaian dress styles are stylish statements that draw attention in the workplace and at social events.

Ghanaian Kente/Ankara patterns are famous in West Africa and are slowly entering other African and international markets. Read the article to learn more.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Chris Ndetei avatar

Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a junior 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 two 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

Tatiana Thiga avatar

Tatiana Thiga (Lifestyle writer) Tatiana Thiga is a content creator who joined Yen in 2022. She is an English literature graduate from Kenyatta University. She has amassed sufficient knowledge working on a variety of topics, including biographies, fashion and lifestyles, guides, and more. In 2023, Tatiana finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her at tatianathiga@gmail.com

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