Latest formal African wear for women

Latest formal African wear for women

Fashion trends come and go but the one thing that never changes is the African tradition. Each African country has unique traditions which are well represented in various occasions. Be it in a wedding, Sunday church service, birthday celebrations, graduations or even funerals; you can count on an African lady to dress to kill.

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Did you know that even in Africa how you dress depends on the specified dress code and culture norms? For example, mini dresses and dresses that show too much skin are considered inappropriate for church and funerals.

So when it comes to formal african wear for women which are the latest designs and which ones are appropriate to wear? While the invitation and time of the event can guide you, a formal African dress represents tradition, culture, and heritage. If you are still at a loss on which formal dress to wear here are some trendy designs to help you out.

Read also

Best African print long dresses styles and designs

1. Off shoulder dresses for ladies that love fashion trends

Apart from showing a bit of skin, off shoulder dress designs are sexy, feminine and have a modern look that will make any woman stand out.

2. African print styles that look good on all ladies

If you are going to an office party after a busy working day, then a quick change to a dress with African print styles will help you stand out. A wrap-around long dress or African dress prints that have lace or velvet are appropriate for formal office dinners. The key to looking formal yet stunning is to avoid mini dresses as they exude a more casual look. Also steer clear of anything too revealing.

3. Jumpsuit inspired dress design that is hard to resist

Tuxedos were a big hit since 2001 and designers from everywhere have embraced the trend. Dresses inspired by jumpsuits have also become popular due to their flowy nature which makes them very comfortable and perfect as formal wear. The trick to choosing the best jumpsuit dress is to go for an African fabric that complements your skin. If the dress is too bright, keep the accessories and shoes muted.

Read also

50+ African print styles for ladies in 2024 (stunning photos)

4. Ghanaian African wear styles

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Source: dresscodesworld.com

Ghanaians are known for their African inspired dresses like Ankara with a matching hat. Invest in a well-fitting formal Ankara dress, and you will never be at a loss on what to wear to a conservative event.

5. Long sleeves African wear for ladies who want a professional look

Professional ladies have various modern african dress styles that they can wear to work or any other restrictive environment.

Unlike the old days when formal dresses were dull and almost the same design, nowadays designers have elevated their creativity to come up with formal wear that is both stylish and appropriate for many events. This means that you don't have to discard your formal dress after wearing it once, you can wear it many years to come by dressing it up or down with accessories and rock it to another event.

6. Classy dresses for women who want to flaunt their curvy body

Read also

60+ African wear styles for men, women, and kids: 2022 trends

Just because another woman looks good in a particular dress doesn't mean it will look the same way on you. Women are blessed with different body types and how you dress your body determines whether or not you look good in a particular dress.

The trick to wearing beautiful african dresses for attending various formal events is to tailor the fabric according to your body shape.

7. Dresses for women who want to hide problematic areas

Is the tummy your problematic body area? Are you looking for a dress design to conceal your bulging midsection? Then use one of these dresses for your next event.

The dresses are designed to create the illusion of a flat stomach so you can look flawless no matter how much you eat and drink in that event.

8. Straight dresses for ladies who love maxi dresses

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Source: tonyeigbani.com

Maxi dresses and other straight dresses have made a major comeback. Over the last few years’ celebrities have been seen wearing these dresses on the runway and even in red carpet events. The designs of these dresses are perfect for women who want to show off less of their curvy and sleek bodies. It is the comfortability and design of these straight dresses that make them appropriate for formal events.

Read also

African straight dress styles 2020

9. Beautiful African dresses for a beautiful woman

Get started representing your culture by having one beautiful African inspired dress for a formal event. Formal, beautiful African dresses can either be fitting from top to bottom, or you can get unique designs where only the top of the dress is tight and the skirt section flare.

Either way, African fabric is pretty flexible meaning you can take it to an expert dressmaker who will make a unique attire for you or you can buy one online.

10. Office wear styles

As a professional lady, it’s important to always have a statement African dress that complements the accessories you already have and shoes. Such a dress will come in handy when you get invited to an impromptu office party.

The dress should scream professional yet show your fashion style. It can be in muted patterns and colors or a solid bright color.

Read also

15 top modest and elegant dresses to wear to church

11. Dresses that add a luxurious effect

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Source: ankarahub.com

Silk, chiffon, and lace are some of the luxurious fabrics that can be incorporated into African fabrics. Most of these fabrics are attached to the arms, neckline or the top section of the dress. The lace or silk adds a luxurious effect to African prints.

12. Neutral formal dresses for women who love a minimalistic approach

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Source: selectastyle.com

Neutrals colors are the go-to options for many formal African dresses. These dresses complement all skin colors and look good with any bold colored shoes and accessories. You can wear bold shoes or a bright colored clutch to give your neutral formal dress a pop of color.

13. Short formal dresses for office parties

Whether it is the end of the year office party or when celebrating a closed deal; you need a dress that stands out. You can't be seen with the monotonous suits. A fitting dress that shows off a bit of ankle or short sleeved dress for showing off your well-toned arms can be a nice choice.

14. Multicolored African dresses for a semi-formal event

Are you torn between choosing a dress with two of your favorite colors? Then go for a multicolored formal dress. While style and fashion are evolving, keep in mind the tradition of the event your attending.

Unless specifically requested to wear a specific color, you can't go wrong with colorful design for semiformal events which are at night or in the evening.

15. Floor length cocktail dresses for ladies who want to look like African queens

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Source: dabonke.com

If you are attending a grand event, then floor length gowns will get you a thumbs up. Floor length dresses are great for attending elegant events such as a wedding just don’t go for white color as it will look as if your trying to compete with the bride. Stick with other colors like beige, red, light blue and purple.

16. Knee length modern african dress styles for women who love showing a bit of skin

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Source: pagesbybukky.com

Knee length dresses are acceptable for both formal and semi-formal events as long as they have a design that makes it look appropriate. Keep in mind that each culture has their dressing codes so check the dress protocol in advance. If you can't get the details about the dress code, then if you must wear a knee-length dress then carry a scarf in case you need to cover up.

17. Modern kente styles for women are proud of their African roots

Africa is blessed with so many designers that have specialized in making stunning formal African dresses. All you need to do is show them a design of the dress you want. Let these pictures of African wear containing the latest formal dresses inspire your next formal look and help you stay fashionable.

18. Buttoned up dress

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Source: stylepantry.com

Should you wear bold accessories or a formal Africa dress inspired by the latest formal outfit? There’s no right or wrong answer to what formal dress suits you. In whichever dress you choose, always ensure the culture of the event prevails. A buttoned dress says you not afraid to take risk yet you keep it professional.

19. A pencil dress for ladies who want a conservative look

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Source: dokadots.com

African prints have bold patterns and colors that can make them look less conservative. However, the conservative look comes in when you go for dress designs that will not make you look overdressed or underdressed. The trick is to avoid wearing anything provocative or too revealing. A pencil dress with a hem that hits just below the knees is perfect for a formal business dinner or company party.

20. Formal dresses with matching blazer

Are you tired of rummaging through your closet trying to find a blazer or jacket that matches with your dress? Then how about you avoid all the hustle and get yourself a dress with a matching blazer! The combination not only screams a woman who is stylish but it eliminates the option of mismatching with the wrong blazer especially during those cold days.

Latest African dresses

Imagine wearing one of the latest African dresses and having the same cool feeling you get when wearing your favorite outfits! You can rock a beautiful African dress to a formal event and still look stylish and cool. Just makes sure it’s designed according to your body shape.

New fashion styles formal African wear for women

Knowing African inspired new fashion styles dresses will help you look trendy and at the same time represent your culture. It is exciting to know that many new dress designs are unveiled every year but knowing each one of them can be overwhelming.

So how do you keep up with the new fashion styles? Start by looking at various pictures of dresses and see which ones you are attracted to. Then look at what makes it so great is the pattern, color, design or size. Finally, look at what and how other people are wearing the design you like so as to get a clue on which shoes, hairstyle, and accessories to pair the formal dress with.

21. Simple African print dresses

Do you want to catch everyone's attention then go for simple African print dresses? Unlike casual dresses which can be bold and short, these formal dresses will show less cleavage and skin. However, with accessories, these dresses can be turned into an outfit for attending a fun dinner party.

22. Modern African dress styles for women

Knowing modern African dress styles for women will enable you to invest in great timeless dresses for that special occasion. You don't have to be a fashionista or fashion guru to own one of these modern dresses. You can just copy one of these chic formal dresses, and you will be picture ready.

23. Nice African dresses for a formal event

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Source: kacheetee.com

Nice African dresses are so diverse. They range from those in lighter shades such as pastel pink, cream, red or darker shades such as brown, purple and orange. For formal African dresses, modesty is key, and you can even add a cute formal hat to go with the dress. When choosing the color of the African print, keep in mind the theme of the event and dressing code.

Formal events in Africa give any lady a chance to wear a dress that represents their culture. The color and design of the formal african wear for women to choose will depend on the specified dress code. Regardless of which formal event you are attending, everyone will be wearing their very best so go for a dress that is both appropriate and classy.

READ ALSO

  • Ghanaian Traditional Wedding Dresses
  • African Dashiki dress styles
  • African print long dress styles

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