No Rules, Just Style: How Africans Owned the Mix-and-Match Ankara Trend
Nana Patchwork Skirt by Ofuure
Photograph by: Ofuure
Let’s face it - Africans are blessed with the most creative fashion sense in the world. And this is not to sound braggy. From contemporary outfits to traditional or cultural wears, we shine. No matter what style, theme, or setting, Africans dominate with boldness and originality. It’s no wonder our fashion sense is more and more welcome in international spaces. From Ankara, African Lace, and Yoruba Aso-Oke to Tiv A'nger, Kente, and African Kaftan, these traditional African fabrics or textiles are more than just materials; they are cultural statements.
Each of these fabrics has had fashion trends rise and fall over the years, but what has remained constant is the mix-and-match Ankara trend, and for good reason. Ankara has broken every mold, becoming one of the most beautiful, versatile, and vibrant materials that binds us as Africans. It shows that anyone, regardless of class, tribe, or culture, can wear it and make it their own.
And the most exciting part? Even when two or ten people use the exact same fabric, the styles are never the same. Each look is different, personal, and one-of-a-kind. That’s the magic of it.
There was a time when the mix-and-match trend was seen as a fashion risk, one you only attempted if you were bold enough to brave the critics. Now? It’s the norm. In fact, it’s the standard in African fashion. Every time Ankara is mixed and matched with other African fabrics, the outcome is a cultural elegance like you’ve never seen before! Think back to the 2022 premiere of the movie, “Palava.” The theme was ‘Owambe,’ with purple Ankara as the dress code.
The variety of styles that graced the carpet was nothing short of breathtaking. The level of creativity on display, combined with the seamless use of other iconic African and Modern materials, turned the event into a fashion parade that could rival any Met Gala red carpet. Yes, Met Gala—because when Africans show up in Ankara, we don’t just Ankara up, we Ankara with a graceful attitude.
A Form of Self-Expression
The way Ankara is styled tells stories. The sense of freedom Ankara gives is what defines the trend. One of the most amazing things about Ankara is that its styling is not about perfection; it’s about personality. This is something Africans maximize to the fullest, following the ‘no rules, just style’ principle.
African designers like Lisa Folawiyo, who has long championed Ankara in her globally acclaimed collections, have shown how pairing different African prints can result in striking, wearable art.
Model is Lisa Folawiyo 2017 photographed by Kosol Onwudinjor
No Wrong or Right Way
While many countries have embraced the mix-and-match Ankara trend, no one wears it with the same effortless flair and authenticity as Africans. For African fashionistas, there’s no wrong or right way to style Ankara. Combining it with other African textiles, such as lace, Adire, Kitenge, Kente, Mudcloth, or Aso-Oke, completely works.
You could mix Ankara with ripped jeans, leather jackets, beaded accessories, or vintage tees, and you’ve got yourself a fashion statement. Honestly, you could simply wear a floral Ankara blazer with a geometric print skirt, paired with a neon hat and sparkly glasses, and rock it with confidence, because the Ankara piece elevates the other pieces.
No matter how Ankara is worn, it’s creative.
Global Recognition, Local Pride
The world is watching. International brands are increasingly drawing inspiration from African print-mixing. It’s not just trend-following, it’s a lived experience. It's saying loud and clear: African fashion is not monolithic, and it refuses to be boxed in.
So, the next time someone pairs stripes with florals in an Ankara set, don’t ask why; it’s not a mistake. It’s a masterpiece.