Getting dressed in Nigeria is no small feat. Between the heat, the pressure to slay at every occasion, and the ever-shifting trends, style can feel like a full-time hustle. One day, it’s Ankara at a naming ceremony; the next, you wonder if wearing sneakers to a black-tie wedding is okay. So, we threw open the fashion floodgates and asked our readers to send in their most pressing style questions—and wow, you didn’t hold back.
From navigating the fine line between comfort and chic to styling all-black outfits without disappearing into the shadows, we’ve tackled it all—no fashion police here—just real, stylish advice to help you stay effortlessly on point.
I’ve noticed sneakers creeping into almost every corner of fashion—brunches, boardrooms, even black-tie weddings (gasp!). Are we living in a world where sneakers go with everything, or has the pendulum swung too far?
— Tonia, Ikoyi
You’re not imagining things—sneakers have broken out of their leisurewear cage and are now lounging comfortably across all style categories. The reason? They’ve evolved. Today’s designer sneakers come with architectural soles, unexpected textures (hello, velvet), and sculpted silhouettes that make them runway-worthy. The trick is in the styling. Pair sleek leather sneakers with wide-leg trousers and a blazer for “boardroom casual,” or match minimalist white kicks with a slip dress for an art opening. But if you’re attending a wedding and thinking sneakers, make sure it’s fashion-forward—not fashion faux pas. Bottom line: sneakers are welcome—but only when they’re intentional, pristine, and paired with confidence.
Can one look elegant and feel like their ribs aren’t being punished? Or is “comfort” still a polite way to say “gave up” in fashion speak?
— Ada, Abuja
Hmmm…..elegance vs ease. Let’s put this to rest—comfort is no longer synonymous with compromise. Today’s tailoring is clever: elasticized waistbands hidden beneath pleats and breathable fabrics cut like couture. Loungewear has also found its passport into formalwear, and kaftans are now more structured than sleepy. Look to brands that understand how to drape, not just design. When clothing moves with you and not against you, you exude a calm, assured elegance that no corset could ever fake.
I love black. It’s slimming, classic, and saves me the agony of choosing colours at 7 a.m. But how do I keep my all-black looks from feeling…flat? Or worse, invisible?
— Bisi, Maitama
Wearing black is like cooking with salt—it’s foundational, but it needs something extra to truly shine. The secret? Texture and silhouette. Mix matte with gloss, silk with organza, and denim with sequins. Add architectural shapes—an asymmetric neckline, a structured sleeve, a ruched hem. And don’t sleep on accessories: a chunky gold necklace, oxblood boots, or tortoiseshell sunglasses will elevate your noir palette from basic to bold. Think of black not as a fallback, but as a canvas for layering creativity.
Matching sets used to be a lazy-day solution. Now, I see them at cocktail parties and fashion week. Are they still relevant, or am I just late to the set party?
— Funke, Victoria Island
You’re not late—you’re just in time for the remix. Matching sets are the grown-up version of the jumpsuit: equal parts coordinated and cool. But today’s sets aren’t just matchy-matchy—they’re mood-driven. Think head-to-toe jacquard, linen with exaggerated cuffs, silk sets that whisper luxury. The magic lies in the tailoring and the attitude. Also, pro tip: styling them with mismatched shoes, layered jewelry, or an offbeat bag keeps things current. Bonus? You can wear the pieces separately and get triple the wear. Lazy? Never. Smart? Always.
What’s the one accessory that can completely shift the tone of an outfit—even if the rest of it was picked in a 7-minute frenzy?
— Ify, London via Lagos
Sunglasses. Hands down. They’re like punctuation for your outfit—add the right pair, and suddenly, you’ve said something without uttering a word. Oversized frames say, “I’m important.” Cat-eyes say, “I have secrets.” Tinted lenses? “I’m in on the joke.” Other honourable mentions include: a statement belt (to bring life to a lazy silhouette) or a bold brooch (yes, they’re back). But nothing tops the quiet authority of sunglasses. Even your messy bun looks deliberate with the right frames.
Voluminous silhouettes seem to be everywhere. While I admire the drama, I worry about being swallowed whole. Is there a way to wear volume without disappearing into it?
— Zainab, Kano
Volume should be worn, not endured. The trick is balance and structure. If you’re doing an oversized top, keep the bottom tailored—or vice versa. A billowing dress? Cinch the waist or show a bit of ankle. Think proportion, not overwhelm. And remember: volume doesn’t hide the body—it frames it differently. A great tailor can also tweak a voluminous piece so it flatters you specifically. Done right, volume makes a whisper feel like a statement.
I have a few events on my calendar—cocktails, art shows, and dinner parties. What’s one foolproof outfit formula I can rely on without repeating myself?
— Enitan, Accra
You can never go wrong with the “elevated neutral + statement detail” formula. A midi dress with a statement silhouette. Or a crisp white shirt tucked into a pleated midi skirt with bold earrings. Let your outfit do 70% of the talking, and leave the rest to shoes, jewellery, or a standout bag. It says: “I care, but I didn’t try too hard.” Which is always the sweet spot.
