With its numerous tribes, Africa is an incredible source of inspiration for designers in coming up with new designs, styles, and prints.
As a result, African tribal clothing and accessories are constantly updated and innovated, making them popular fashion trends that never seem to go away.
Exotic prints are continuously gaining popularity and wide recognition. Many well-known designers feature tribal designs on their collections year in and year out.
Pret-a-porter or ready-to-wear, haute couture, classic wear, and eco-fashion designers from across the world also showcase clothes and accessories inspired by African tribes.
Tribal-Inspired Wardrobe Essentials
Certain African tribal fashion trends tend to last longer than others. If you want to know which clothing styles and designs are worth adding to your wardrobe, read below:
Chapter Overview
1. Jumpsuits
Tribal prints have found their way into jumpsuits, making them the ideal go-to outfit whenever you’re in a hurry.
Jumpsuits are the ultimate lazy girl outfit. They are the perfect get-up if you want to look chic with minimal effort.
Jumpsuits are versatile as well. Pair one with black pumps for a ladies’ night out or keep it casual with sandals or white sneakers for a fun brunch or grocery run.
A jumpsuit with tribal prints is one of the all-around outfits you’ll love wearing and look fashionable in for years.
2. Off-Shoulder Dresses and Tops
Also known as the Bardot, the off-shoulder is one fashion trend that has been around since the ‘80s. It is a great style for ladies who want to show off some skin without being too revealing and feeling uncomfortable.
Off-shoulder dresses are your best option if you are aiming for an edgy look. Pair them with lacy boots, heeled booties, or sandals with buckles, and you’ll have an unconventional outfit that stands out.
An off-the-shoulder top is an excellent way to add elegance to a plain skirt, pants, or shorts.
Whether you go for a Bardot top or dress, having this clothing style in tribal print is a must for your wardrobe.
3. Oversized Clothes
If you want to make a fashion statement while showing your love for African tribal prints and feeling comfy at the same time, shop for oversized clothes.
Oversized or baggy clothes are enjoying a reawakening and are now a huge trend since they are featured by plenty of renowned fashion brands. Both Hollywood stars and the public adore and wear them.
However, unlike in the ‘80s and ‘90s, jumping on the oversized trend isn’t simply about buying clothes two sizes larger. You need to choose well-tailored and tasteful garments that make you look stylish.
You can rock the oversized look by pairing a baggy tribal pattern tee with denim hot pants or shorts. Tuck the front part of the shirt and leave the hem side open.
Complete the look by wearing high-top sneakers or boots.
Oversized sweaters and hoodies are also must-haves if you want more tribal-inspired baggy clothes.
4. Big Sleeves
Amp up your wardrobe with another unique yet fashionable piece: a top or dress with puffy sleeves.
Puff-sleeved tops or dresses are excellent choices for a statement piece. They can give you a chic look day or night. Additionally, they allow you to create a loud and dramatic style effortlessly.
Moreover, oversized sleeves are reminiscent of native African fashion, so you’ll still channel this trend whether the outfit has tribal patterns or not.
If you want to look elegant, opt for a bell and trumpet-shaped sleeved top or dress.
On the other hand, if you are aiming for a simple and feminine look, bishop-style sleeves are your best option.
A key fashion tip you have to keep in mind when wearing puff-sleeved tops is to keep the rest of your outfit simple, classic, and minimal to ensure the sleeves get the most attention.
Bear in mind that if the rest of your ensemble is too flashy and busy, puffy sleeves will make it look overly fussy.
5. Embellished Tops With Tribal Print
Dazzle onlookers with an embellished, tribal-inspired blouse or T-shirt. The right blend of design and intricate pattern of beads, crystals, sequins, or rhinestones will give you a top that stands out on any occasion.
Embellished tops are perfect for low-key parties, social meetups, or a ladies’ night out. A black blouse with an elegant pattern and sparkling embellishments give you a touch of style and sophistication.
If you want a retro look, a tribal print with antique copper embellishments is an excellent option.
For an outfit that looks put together, pair your embellished top with stylish plain denim pants or shorts or leggings.
Complete the look with a pair of simple earrings, a watch, and one or two plain bracelets.
6. Palazzo Pants
If you are looking for tribal-print bottoms, palazzo pants are one option you should consider.
Palazzo pants are excellent go-to bottoms when temperatures start soaring. They come in breathable, flowy fabrics, making them light and cool to wear in hot weather.
Palazzo pants are also extremely loose, with wide legs that flare out from the waist. As such, they won’t stick to your legs. Additionally, they are more comfortable to wear even in warm, humid conditions.
To get that polished, put-together style, pair palazzo pants with tribal prints with a plain top. Doing so allows you to create a balanced look that helps you stand out.
To complete that relaxed summer look, slip into a pair of monochromatic flat sandals.
7. Kimono
Although kimonos originate from Japan, they have been adopted by many African countries. Tribal and modern African women like this fashion piece since they are flowy and cool garments that give outfits that extra flair even in hot and humid weather conditions.
Abstract tribal prints make a kimono prettier and more striking.
With the right kimono, you can create a traditional or modern style simply by adjusting its length. Moreover, it can be suitable for both casual and formal wear.
Kimonos made of satin, silk, chiffon, and polyester can also double as cover-ups for your island paradise getaways.
African tribal fashion is here to stay. Invest in these pieces and you’ll always be on top of this fascinating stylish trend.
AUTHOR BIO
Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs for Finchitua today. With her unique style standpoint, she served the VIP Color Forecast Panel 2017 for Al Jazeera Paints Company and VIP Color Forecast Panel 2019 for Asian Paints Berger. Ms. Mudessir is a shortlisted nominee for the prestigious Fashion Scout London 2018.”