How to Upgrade your African Fashion Style with Accessories?

African fashion has enchanted people globally with its bold colors, detailed designs, and rich cultural meaning. This distinctive style honors tradition and innovation, appealing to fashion lovers who value the fusion of the old and the new.

It’s not just about clothing; it’s a form of expression that tells stories, preserves history, and fosters a sense of identity.

From bold African print dresses (check Diyanu website) to statement accessories such as scarves, hats, rings, bow ties and similar, African fashion offers endless possibilities for those looking to stand out and make a meaningful style statement.

These accessories fit right in with everyday wear and fancy occasions, allowing everyone to appreciate their charm, regardless of their cultural background.

Whether you're getting ready for a laid-back outing or a sophisticated gathering, these pieces can enhance your style with a splash of elegance and color.

We're going to show you the best reasons to adore this fashion style, showcasing how its features can elevate your wardrobe and embrace cultural diversity.

Scarves, Gele, and Hats

In African fashion, headpieces are crucial, providing a remarkable avenue for personal expression and a celebration of cultural heritage.

From nicely wrapped gele to vibrantly colored scarves and hats, these accessories can instantly transform any outfit, and therefore your look.

Let’s check each of them.

The gele, which is a traditional headwrap usually worn in West Africa, is not only a symbol of elegance. It also represents a fashion statement. How? Well, it looks like a crown to on-African people. The good thing is that you use it for everything from fancy events to just hanging out. 

Scarves bring a whole new level of eye-catching clothing. 

African-print scarves can be worn in so many ways—wrapped around your head or casually draped over your shoulders—they really bring some vibrant color and texture to any outfit. 

Hats are another cool option, ranging from wide-brimmed woven ones to sleek, modern designs. Choosing the perfect headpiece can really improve your outfit and highlight your style.

Men's Bow Ties

Men's bow ties have made a significant comeback in recent years, becoming a trendy accessory for those looking to add a touch of sophistication and personality to their outfits. Bow ties were once only for special events, just remember those old VHS videos, but now you can wear them basically anywhere – from casual hangouts to semi-formal parties. 

Stylish men enjoy how cool bow ties are; they can pair them with different shirts and suits for a new look. Whether it’s a wedding, a party, or a work meeting, bow ties are a chic choice that stands out from regular neckties.

The resurgence of bow ties can be attributed to their timeless appeal and the way they allow men to express individuality and creativity. 

There are so many modern fabrics, colors, and cool patterns to choose from, so you can find a bow tie for any event, just pick your style and match with other pieces of clothing.

Bow ties that have some kind of African print have gained popularity for their colorful designs and cultural significance. They don't only improve a man's outfit, but also promote African fashion style, making them a fashionable and meaningful choice if you decide to go with it.

Glasses and Sunglasses

Glasses and sunglasses are an often-overlooked accessory that can add a sleek, modern touch to traditional African fashion.

The perfect glasses can quickly enhance any look, making a bold statement between traditional styles and modern touches. Stylish, geometric frames or those in eye-catching colors and materials can match bright African patterns while bringing an extra touch of elegance.

No matter if you pick the Ankara dress or a formal Kente outfit, the right glasses can mix traditional wear with a modern touch, giving your look a fresh and unique feel..

Sunglasses, in particular, offer a dynamic way to upgrade African fashion, especially during outdoor events or festivals. Oversized frames? Yes! Tinted lenses or sleek metallic designs? Definitely! .

Their main goal is to provide sun protection, but also make you look good. By combining regular clothing with modern glasses, you can create a trendy look that honors your cultural background while embracing a 2020′ style, merging the two seamlessly.

Bags and Clutches

Bags and clutches are important additional items in every wardrobe, especially in Africa. When picking the right bag or clutch, you need to find a balance between usefulness and style, so don't end up with a modern looking bag, but not so good to actually put stuff in it.

A plain, solid-colored clutch can enhance a vibrant Ankara dress, keeping the dress as the main focus while the clutch adds elegance. 

If you want something to go along with the neutral outfits, an African-print clutch or maybe a detailed beaded handbag can fit just fine, adding additional flair to the overall appearance..

When selecting bags to pair with African fashion, it’s important to consider the occasion. For formal events, beaded or woven clutches are an excellent choice—they are elegant without being overpowering, allowing your attire to shine.

For more casual settings, a structured leather bag or a colorful woven tote can strike the perfect balance between practicality and style. The perfect bag can complete your whole outfit, giving it a classy look and showing the beautiful colors of African fashion.

Final Touches: Rings, Anklets, and Hair Accessories

The final touches can truly elevate an African-inspired look, and rings, anklets, and hair accessories are the perfect elements to bring it all together.

These simple and small accessories may seem subtle on most occasions, but they can definitely add depth to any outfit you choose for the day.

Interesting rings with intricate designs or traditional symbols can draw attention to the hands and match your other accessories, while delicate anklets, whether beaded or metallic, offer a beautiful nod to African traditions and highlight the feet.

Maybe you don't want to put on the rings and decide to go only with hair accessories like beaded clips, colorful headbands, or combs? They can be decorated with traditional motifs as well. African patterns and texture on such accessories will drive attention to your hairstyle, completing your look in a way that feels intentional yet effortless.

These small details enhance your overall appearance and highlight the beauty of African fashion in many ways. 

When put together thoughtfully, they can give your outfit a refined and unified look, showing that often, it's the tiniest elements that create the greatest effect.