African influences in modern-day fashion. Here's how to get the look.
While we are all drooling over the winter trends that hit the runways and streets of Paris, London and New York, let’s not forget to add a dash of the colourful, exotic and warm flavour that we all know and love as Africa into our winter wardrobes’ this year! South Africans have a unique passion, camaraderie and warmth that it sown into our roots as children – let’s support that mind-set in our style and share it with the world!
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Colour
Give us one word that springs to mind when you think of Africa? We say COLOURFUL! From the aquamarine ocean to the bright colours of our indigenous birds and fynbos, the colours of Africa are predominant in recent trends. Incorporate this colour into your wardrobe and have fun with colour-blocking! Throw a blue blouse over a pair of red jeans and add a bright statement necklace for that extra pop or for the more subtle of hearts, add a coral blazer to a trousers and T-shirt combination. Either way, you’ll bring a happy smile to a dull winter’s day!
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Print, prints, prints!
From floral to tribal – the colours and symbols of Africa are here to stay! Throw a blazer over a high-waisted, funky print skirt and complete the look with chunky gold bangles and ankle boots. Be loud and proudly South African in a vibrant print dress or, for a more understated approach, add a beautiful print scarf or turbanto a jeans, T-shirt and leather jacket combo.
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Jewellery
Just walk past any local street vendor in town and you’ll be sure to spot copper bangles, woven bracelets or a couple of semi-precious stones in the guise of earrings or necklaces. Now take a glance at the stylistas walking past you on the street and you’ll notice them sporting similar examples of this African bling, just a bit more embellished perhaps. Catch on to the trend and adorn your wrists with funky combinations of beaded, copper, wire and woven bracelets – they’ll make any outfit pop! Is your LBD in need of a revamp? Why not add bright turquoise and gold earrings or a chunky statement necklace to your outfit – can you say glamorous!
