Formal wear has always been dominated by neutral and subtle colors. Indeed, many corporations and businesses around the world even today require their male and female employees to wear black, grey, or navy blue. These subdued tones were thought to be necessary because one’s clothing was not intended to be a distraction in the workplace or at formal events. These notions of fashion are archaic—bold and eye-catching is in!
Here are 5 ways you can introduce African Print to your formal wear rotation for work and other formal events
- Go All Out with a Bold & Colorful African Print Suit
One thing is undeniable: Kenyan prints are striking and beautiful. While you might be tempted to ease into introducing African Print into your formal wear rotation, the best option might be to jump in head first and just don a full African Print suit, be it Maasai, Kikoy or Kitenge. Talk about standing out – each one of Wakilisha’s garments will have you be the talk of the town.
2. Don African Print in Subtle Colors
While most people think African Print largely comes to loud colors and complex prints, several prints, especially Maasai and Kikoy prints, come in more subtle colors and prints that allow someone who’s interested in testing the waters to get a taste while still donning a full suit.
3. Break Your Suit and Wear Suit Separates
Suit Separates are an amazing way to have some element of neutral in your outfit with a print. You can have a print skirt with a neutral top or a neutral and solid trouser with a print blazer. The options are limitless. In fact, for black tie events, one of the most classic looks you can adopt is plain black trousers with a print tuxedo blazer.
4. Ditch the Two-Piece and Wear the Blazer Dress
One of the most creative offerings that the Wakilisha Collection has in its slate of offerings is the blazer dress. The blazer dress is effectively a lengthy blazer that has been styled to adopt the form of a fitting dress. It’s the perfect outfit for work—its both classy and bold! You can wear it with loud or soft colors. It’s the height of versatility.
5. Dress Down our African Print Suit
The era of business casual is taking over, ladies and gentlemen. For folks who like to dress down their suits, African Print is the perfect versatile option. Whether you style the suit with a t-shirt and sneakers or a sweater and Chelsea boots, there are a variety of different ways to stand out while dressing down your African Print suit. The options are limitless.
These are pieces from The Wakilisha Collection, the world’s premiere African Print bespoke suit company, specializing in custom-made men’s and women’s suits.
The garments are made from authentic fabric sourced from and tailored in Kenya and shipped worldwide. As a technologically-forward business founded during the pandemic, all purchases are conducted online, but The Wakilisha Collection provides free mobile tailoring to all customers within Nairobi at a place of their choosing.
Website: www.thewakilishacollection.com
Instagram: @thewakilishacollection
Facebook: The Wakilisha Collection
Photo credits: Antonio Agosto, Gabriel Irungu and Clifton Prescod
(Written by Justin Mungai, CEO of The Wakilisha Collection)
