The Ankara print, Dutch wax or African print is a very popular fabric used across West Africa and Central Africa. They were introduced into the African market by the Dutch merchants in the 19th century taking inspiration from the Indonesian textile technique. It is characterized by vibrant colours and designs but styling can be a drama especially if you are a little contemporary and want to rock you Ankara print but in a more fashionable way.

Here are some few tips to allow you style you Ankara prints with elegance.

Balance your prints

Prints can look extremely busy and you want to avoid chaos. This involves having the eye for proportions. Proportions can make or break prints or patterned looks. Pair small prints with bold prints or Bold with subtle. If they are in a similar color scheme even better.

Use same base colours

Go for the same back ground colours or base color to create harmony and cohesiveness. Mixing prints in the same tonal range can help the outfit look more put together. You may choose two completely different prints in the same color way when in doubt. They work really well.

Pair with Neutral Colours

The easiest way to incorporate a print into your current wardrobe is to pair with neutral. Pairing your prints/patterns with a core colour is the easiest rule to remember for creating clean, interesting styles in your hectic everyday life. Choose your print and pattern and then pair it with a core color, such as navy, black, white or gray. These colour are the unifiers. They are the pieces that tie everything together. Regardless of how bold you patterns are, these pieces will mute them or highlight the patterns.

Work with Outerwear

If you aren’t willing to commit for the full day, add some life to a plaid jacket or coat by throwing on a colourful scarf or headscarf. Break out of your comfort zone of only buying black or tan jackets and experiment with fun prints and patterns. Don’t be afraid to use your accessories as your contrasting pattern.

Trust yourself

Prints are personal. Just because you love a print doesn’t mean everyone else is going love it and that’s okay. Most neutrals are universally appealing. That’s not the case with prints. So don’t be disheartened if not everyone loves your print wear what makes you feel good. Trust yourself and your style.

If you have other suggestions, feel free to comment.