- Looking stylish in Nigeria can be achieved with creativity and good negotiation skills without necessarily breaking the bank
- Exploring options that are often overlooked can make a huge difference in your style
- Here are tips on how to look fashionable without breaking the bank
Let’s be real, looking stylish in Nigeria without breaking the bank can be tricky. Fashion trends change like the weather, and it’s easy to feel you need a fat bank account to stay fashionable.
But here’s the thing; looking good doesn’t mean emptying your pockets. With a little creativity, you can slay on a budget!
Here are some practical tips for looking stylish without going broke
- Explore thrift shopping
Photo Credit: Vanguard
Thrift shopping is a goldmine in Nigeria. It is probably the best way to look fashionable without spending too much. There are thrift markets, also known as bend down select, in every city or town across the country where you can find everything from jeans to blazers at a fraction of retail prices. You can get a good jacket for N5,000 or less! The trick here is patience and good negotiation skills. If you're good at bargaining, you'll leave with a bag full of stylish clothes for next to nothing. Make sure to go early in the morning when the market is not crowded, and sellers just open their stalls to select the best of their wares.
- Invest in key wardrobe staples
Photo credit: Radiantly Dressed
You don’t need to have tons of clothes to be stylish. Sometimes, less is more. Invest in a few timeless staples that you can mix and match. Get neutral-coloured blazers, black trousers, a good pair of jeans, plain tee shirts, and a little black dress (for ladies). These basics can be combined in different ways to create multiple outfits, so you always look good. And the best part? These items don’t go out of style.
- Tailors are your best friends
Creator: Pakorn Khantiyaporn |Credit: Vecteezy Copyright: Pakorn Khantiyaporn
In Nigeria, our tailors are magic! The good ones. Don’t sleep on the power of custom-made clothes. Sometimes, that N2,000 fabric from the local market can turn into a show-stopping outfit after your tailor works on it. You get something that is uniquely yours and tailor-made to fit your body. Plus, it’s usually much cheaper than buying ready-made clothes, especially for traditional outfits. One tip is to build a good relationship with your tailor so you can get those “customer discounts” and ensure your clothes are ready on time because Nigerian tailors love disappointing their clients!
- Accessorise
Credit: Bourne Crisp
Accessories can transform a basic outfit into something stylish and unique. I’m talking about statement necklaces, earrings, and bold sunglasses. You can find affordable accessories in local markets or online stores like Jumia or Konga. Even those roadside sellers have some gems if you take the time to look. With the right accessories, even a simple white tee and jeans combo can look chic.
- Explore online markets and sales
Credit: JungleWorks
Online stores in Nigeria usually offer big discounts, especially around festive seasons like Christmas or New Year. Platforms like Jumia and Konga often have clearance sales where you can get up to 50% off. Instagram vendors also have sales for Valentine's Day, Easter season as well. Follow these websites and social media pages to keep an eye out for flash sales. Also, check out Instagram thrift stores. Many sellers offer unique and stylish pieces at affordable prices. However, always read reviews and check for sizing before purchasing online. Nigerian online stores are notorious for sending sizes that don’t fit!
- Upcycle and repurpose old clothes
Credit: Moral Fibres
Do you have an old dress that doesn’t fit anymore or a shirt that’s out of style? Don’t throw them away yet. You can repurpose old clothes into something trendy. For example, a dress can be turned into a two-piece set, or a long skirt can be shortened into a cute mini. Take them to your tailor or DIY if you’re crafty enough. You’d be surprised how some of your “useless” clothes can get a second life.
- Confidence is your best outfit
Finally, it’s important to remember that style isn’t just about the clothes you wear, but how you carry yourself. Confidence makes any outfit look better. Whether you’re wearing thrift clothes or a custom-made agbada, if you own your look with confidence, you’ll always stand out.
Looking stylish in Nigeria on a budget isn’t as hard as it seems. With thrift shopping, a good tailor, and a few key wardrobe staples, you can always look fashionable without overspending. The most important thing is to be comfortable in your style and let your personality shine through. After all, fashion is about expressing yourself, and you don’t need millions in your bank account to do that!
Veekee James Effect: 10 celebrities who have trusted the designer for glamorous looks
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported about 10 celebrities who had been styled by Veekee James, a top Nigerian fashion designer known for her exquisite designs that push boundaries and seamlessly blend traditional African aesthetics with modern fashion trends.
Veekee James’ clientele includes celebrities such as Funke Akindele, Osas Ighodaro, Toke Makinwa and Tiwa Savage.