7 Stunning African-Themed Dresses to Inspire You

African Themed Dresses

Discover seven breathtaking African-themed dresses that will inspire your next look. Bold prints, vibrant colors, and timeless elegance await!


Fashion is the best way of reflecting cultural background, the individuality of a person, and his/her imagination. That is where the beauty of these African themed dresses is as they come in different colors, have distinctive patterns and the background to support that beauty. This paper seeks to explore how African fashion has been regarded as a style that has dominated the international fashion scene for some time with designers taking inspiration from the culture in Africa. Meaning that when it comes to elegance or even rebelliousness African dresses do it to the letter.

Below are seven gorgeous African themed dresses that will make you wish to wear that dress to the next function, party or just for a simple casual wear. These styles give a befitting outlook of Africa as they are unique and trendy in equal measures.

1. The Timeless Ankara Dress

Ankara fabric is arguably one of the most iconic fabrics that define African fashion. The Ankara dress is characteristically very bright in color as well as pattern and can be worked into infinitely many styles. Ankara style can be dressed in styles such as a fitted bodycon wear, a flared gown or even a simple summer dress.

But what makes Ankara interesting is the patterns that are always on the wax fabrics. Sometimes these prints narrate a story, depict the social class of the owner, or possess certain significance in African culture. If you do not fancy the African-theme dress, accompany an Ankara dress with sophisticated accessories, or choose an African dress with a mix style look to make it look more chic.

ALSO READ: 10 Stunning African Outfit Ideas for Every Season

2. Elegant Dashiki Gown

African-Themed Dresses

The other popular dress for Africans is the Dashiki. Originally it is a long loose fitting men’s tunic garment which has elaborate patterns of African stitches acquired on the round neckline, chest, and shoulders and sleeves. Today, these dashiki prints have even been incorporated into gorgeous dresses and gowns, which make women stand tall with cultural pride and fashion.

Dashiki gowns are aimed at cultural occasions and any other formal functions. Such ornamentations as rich colors and highest developmens of patterns make it unique and remarkable, and the kind of style reveals comfort and elegance. It also looks more formal if you are going for a formal African theme, a dashiki gown should be an option to consider.

ALSO READ: Stunning African Dress Ideas for Any Occasion

3. Vibrant Kente Dress

By and large, to be striking, I suggest you go for a Kente dress. Kente material, which is from Ghana, is perhaps of the most esteemed texture in Africa. Associated with Women and Cherished for its bright, graphic designs; Kente is traditionally worn at important events only.

It is also important to point out that Kente dress can be made with a wide range of designs starting with the figure-fitting design to the Vera long gown extent design. While most of the multicolored patterns are artistic and attractive in every way, they have hidden meanings which are historical, political, leadership, and or/ have a values-system that is rooted in cultures of Africa. For those who would like to have a cultural fabric product in their wardrobe, Kente inspired dress is perfect for such people.

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4. Chic Shweshwe Dress

African-Themed Dresses

Shweshwe fabric has its origin in Southern Africa and it’s easily recognizable because of its geometric patterns and indigo prints. This fabric is usually worn during special occasions, but young designers especially the indigenous people have incorporated it in their standard fashion trends. Shweshwe dresses are very fashionable and can be worn for any occasion and are appropriate for both, formal and informal occasions.

The material is lightweight thus appropriate for use during summer activities or occasions such as festivity. Given the fact that Shweshwe fabric has complex designs and has a rich surface, it would be the perfect wear for anyone who would want to dress in an African inspired theme that is fashionable and trendy.

ALSO READ: African Print Dresses & Jumpsuits

5. Bold Tribal Print Dress

These are quite unique and bearing cultural meaning and origin of the African tribal prints. Many of these prints depict different African tribes as well as different cultural practices of the tribes. A dress, using tribal patterns can be full of circles, triangles, animals or any other shape that could be significant in someone’s life.

Girls who love the upper waist length and the flare tribal would love to wear the tribal print gown while those that would love to have the mini dress feel would also find a way to have the tribal designs on their dresses. These colours and patterns are sure to make you visible while at the same time exhibiting the richness of African’s arts.

6. Sophisticated Kaftan Dress

African-Themed Dresses

The kaftan is a type of dress that has been used for centuries in many regions of Africa. Nowadays, it is in demand among women who want to dress classy yet comfortable to carry out their daily activities. Kaftans can be worn in many lengths, and due to flexibility of the garment, they well suit every figure type.

They come in simple designs or those with embroidery, bead work, or sequins making them appropriate for casual occasions or formal occasions. The versatile kaftan has continued to remain a popular piece of clothing in African fashion whether it is worn as a beach cover up or to an evening event in a stunning dress.

7. Afrocentric Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are appreciated all over the world for their beautiful lines and relaxed, sunny mood. An Afrocentric maxi dress unites the comfort of the maxi dress with the intensity of African prints and ornaments. This style is suitable for wearing during a hot summer, a festival or just going out on a sunny day.

The beauty of an Afrocentric maxi dress is in the fact that it is plain. It can be accessorized to the extreme and worn with shoes like this, or for a more conservative look, sandals could be worn. Even in this case, the bold prints will ensure that you are always making quite the statement.


How to Style Your African-Themed Dress

African-Themed Dresses

As you compile your outfits and you get carried in an African themed dress, the right accessories will complete it.

  • Bold Jewelry: Contemporary African jewelry such as thick necklaces or earrings will blend well with your dress. Some of the styles include those with bright colors, beads and brass accessories.
  • Headwraps: The final touch is having a headwrap of the same fabric used in the dress, or the use of a contrasting pattern for the fashion conscious African. It compliments your outfit and is also a functional accessory that was commonly used back in the days.
  • Footwear: To make the dress appropriate for a more relaxed style, wear it with sandals or flat shoes. For a more professional appearance, it is appropriate to wear heels or ankle boots to the occasion.
  • Belts: Wearing a belt around your waist to hold your dress can help improve your figure and make your dress more fitted.

The Rise of African Fashion Globally

Contemporary design has received much recognition globally, especially in the African region. Fashion designers like Folawiyo, Boateng and Duro Olowu have boosted the looks of the African fashion industry on ramps and red carpets.

As elegant as they are, what distinguishes African themed dresses is that they can seamlessly blend tradition with the current fashion trends. From cultural festivals or parades, to the African fashion lovers, the beauty in the design is exquisite.


Dresses with African designs are more than just clothes; they are a symbol of color, culture, and history. With an Ankara dress, a Kente gown, or a tribal print dress, you are endorsing Africa’s traditional creativity. These seven styles will make you want to incorporate that aspect of African fashion into your attire and inject some risk factor into your clothing line.


When you wear the African theme dress, apart from putting on a fashionable outfit, you will be carrying a part of Africa with you.

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