It’s been one incredibly stylish year in Nigeria. This year, we saw a lot of celebrities who hitherto, didn’t particularly care about fashion actually step up their games. 2017 wasn’t business as usual, everyone actually put in work to make sure they stand out or at the very least, aren’t left behind.
And what this meant for our Best Dressed List was, it took more time than it normally would to choose 10 out of the very stylish lot. But with the help of our followers on social media and a select group of industry experts, we were able to select 10 stars whose styles shone brightest and stood them out from their peers.
Take a look.
1. Somkele Idhalama
Leading the pack this year is the very beautiful actress, Somkele Idhalama. The mother of one is in a class of her own. There is nobody quite like her, and this uniqueness trails down to her fashion choices. This year, the award-winning actress and sister to fashion designer Andreah Iyamah kept us glued to her Instagram page in anticipation of her next look. And for every time a red carpet event was messed up by ridiculous fashion, we could always count on Somkele to save the day.
2. Toke Makinwa
The queen of doing the most, Toke Makinwa has had an amazing year and her style throughout the year is testament to that. Whether she was gracing a red carpet, going out for drinks with her girls, or jet-setting, the media personality and bestselling author made sure she was never found wanting.
3. Rita Dominic
Over the years, Rita has consistently blessed us with stellar looks and this year wasn’t any different. We saw her wear a lot of Lanre DaSilva Ajayi this year and kill it every single time. At 42, Ree Dee is the star every other star aspires to be. Pure class!
4. Jennifer Oseh
There are the ones who follow trends and there are the ones who create them. Jennifer Oseh falls under the latter. A risk taker, it doesn’t get bolder or more fierce than the model, stylist and video vixen popularly known as The Lady Vhodka.
5. Beverly Naya
Consistent slayage topped off with the right amount of sass and sexiness, Beverly didn’t have a single bad look this year. The Sisiano faux Agbada and hat look she wore to the premiere of My Wife & I in August will go down in history as one of the dopest looks ever!
6. Ini Dima-Okojie
With a snatched waist and looks executed to a T, Ini boldly wrote and cemented her name in the fashion walk of fame in 2017. She was definitely taking no prisoners this year and we can’t wait to see what she has for us in the coming year.
7. Mimi Onalaja
Mimi served looks this year. And it didn’t matter whether it was a high-end brand like Lanre DaSilva Ajayi or an affordable brand like The 5K Shop, or even her go-to-designer, Fablane By Derin, Mimi kept it classy and clean, very!
8. Genevieve Nnaji
We didn’t see a lot of the style queen this year but she made sure that every one of the few appearances she made counted. At the LFDW wearing Bridget Awosika, at TIFF wearing Maki Oh, Genny showed us she is undefeated.
9. Stephanie Coker
Stephanie wasn’t taking chances this year. She single-handedly redefined asoebi in 2017 with the help of designer Style Temple, gave us a classic on her wedding day and made excellent sartorial choices during her The Voice Nigeria outing.
10. Bolanle Olukanni
Coming in at number 10 is Bolanle Olukanni who kept it pretty and chic all year round. Comfort seemed to be her key word and she pulled it off neatly.
Fashion mistakes guys make can be a common pitfall for many of them. One of the biggest mistakes is wearing clothes that don’t fit properly. Ill-fitting clothes can make you look sloppy and unkempt. It’s important to find clothes that fit well and flatter your body type.
Another common fashion mistake is neglecting grooming. This includes everything from keeping your hair trimmed to maintaining good hygiene. A well-groomed man is always more attractive than one who isn’t.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. While it’s important to find a style that suits you, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. By avoiding these common fashion mistakes, you can improve your overall style and look your best.
Men should prioritize:
Clean clothing
Proper fit
Quality accessories
Personal grooming
Confident presentation
Style represents self-respect. Attract potential partners through intentional fashion choices.
1. Oversized or ill-fitting clothes
Baggy jeans, sagging pants, or overly large shirts can give the impression of laziness or a lack of attention to appearance. Ill-fitting clothes not only distort your silhouette but also fail to complement your body type.
On the other end of the spectrum, overly tight outfits that restrict movement can look unnatural. Finding clothes that fit well and enhance your proportions shows effort and confidence.
2. Dirty or Worn-Out Shoes
Shoes are often one of the first things people notice. Scuffed, dirty, or outdated footwear can ruin an otherwise polished look.
Women appreciate clean and stylish shoes that match the occasion, whether it’s sleek dress shoes, casual loafers, or crisp sneakers. Regular shoe maintenance goes a long way in making a good impression.
3. Overdoing Accessories
While accessories can enhance an outfit, going overboard with flashy jewellery, large belts, or loud patterns can feel overwhelming. A cluttered look can detract from your overall appearance and personality.
Stick to a few understated, classic accessories like a quality watch or a simple bracelet to keep things balanced and stylish.
4. Wearing wrinkled or stained clothes
Clothing that looks unkempt signals carelessness. Wrinkled shirts or stains, even small ones, suggest a lack of attention to detail.
Taking the time to iron your clothes and ensure they’re clean shows that you value presentation and take pride in your appearance.
5. Inappropriate Dressing for the Occasion
Wearing gym clothes to a dinner date or showing up in a suit to a casual hangout can send the wrong message. Dressing appropriately for the setting shows social awareness and respect for the people you’re with.
Pay attention to dress codes and find ways to incorporate your style within the boundaries of the occasion.
Fashion is a reflection of your personality and how much you value self-presentation. Avoiding these common fashion mistakes guys make can elevate your style and make a positive, lasting impression.
Skepta made a grand entrance at Africa’s biggest film celebration, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Through his attire, he showcased his deep connection to Nigerian culture.
The globally acclaimed artist donned an exquisite navy blue Agbada, tailored to perfection and adorned with striking royal blue and white embroidery highlighting the richness of his Yoruba heritage.
His choice of an Eastern native red cap added a distinctive flair, symbolizing his embrace of the Igbo culture. At the same time, adding a white necklace further enhanced the authenticity of his traditional look.
Skepta’s outfit was a testament to his impeccable sense of style and a deliberate nod to his dual cultural roots, blending elements of Western and Eastern Nigerian traditions.
The embroidery on the Agbada sparkled under the lights, drawing admiration from onlookers who marvelled at how seamlessly he combined cultural symbolism with modern elegance.
The bright red cap perched confidently on his head served as a bold statement of pride in his heritage, while the white necklace provided a subtle yet impactful finishing touch.
Nigerian paparazzi videographer Tosin Adeaga, popularly known as Coccolait, captured these unforgettable moments with his lens.
The up-close visuals reveal the intricate details of Skepta’s ensemble. Indeed, it emphasizes the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that went into every element.
Coccolait’s expert videography showcases the textures, colours, and movements of Skepta’s attire as he mingled with attendees, further immortalizing this iconic cultural expression.
With his appearance, Skepta not only celebrated the artistry of Nigerian fashion but also sent a powerful message about the importance of honouring one’s roots in creative and meaningful ways.
The moment was a true highlight of AFRIFF, blending tradition with the contemporary flair of a global icon.
The Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, once a celebrity favourite in the early 2000s, is making a resurgence as the go-to accessory for the new style, and this time it is men who are adopting the iconic top-handle look.
Pharrell Williams, the musician and creative director for Louis Vuitton’s menswear, has revitalized the classic piece by introducing bold colours and playful designs.
The new Louis Vuitton Speedy bag also has found favour among other style-conscious men. This goes from actor Jacob Elordi, known for his love of statement bags, to NBA star LeBron James.
Unlike its previous run as a flashy, attention-grabbing accessory, today’s Speedy bag appears more nonchalant. It blends seamlessly with traditional menswear pieces such as Elordi’s tailored jeans and James’s bomber jacket.
The Speedy’s resurgence mirrors a larger trend, as purses and bags become essential accessories in men’s fashion. As more male celebrities adopt the Speedy, the bag is becoming a symbol of modern masculinity. It portrays a statement piece that says “I’m confident, I’m stylish, and I’m not afraid to carry my stuff.”
The rise of the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag in popularity among men can be attributed to several factors.
First, the bag’s versatility makes it a practical choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or going out for a night on the town, the Speedy can be dressed up or down to suit your needs.
Second, the bag’s iconic status and association with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton make it a coveted accessory for those who want to project an image of wealth and sophistication.
Finally, the Speedy’s recent resurgence in popularity has been fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media influencers. Seeing celebrities and fashion icons carrying the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag has made it a must-have accessory for many men.
The Speedy’s resurgence also speaks to a broader shift in men’s fashion. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards more expressive and individualistic styles of dressing.
Men are no longer afraid to experiment with different looks and to embrace accessories that reflect their personality. The Speedy is the perfect accessory for this new generation of stylish men. It is a versatile, iconic, and stylish bag that can be worn with a variety of different outfits.
In conclusion, the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is a timeless classic that is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence in popularity.
Whether you’re a fan of the original design or the new, updated version, the Speedy is sure to be a stylish and practical addition to your wardrobe.