African Print Dresses & Ankara Styles: How to Find the Right Style for You

African print fashion makes it easy to turn an outfit into a statement. From colourful Ankara dresses to flowing silhouettes and statement separates, there are countless ways to make African-inspired fashion feel like your own.

But with so many prints and styles available, how do you choose a piece you’ll actually wear?

Here are a few things to consider.

What Is Ankara?

Ankara is a wax-print textile widely used in contemporary African fashion, particularly across West and Central Africa. Known for bold patterns and distinctive colour combinations, its versatility is a big part of its appeal.

You’ll find Ankara transformed into dresses, skirts, trousers, shorts, matching sets and accessories, making it easy to find a style that suits your wardrobe.

Choose the Silhouette Before the Print

The print may catch your attention, but the silhouette often determines how frequently you’ll wear the piece.

If you love feminine, contemporary dresses, the Asalato African Print Smocked Halter Dress combines a statement print with an easy silhouette that works for vacations, brunch, dinners and summer events.

Prefer something more relaxed? The Mohobelo 2.0 Adire Silk Bubu Dress offers a flowing silhouette that makes an impact without sacrificing ease.

Before choosing, ask yourself: Where would I wear this?

If several occasions immediately come to mind, you’re probably on the right track.

New to African Prints? Start With One Statement Piece

You don’t have to wear print from head to toe.

A piece like the Ekwe African Print Kimono can transform an outfit you already own. Layer it over a simple dress, jeans or neutral separates and let the print take centre stage.

You can take the same approach with the Lamban African Print Skirt, pairing it with a simple top for a more casual introduction to African prints.

The easiest approach is to make African fashion work with your existing wardrobe rather than feeling like you need to build a new one around it.

How Do You Choose a Print You’ll Actually Wear?

Try the three-outfit test.

Before buying, imagine three different outfits you could create with the piece using clothes and accessories you already own.

If your wardrobe is mostly neutral, look for prints that incorporate colours you frequently wear. If you love colour, choose something that immediately catches your eye.

Most importantly, choose something that feels like you.

Shop African Print Fashion in Canada & the U.S.

Zzya Studios is a Nigerian-Canadian contemporary African fashion brand offering clothing handcrafted in Nigeria by talented artisans.

Our collections combine African craftsmanship with modern, wearable silhouettes designed for self-expression, whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage or simply discovering a style you love.

We offer free standard shipping on all orders across Canada and the U.S., with no minimum spend. Many of our designs are also released in small quantities and hardly ever restocked.

The right African print doesn’t have to be the loudest one in the room. It just has to make you excited to wear it.