The Fashion and Beauty Trends of 2020

We all know the story of 2020… Coronavirus pretty much locked down the year for most people all over the world which meant reduced or no social activities.

Some countries were luckier though, as the effects of the virus were minimal or more manageable making it possible to socialise. Nigeria was one of the lucky ones. People still got busy, though there was a lot of social distancing, hand washing and mask-wearing. In all of the tension and chaos, the fashionistas still managed to slay😉. I’ll tell you how the ‘slayage’ was accomplished 🤫

PYJAMA TREND

Dinner parties, date nights, soirees, this trend was spotted every where in 2020 and was made by almost all the brands in Nigeria. Talk about comfort dressing at its best!

Would you rock a pyjama outfit?

The secret to making this trend work is having it well-tailored and in luxe fabrics too. We don’t want to look like we really just rolled out of bed, do we?

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The Agbada Trend

Agbada is part of a four-piece attire worn by the Yoruba men of Western Nigeria and Republic of Benin. It is a loose-fitting outfit that means voluminous attire and could be of any length. Agbada is not exclusive to Yorubas as it is worn by men in other parts of Nigeria and Africa, it is known by different names in other parts where it is worn. It is called Riga in Hausa, mbubb in Senegal/Gambia etc.

In recent years, Agbada has been successfully adopted by African women -Boubous are a stylish feminine adaptation of Agbada. Last year, we witnessed the re-emergence of ladies wearing stylish and tailored Agbada. A trend that keeps evolving as we keep seeing it in different forms.

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Turbans and Headbands

A turban is a type of headwear based on cloth winding. Though a symbol of faith in some religions, the turban is also a fashionable headwear for ladies and its popularity keeps soaring. Personally, I think turbans and headbands have become more popular because of the popularity of wigs. On days when wig lovers don’t feel like wearing a wig, they often go for a turban or headband. Ladies still rock them on wigs though, especially headbands. They just add the needed ‘je ne sais quoi’ to some outfits.

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Adire – Tie and Dye Fabric

The adire fabric is different from other colourful and bright fabrics associated with Africa because of its use of the Indigo hue. Adire has been produced by the Yoruba women of western Nigeria for years. It is exciting to see its re-emergence in popular culture. This fabric is now being made into silks and chiffons making it easier to be made into fabulous designs.

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Long braids

Braids never really go out of fashion, however, every now and again you notice more people are doing a particular style of braids. Last year I noticed extra-long braids were very popular with the ladies. Box braids, knotless or even weaves, we were seeing long lengths everywhere

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Cocoons

Made popular a few years ago by Lanre Dasilva Ajayi, the cocoon dress has become a staple as it is still very much around.

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Kimonos and Capes

Kimonos, capes, jackets call them what you want but fashionable volumnious outer garments have been popular in fashion for ages and they seem to be going nowhere.

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Short Sleek hairdo

We saw this in all shades. Whether in a classic Bob or bluntly cut these sleek short look was very popular last year.

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Amina Muadi Footwear

An Amina Muaddi pair of shoes seemed to be the must-have item of footwear last year. The 33-year-old took the fashion world by storm as her vibrant footwear graced the feet of many celebrities and fashionistas last year. I must be the only one who is not a fan of this footwear 🤦🏽‍♀️. The colourful pastels are cool though. Her collaboration with Fenty was a win for her and Rihanna earning them an FN achievement Award. Watch out for her footwear this year.

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Bottega Venetta Slip on

These quilted slipons where every where you go and in different colours.

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Dior Lady

The mini version of the Lady Dior bag is very cute and comes in different colours and fabrics. Little wonder it is loved by all.

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Bone straight long weave

Made popular by the queen of catwalk, Naomi Campbell who has rocked this style for years, the bone straight wig was very popular last year.

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Micro-blading and Microshading

Brushed up, filled in and perfectly shaped eyebrows have always been every girl’s goal. This usually entailed several visits to the beautician to have it waxed, tweezed, threaded or whatever system works for each individual. In, strolls micro-blading and now ladies can go about with eyebrows on flick 😉 for up to a year with only a few visits for touch up.

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Microblading is the latest semi-permanent treatment that provides the best brows of your life, every single day, with minimal maintenance needed.

Microblading has quickly become one of the most popular beauty treatments available thanks to its ability to provide definition and fullness where brows are naturally lacking. It also shaves hours off your daily routine. Though significantly pricier than your usual wax or thread, you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth in the long run.

That’s all folks! Did you notice any trend? Please share with us 😉.

Aunty Lulu.

Recommended reads:

Changes

Nigerian Fashion Brands I love – Tubo & Lola Baej

Credits:

@tokemakinwa @stephaniecoker @abikd @ozinna @lolaoj

@lindaikeji @chiomagh @idiaaisen @kikagh @ogwaiweze