15 Best Ankara Dresses Old School Styles

15 Best Ankara Dresses Old School Styles – Ankara, also known as African wax print, is a vibrant and colorful fabric that has become a cultural symbol of Africa. Ankara fabric originated in the late 19th century when Dutch traders introduced machine-printed wax fabrics to West Africa. Since then, ankara has evolved into a fashion staple across the continent and beyond.15 Best Ankara Dresses Old School Styles

Ankara dresses come in a wide variety of styles, but old-school ankara dresses have a distinct retro charm. These traditional dress styles beautifully accentuate the dynamic patterns and bright colors of ankara fabric. Old-school ankara dresses are the perfect way to embrace vintage African fashion.

In this article, we will explore 15 gorgeous old-school ankara dress styles and explain why they are still so popular today.

The 15 Best Ankara Dresses Old School Styles are:

1. The Boubou Dress

The boubou (also known as bubu) dress is a flowing-sleeved robe-like dress that is one of the most iconic old-school ankara styles. Boubou dresses are usually floor-length with a scoop neckline and extravagant billowy sleeves. The boubou silhouette drapes beautifully and flatters most body types.

Boubou dresses come in vibrant ankara prints that command attention. The voluminous sleeves complement the busy patterns by providing balance to the overall look. Boubou dresses project elegance and confident femininity. It’s no wonder they have been embraced across West Africa for generations.

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2. The Wrapper Dress

Wrapper or wrap dresses have a flattering v-neck and wrap-around skirt. This versatile old school dress can be dressed up or down effortlessly.

Ankara wrapper dresses are a go-to style for many African women thanks to their adjustable fit. The wrap skirt provides comfort when sized up or down as needed. Meanwhile, the deeply cut neckline offers a touch of sophistication.

When tailored from vibrant ankara fabric, a wrapper dress conveys chic charm anywhere from the office to a dinner date. This simplicity and adaptability explains why wrapper dresses remain popular decades after their introduction.

3. The Mermaid Maxi Dress

For showstopping old-school glamor, the mermaid maxi dress fits the bill. This slinky ankle-length dress hugs the body through the hips and thighs before flaring out dramatically at the knees. The mermaid silhouette accentuates curves in all the right places.

When sewn with bold ankara fabric, mermaid maxi dresses really stand out. The fitted bodice shows off the dynamic patterns before they flow into an eye-catching flared skirt. Mermaid maxi dresses turn heads, making them a go-to choice for fashionable African women for generations.

4. The Pencil Dress

Figure-hugging pencil dresses epitomize retro sophistication. These old school dresses taper gently from shoulder to knee, showing off a woman’s body shape. The silhouette elongates the appearance of the wearer’s legs and torso.

Pencil dresses allow the vibrant patterns of ankara fabric to dazzle. The fitted cut focuses attention on the details and colors of the print. Pencil dresses in ankara are ideal for parties, dates, and events where making an entrance is a priority.Good morning My Love Message

Even today, stylish African women can’t get enough of these sleek and sensual pencil dresses. They might be old school, but their allure is timeless.

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5. The Shirt Dress

Crisp collars, button-down bodices, and feminine hemlines define the vintage appeal of shirt dresses. This old school style offers versatility; they can be professional in an office or casual for weekend wear.

Shirt dresses make ankara fabric look extra neat and polished. The tailored top provides contrast against the lively prints. Meanwhile cinching at the waist creates definition and shape.

African women have rocked ankara shirt dresses for generations due to their flattering lines and flexibility. They transition seamlessly from running errands to impromptu outings.

6. The Tiered Maxi Dress

Breezy tiered maxi dresses add volume while allowing airflow. The ruffled or flounced tiers intersperse strips of fabric along the length of the dress. When sewn with ankara prints, the cascading fabric pattern grabs attention.

Tiered maxi dresses are a bohemian old school style that has never gone out of fashion in Africa. The effortless silhouette paired with dynamic ankara patterns creates a chic look. And the lightweight billowing fabric offers comfort under the hot African sun.Information guide Nigeria

7. The Skater Dress

As the name would suggest, skater dresses resemble the short flared skirts of figure skaters. These lively old school dresses are fitted at the bodice before fanning out from the waist. This creates a flattering silhouette.

When made with vivid ankara fabric, skater dresses become even more feminine and buoyant. The full skirts sway with each step, showing off the patterns printed across the fabric. Skater dresses are a cheerful style, ideal for bringing energy and color to any occasion.

8. The Halter Neck Dress

Halter neck dresses feature slender straps that rise up and tie behind the neck. This old school style leaves shoulders and back exposed while cinching the bust in place. Halter tops create definition and a slimming effect.

In printed ankara fabric, halter dresses make a striking style statement. The eye-catching patterns combined with an open back keep all eyes on the dress…and the confident woman wearing it! For generations, African women have rocked halter dresses when they want to show some skin in a classy way.

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9. The A-Line Dress

A-line dresses may be simple, but their clean lines and flared shape retain a vintage charm. These dresses flow out gently from the bust to the hem, resembling an “A” shape. This universally flattering silhouette works with ankara prints both bold and subtle alike.NYSC Portal

The appeal of ankara A-line dresses is evergreen. This straightforward old school style lets the fabric pattern take center stage. Combining a flared skirt with ankara’s captivating designs results in an easy elegance. For this reason, A-line dresses hold enduring popularity across Africa.

10. The Shift Dress

Shift dresses descend straight from the shoulder without a defined waistline. Also called chemise dresses, this minimalist old school style contrasts elegantly with lively ankara prints. The shift silhouette mingles effortlessly with vivid patterns.

Shift dresses serve up mod vibes when sewn in graphic ankara fabrics. Yet their clean lines retain sophistication. For a foolproof cute and casual dress, reach for a shift in ankara. African women have rocked this fuss-free look since the early 1960s.

11. The Off Shoulder Maxi Dress

Off shoulder maxi dresses make a sultry style statement. The wide neckline leaves shoulders bare while also exposing collar bones. When stitched from ankara fabric, off shoulder maxi dresses blend alluring motifs with stylish elegance.

The figure-skimming floor length matches perfectly with deeply cut necklines in creating dreamy old school allure. For generations, off shoulder maxi dresses have been the choice for African women seeking breathtaking beauty. Contemporary designs continue the hot trend.

12. The Sheath Dress

Sheath dresses smoothly contour the body from neck to knees or ankles. Unlike pencil dresses, sheath dresses do not taper but remain slim straight through the hemline. This lean line beautifully accentuates curves.

Tailored sheath dresses lend refined polish to lively ankara prints. The fitted shape contrasts wonderfully with the organic patterns and textures of the fabric. That interplay makes ankara sheaths a timeless selection for African women.

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13. The Babydoll Dress

Babydoll dresses exude innocence and playfulness. These empire waist dresses flare out from bust to hemline. Frilly details like ruched ribbon and lace often accent the bustline. Babydoll dresses evoke youthfulness even when stitched from grown-up ankara prints.JAMB portal

For a remind of childhood charm, African women turn to babydoll dresses again and again. The whimsical style acts as a perfectly pretty canvas for displaying dynamic ankara patterns. Babydoll dresses crafted from ankara fabric effortlessly capture old-school girlish delight.

14. The Trapeze Dress

Trapeze dresses subtly swing out from the shoulders to the hemline. This creates an almost floating silhouette that flatters a range of figures. The gentle flare adds movement and shape when matched with ankara fabric.

Trapeze dresses became fashionable in the 1950s and 60s but remain popular old school styles. Their minimal shape maintains a retro vibe that pairs wonderfully with vibrant ankara prints. For easygoing elegance, trapeze dresses are a reliable choice.

15. The T-Shirt Dress

T-shirt dresses borrow the carefree comfort of oversized tees. These laidback old school dresses combine the casual vibe of t-shirts with flattering feminine shape. T-shirt dresses emanate effortless cool.

When stitched in graphic ankara patterns, t-shirt dresses become even more eye-catching. The bold prints command notice even on these unfussy silhouettes. African women channel uniqueness and confidence by rocking ankara t-shirt dresses.

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Conclusion

Ankara fabric offers almost endless pattern and color variations. Old-school dress styles provide tried-and-true templates for showcasing these dynamic prints.

By balancing new motifs with vintage silhouettes, ankara dresses from the old school never cease to make a vibrant style statement. These fifteen dress designs demonstrate why timeless African textiles and fashions continue inspiring women across the world.

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