Ankara tops have moved a long way from the boxy blouse. The wax-print cotton now gets cut into sculpted peplums, puff and bishop sleeves, corset seams, wrap fronts and one-shoulder necklines, and one well-made top can go from a weekend lunch to the office or a wedding. As a designer who works with this fabric, I'd say every outfit starts from the print: solid bottoms give it room, and accessories pick up one of its colors. Fit decides the rest, so pay attention to where the waist, neckline and sleeves land on your body. Below are fifty pairings with jeans, skirts and tailored trousers.
Ankara Has No Stretch, So the Fit Is Built In
Ankara is printed cotton, usually a wax print with the design showing on both faces of the cloth and a crisp, slightly stiff hand when new. It has almost no stretch, and that changes how every top on this list is made and how it should fit.
What I look for in the construction
- Darts or princess seams at the bust, since the cotton can't mold itself to curves the way a knit does.
- A zip or button opening on any fitted bodice, usually at the side or back. A close-fitting woven top without one won't go over your shoulders.
- Room for sitting. I add a little ease at the hip of peplums and longer tops so they don't pull across the lap.
- Lining in fitted bodices and anywhere the print is light or pale, which also stops darker underwear showing through.
Expect the fabric to soften with wear and washing. A brand-new wax print can feel almost papery, and a sleeve or ruffle that looks very full on day one relaxes over time, so judge the volume with that in mind.
Placing the Print Before the Scissors Go In
Many Ankara tops are made to order by a tailor, which means you get a say in where the print lands. Use it. A large circular motif sitting dead center on each bust, or a bold band running across the widest part of the hips, is hard to unsee once it's sewn.
- Bring the whole piece of fabric to the fitting and hold it against you in a mirror before anything is cut.
- Decide which motif should sit at center front, and ask for it to be matched across the button placket or front seam.
- Keep strong horizontal bands at the waist or hem rather than across the bust.
- For matching sets, ask how much fabric the print matching needs; large repeats and one-way designs use more.
Ankara is commonly sold in six-yard pieces, which is usually generous for a top plus a skirt or trousers, but a big repeat can eat into that quickly.
1. Ankara Peplum Top With Pencil Skirt
When I cut a peplum top in Ankara, I use princess seams rather than simple darts, because stiff cotton follows the body better when it's shaped in panels. The bodice should fit closely before the flare starts. Pull a quiet color from the print for the pencil skirt, black, navy or burgundy, and the print stops looking busy. Pointed pumps and a structured bag keep it formal; small gold earrings are enough. For more coverage, choose elbow sleeves and a peplum that ends below the waistband. I'd wear this one to a professional event or a smart daytime celebration.
2. Ankara Off Shoulder Top With Wide Leg Pants
Wax print is crisp, so an off-shoulder neckline made from it won't cling on its own. It needs an elastic channel or an internal band to stay put, and I always add one, because nobody wants to tug at a neckline all evening. Pair the top with high-waisted wide-leg pants: black is safe, while cobalt, rust or emerald looks more deliberate when that color appears in the print. Block-heel sandals and medium hoops finish it. Keep the top fitted against the wide trousers. For arm coverage, wide ruffled sleeves resting on the upper arm do the job.
3. Ankara Crop Top With High Waist Maxi Skirt
A matching crop top and maxi skirt in one print is an old Ankara trick that still looks modern when the gap between the pieces stays narrow. A square or softly curved crop gives more support than a thin-strapped one. I'd cut the skirt either fitted through the hip and flared below, or as an easy A-line if you plan to dance. With that much print, the shoes go plain: simple heeled sandals and a clutch in one print color. On a petite frame, choose a smaller motif and less skirt volume. I see this set most at weddings and graduations.
4. Ankara Wrap Top With Straight Leg Jeans
For an easy outfit that still looks considered, wear an Ankara wrap top with dark straight-leg jeans. The crossover neckline draws a vertical line, and the tie lets you control the fit. A true wrap in stiff cotton can open at the bust when you move, so for a busy day I prefer a faux wrap with the crossover stitched down. Dark denim gives the print a clean backdrop for lunch or a creative office. Loafers, low block heels or ankle boots all suit it. Tie it at your natural waist rather than low on the hips.
5. Ankara Puff Sleeve Top With Tailored Pants
Ankara holds a puff sleeve better than almost any fabric I sew, because the cotton has body and the wax finish adds crispness. That's also why a full sleeve can get very big, very fast. On a petite frame I keep the shoulder volume controlled; taller women carry a fuller sleeve well. A square neckline balances the sleeves and frames the collarbone without a necklace. Pair it with straight tailored pants in a solid neutral, pointed flats or pumps, and small drop earrings. Keep hair and accessories simple, since the sleeves are the event.
6. Ankara One Shoulder Top With Midi Skirt
A one-shoulder bodice in non-stretch cotton needs either a side zipper or a well-built inner structure, or it slides. I put the zip in the side seam under the arm, where nobody sees it. A solid A-line midi softens the look, while a pencil midi makes it sharper and more formal. Choose a skirt color from the print so the pieces connect. Strappy heels and a compact clutch suit dinners and weddings. Wear one statement earring on the bare side or studs on both, skip the necklace, and pin your hair up or to one side.
7. Ankara Corset Top With Palazzo Pants
An Ankara corset top doesn't need rigid boning to hold its shape. Shaped panels, a firm lining and flexible bones in the seams give structure you can still sit and eat in, and that's how I'd build one for a long event. High-waisted palazzo pants in black, chocolate, ivory or a solid from the print meet the shorter top at the waist. Wide hems need a bit of height, so wear platforms or block heels. A small top-handle bag and sculptural earrings are enough. For more coverage, layer a light solid blazer over it.
8. Ankara High Low Top With Slim Pants
High-low tops show the waistband in front and trail longer at the back, which lengthens the leg. The risk is too much fabric overall, so I keep the shoulder line fitted; an oversized bodice plus a long back hem swallows a small frame. Slim ankle pants or cigarette trousers balance the extra length. Pointed pumps, mules or neat flats keep the lower half refined, and a bag that echoes a print color ties it together. A bold cuff suits a sleeveless version. I'd reach for it at receptions where a plain blouse and pants feels too quiet.
9. Ankara Bell Sleeve Top With Pencil Skirt
An Ankara bell-sleeve top moves every time you lift your arms, which is half its charm. I like three-quarter sleeves here, because a full-length bell in stiff cotton ends up in your plate. A plain pencil skirt to the knee keeps the cuffs from competing with a big bottom. Closed pumps make it formal; slingback flats turn it into daytime wear. Small earrings only, and skip bracelets, since they catch on the wide sleeve edge.
10. Ankara Halter Top With Maxi Skirt
For outdoor celebrations in the heat, an Ankara halter with a long skirt stays cool and still looks dressy. I cut the halter neckline wide rather than as thin strings, because a broader band spreads the weight across the neck and covers more. A solid maxi makes the top the focus; a matching print skirt turns it into a set. Metallic flats or low block heels, depending on the ground at the venue. If the skirt is full, keep the top close to the body, and carry a cropped jacket for air-conditioning or a more conservative crowd.
11. Ankara Shirt Top With Mom Jeans
A button-front Ankara shirt is the most wearable piece on this list, and the shoulder seam decides whether it looks good. Even on a slightly oversized cut, the seam should sit where the shirt was designed to, not halfway down your arm by accident. Tuck it into mom jeans or try a half-tuck, and roll the sleeves to the elbow. Medium-wash denim goes with most prints; dark denim dresses it up. White sneakers, loafers or low mules, a crossbody and a plain belt complete it. Let the print supply the color.
12. Ankara Kimono Top With Camisole And Pants
An open Ankara kimono is the quickest way I know to make a camisole and trousers look like an outfit. Hip-length suits everyday wear; a longer cut gives more drama when you walk. Underneath, a black, white or neutral camisole stays quiet. Straight pants feel relaxed, wide-leg trousers more dressed. It's my favorite travel layer because it covers the arms without restricting them. Petite women should take a shorter hem and narrower sleeves, since wax-print cotton doesn't drape as softly as rayon.
13. Ankara Asymmetric Top With Black Trousers
Sharp black trousers are the right foundation for an asymmetric Ankara top. Choose one asymmetric feature, a diagonal neckline, an uneven hem or a single statement sleeve, and let it lead. High-waisted trousers define the middle, and black pointed heels continue the dark line down the leg. Metallic earrings brighten it, but a necklace fights an unusual neckline. The fitting point I watch is the long side: it has to hang straight and not twist as you move, which usually comes down to how it was cut on the grain.
14. Ankara Cold Shoulder Top With Midi Skirt
A cold-shoulder Ankara top shows a little skin while keeping the arms covered. I keep the openings small for daytime; large cutouts read as evening. Short flutter or elbow sleeves add movement. Pair it with a solid midi that follows the body without gripping, pleated for texture or straight for a cleaner line, plus block-heel sandals and a crossbody. What ruins this style is a visible bra strap, so choose a bra whose straps can sit under the fabric bridges at the shoulder.
15. Ankara Ruffle Sleeve Top With Culottes
Ruffles in wax print stand up rather than flutter, so on a big, busy print I keep them small. High-waisted culottes define the waist and show the ankle, which balances the movement near the shoulders. Keep the top fitted or lightly shaped so the whole outfit doesn't go wide. Pointed flats for daytime, block heels if you want height. A medium bag and small hoops are plenty. Creative offices, weekend lunches and daytime parties are where I'd wear it.
16. Ankara Bow Neck Top With Tapered Pants
Bows behave differently in Ankara than in silk. The cotton has body, so a long, wide tie makes a large, stiff bow. When I make one, I cut the ties narrower and shorter so the bow sits neatly at the neck. Tie it loose for a relaxed look or as a compact knot for a sharper one. Tapered ankle pants keep the silhouette slim under the decorated top. Add pointed slingbacks, a top-handle bag and pearl studs, but no necklace. Fully tucked shows the waist; a soft blouson tuck gives more room through the middle.
17. Ankara Cape Top With Pencil Pants
A cape top in Ankara looks dramatic, but it needs a fitted inner bodice or the layers just add bulk. I'd have the cape end at the elbow or hip so your hands stay free. Black, navy or another deep solid in pencil pants lengthens the leg under the print. Pointed pumps and a structured clutch keep it formal. Long earrings frame the face, while a heavy necklace fights a high neckline. Before wearing it out, check the back in a mirror; a cape that falls unevenly behind you is easy to miss and obvious to everyone else.
18. Ankara Bustier Top With Blazer And Jeans
A fitted Ankara bustier becomes daytime-wearable under a solid blazer. The blazer should end around the hip and stay open enough to show the print. If you'll be in it for hours, pick a bustier with proper straps or a modest straight neckline, because strapless styles in non-stretch cotton slip more than people expect. High-rise dark jeans, pointed heels and a structured bag look polished; white sneakers make it casual. Keep jewelry simple. It's a smart answer for parties where a blouse and jeans would feel predictable.
19. Ankara Smocked Top With Maxi Skirt
Smocking is the one way to put stretch into Ankara: rows of elastic thread gather the cotton so the bodice gives. That makes it comfortable, but test the stretch across the bust in the fitting room; the print shouldn't pull out of shape, and it should spring back. Pair a top ending at the natural waist with a flowing solid maxi of controlled fullness. Flat leather sandals keep it casual, low heels ready it for a celebration. A woven bag and simple drop earrings add texture. In hot weather it feels relaxed without looking unfinished.
20. Ankara Tunic Top With Leggings
A long Ankara tunic with thick black leggings is practical for travel and errands. I put side slits in every tunic I make, since without them a stiff cotton hem restricts your stride. Fitted shoulders or a shaped neckline keep the length from looking oversized, and a removable belt gives you the option of a waist. The leggings must be fully opaque. Sneakers, loafers or low ankle boots and a roomy tote suit the mood. Over a sleeveless tunic, a cropped denim jacket adds structure.
21. Ankara Sleeveless Peplum Top With Cigarette Pants
On a sleeveless peplum top, the armhole tells you whether it was cut well. Properly placed bust darts let the bodice sit flat under the arms instead of gaping. The peplum should start at your natural waist and fall smoothly, not jut out stiffly over the stomach. Cigarette pants keep the flare as the main shape. A high round neck feels polished, while a V lengthens the upper body. Pointed pumps, a structured bag and a slim watch finish it, and a light blazer in one of the print's solids adds arm coverage.
22. Ankara Long Sleeve Crop Top With Cargo Pants
A long-sleeve Ankara crop with cargo pants is a young, street-style mix of print and utility. Keep the neckline simple so pockets and print aren't fighting. High-rise cargos in olive, black, beige or chocolate ground even the loudest pattern and cover the midriff. Platform sneakers, a small crossbody and medium hoops finish it. With full sleeves, the trousers should be relaxed rather than huge. If you'd rather not show skin, choose a hem that meets the waistband. Festivals and sightseeing are what this outfit is built for.
23. Ankara Square Neck Top With A Line Skirt
Square necklines need precise corners. When I fit one, I check that the corners sit close to the body, because in a stiff cotton they gape the moment you sit or lean. Tuck the top into a high-waisted A-line skirt: knee length looks classic, a midi more current. Pumps or slingback flats and a neutral bag keep it calm. A short pendant can sit inside the neckline, though with a loud print, earrings alone are often enough. Office celebrations and family gatherings suit it.
24. Ankara Sweetheart Top With Wide Leg Jeans
Sweetheart necklines need structure to hold their curve, so I'd only buy one that's lined and has broad straps or short sleeves. High-waisted wide-leg jeans meet the top at the narrowest part of the torso. Dark denim dresses it up; light denim keeps it casual and fresh. Heeled mules or platform sandals balance the wide hem, and a small shoulder bag keeps attention on the neckline. With a fuller bust, ask for a slightly higher curve and more seam shaping, which protects both coverage and comfort.
25. Ankara Bishop Sleeve Top With Fitted Skirt
Bishop sleeves are gathered into a cuff at the wrist, and that cuff is what keeps all the volume under control. In heavier wax print the gathers can look puffy rather than draped, so I'd look for a lighter Ankara or a lined sleeve that falls more softly. Tuck the blouse into a fitted solid skirt to contrast full arms with a narrow lower half. Add a slim belt only if it doesn't fight the print. Pointed heels and a compact clutch make it formal enough for a ceremony.
26. Ankara Layered Peplum Top With Straight Trousers
Two tiers of peplum is my limit in Ankara, since more layers of stiff cotton add width fast. The first flare should start at the natural waist and the second fall over the hips. Straight trousers in a shade clearly present in the print stop it getting theatrical. High heels or pointed flats, a simple clutch and delicate earrings are enough; no belt and no busy bag, because the tiers are already texture. The fit at the shoulder and bust is what keeps it looking intentional rather than loose. Weddings and engagement parties suit it.
27. Ankara Mixed Fabric Top With Jeans
Mixing Ankara with a solid fabric is a smart way to wear print in smaller doses: a printed front panel with solid sleeves, or an Ankara yoke on a classic button-down. When I combine fabrics, I match their weights, because a light crepe sewn to stiff wax cotton puckers at the seam. Pair the top with straight jeans so the construction stays the focus. Loafers, sneakers or low mules, a structured tote, and jewelry in the same metal as your bag hardware finish it. A casual office or a shopping day suits it.
28. Ankara Denim Trim Top With Midi Skirt
Denim trim at the collar, cuffs, pocket or placket gives a printed top a casual edge, but it shouldn't cover the best part of the print. Dark denim or a solid navy midi skirt keeps everything in one family. A gently flared midi is comfortable; a front-slit pencil skirt is sharper. Tan block heels and simple metal earrings finish it. Match the denim washes, since two blues that nearly match look like a mistake. Both fabrics should be prewashed before a top like this is sewn, because denim and wax cotton shrink at different rates.
29. Ankara Lace Sleeve Top With Tailored Pants
Lace sleeves on Ankara mix bold print with fine texture. I always take the lace color from the print, often black, navy, cream or burgundy, so the two read as one design. A lined bodice and clean sleeve seams make it look expensive. Pair it with tailored ankle pants, pointed pumps and a structured clutch, adding no other pattern. If the lace is elaborate, choose a print with space between the motifs. Lace with little stretch needs enough room at the elbow and wrist to move, so check that before the event.
30. Ankara Organza Sleeve Top With Pencil Skirt
Sheer organza sleeves give a fitted Ankara bodice airy volume. Pair the top with a solid pencil skirt so sleeves and print stay the focus. Small puff shoulders with fitted cuffs are balanced, while oversized sleeves make it a dramatic occasion look. Choose organza in one of the print's background colors so the join reads as one smooth transition. Sleek pumps, a box clutch and small earrings, and no big necklace if the neckline is high. From the sewing side, I reinforce the armhole seams, because organza and wax-print cotton behave very differently and the lighter fabric strains at the join.
31. Ankara Fringe Hem Top With Slim Trousers
Short fringe along a straight or gently curved hem gives an Ankara top movement. I'd only trust fringe attached below a finished hem; fringe stitched straight onto a raw edge works loose after a few washes. Pair it with slim solid trousers so nothing competes at the legs. A sleeveless or cap-sleeve bodice lets the hem take the attention. Block heels, a compact bag and simple hoops finish it. Avoid tassel earrings or a fringed bag, because one fringe per outfit is enough.
32. Ankara Bubble Hem Top With Pencil Pants
A bubble hem is gathered into a band so the fabric puffs and turns under, and Ankara's crispness helps that shape hold. The band should sit without riding up; if it climbs, the elastic is too tight or the top is too short in the body. Choose a cropped version ending at the waistband or a longer one resting at the hip. Solid pencil pants define the legs. Pointed heels or sleek flats and geometric earrings finish it, but skip a belt, which breaks the bubble. On a petite frame, take a smaller bubble and a smaller motif.
33. Ankara Tie Front Top With Maxi Skirt
Ties in Ankara need width. Narrow straps twist and fold the print into odd shapes, while a wider tie lies flat and shows the pattern. Centered or slightly to one side, the knot should meet a high-waisted maxi skirt, which also gives coverage. A flowing skirt suits outdoor events; a straighter maxi looks sleeker. Flat sandals or low wedges, a woven bag, hoops and a few slim bangles finish it. This is a warm-weather outfit through and through.
34. Ankara Collared Top With Tailored Shorts
An Ankara collared shirt tucked into tailored shorts looks neater than any tee-and-shorts pairing. Choose high-waisted shorts in a length you're comfortable with and a flat front, because bulky pockets push the tucked cotton out at the hips. Linen-blend neutrals soften a bright print; black or navy sharpens it. Loafers, flat sandals or low block heels, a crossbody and a watch complete it. Roll the sleeves once but keep the collar crisp, which in wax print means pressing it from the reverse. Sightseeing and weekend lunches suit it.
35. Ankara Basque Waist Top With Maxi Skirt
A basque waist dips into a V below the natural waist, lengthening the torso and giving a corset-like finish. Pair it with a plain maxi that fits smoothly over the hip and flares at the hem, so the bodice isn't fighting extra volume. Heeled sandals, a refined clutch and drop earrings complete the occasion look. Don't belt it, or you'll hide the point. When I fit a basque, I check it sitting down, because that point can dig into the stomach if it drops too low. Weddings and cultural celebrations are its natural setting.
36. Ankara Draped Neck Top With Tailored Trousers
Draped necklines want a soft fabric, and new wax print is anything but. In stiff cotton the folds stand away from the body and add bulk at the bust. I'd choose an Ankara with a softer hand, or have the neckline partly lined so it falls naturally. Pair it with solid tailored trousers, pointed pumps and a leather tote. Sleeveless or cap-sleeve versions sit neatly under a blazer; elbow sleeves give coverage alone. Skip the necklace, which just disappears into the folds.
37. Ankara Button Front Top With Pleated Skirt
A crisp Ankara button-front top and a plain pleated midi pair structure with movement. Tuck it into the high waistband and leave the top button open. Narrow pleats keep volume down at the hip; wider ones give a fuller shape. Slingbacks, a structured bag and small metallic earrings finish it. Covered buttons in the same print give a clean, uninterrupted front, while plain solid buttons tie in more easily with shoes and accessories, and I'd pick those for a busier print. Smart offices and family events suit it.
38. Ankara Gathered Neck Top With Straight Jeans
A gathered-neck Ankara top softens an everyday jeans outfit. Look for a round or gently scooped neckline where the gathers fall smoothly over the bust; too many gathers in stiff cotton bunch up under the chin. Flutter sleeves suit summer, cuffed long sleeves cooler weather. Straight-leg jeans add structure. Mules, loafers or clean sneakers, a compact crossbody and studs keep it practical. Tuck it, half-tuck it, or wear it loose if the hem is shaped.
39. Ankara Boat Neck Top With Wide Leg Pants
A boat neck runs almost straight across from shoulder to shoulder, so it widens the upper body slightly. That's why I balance it with a close bodice and high-waisted flowing pants. Three-quarter sleeves add grace. Black, cream, chocolate or navy trousers ground the print. Pointed heels, a structured clutch and statement earrings finish it, with the neck left bare and hair pulled back. In construction, the neckline edge needs stay tape or a facing, or it stretches and slips toward the shoulder.
40. Ankara Mock Neck Top With Midi Skirt
A mock neck in Ankara gives modest coverage with a sharp outline. Because the cotton doesn't stretch, the collar needs a zip or button opening at the back, and it should sit lightly rather than tightly. Pair it with a high-waisted solid midi, straight or softly flared. Sleeveless for warm weather, fitted long sleeves for drama. Pointed boots, pumps or slingback flats depending on the season, medium earrings, no necklace. With a bold print, keep the skirt free of ruffles and big pockets.
41. Ankara Blazer Top With Matching Pants
Wearing an Ankara blazer buttoned as a top only works with a full lining, a secure closure and enough coverage at the neckline when you sit. A plain camisole underneath helps in conservative settings. Tapered trousers look sharp; wide-leg pants look more dramatic. Plain pumps and a structured mini bag, with no other pattern anywhere. Print placement makes or breaks a matching suit: when I cut one, I line up the major motifs across the jacket front and keep the trouser seams from slicing through the biggest ones.
42. Ankara Corset Peplum Top With Midi Skirt
A corset-peplum top combines structured seams through the bodice with a flare at the waist. Flexible internal boning shapes you without stopping you from breathing or sitting comfortably. Pair it with a plain fitted midi skirt for an hourglass outline. Wide straps, short sleeves or a higher neck add coverage. Classic pumps, a clutch and small drop earrings, and nothing else busy. Watch where the peplum ends: it should stop above or below the widest point of your hips, never right on it.
43. Oversized Ankara Shirt With Biker Shorts
An intentionally oversized Ankara shirt is cut with dropped shoulders and extra width in the body. Buying your usual shirt three sizes up just gives you long sleeves and a huge collar, and that's the difference I'd look for. The shirt should fall below the hip and have enough body to hold its shape, which wax print does well. Wear it buttoned, open over a fitted tank, or belted. Thick black biker shorts, chunky sneakers, a crossbody and sporty sunglasses make it a travel or weekend outfit.
44. Ankara Patchwork Top With Denim Skirt
Patchwork Ankara looks designed when the prints share a color story and the panels line up; random scraps look like leftovers. A fitted square-neck bodice or a plain shirt shape keeps it wearable. Pair it with a knee or midi denim skirt: dark denim makes it smarter, light denim more relaxed. Neutral sandals, low ankle boots or white sneakers, a plain crossbody and minimal jewelry finish it. Several different prints can transfer dye onto each other early on, so I wash a patchwork top cold and on its own.
45. Matching Ankara Top And Wide Leg Pants
Few combinations hit harder than a matching Ankara top and wide-leg pants. A fitted sleeveless, cropped or short-sleeve top balances the flowing trousers, and the waistband should meet the top without bunching so the set looks continuous. Platform sandals or block heels keep the hem off the ground, and a solid bag breaks up the print. Stick to one metal tone. If a full print feels like too much, add a solid blazer. When I make a set like this, I plan motif placement across the bodice and both legs, which usually means buying more fabric than the pattern alone asks for.
46. Ankara Empire Waist Top With Straight Pants
An empire seam sits just under the bust and lets the fabric fall over the stomach, which is comfortable and forgiving. In Ankara the risk is that stiff cotton balloons away from the body, so I'd look for one that skims. Pair it with straight solid pants. A V or square neck lengthens the upper body, while flutter or elbow sleeves give soft coverage. Low block heels or pointed flats and a medium bag finish it, plus a pendant if the neckline is plain. A well-fitted empire top also adapts to changing proportions better than most shapes.
47. Plus Size Ankara Belted Tunic With Pants
For a plus-size Ankara tunic, I fit the shoulders and bust first and let the belt do the shaping afterward. That way the tunic hangs correctly with or without it. Side slits help the longer hem move over the hips. Straight or gently tapered pants that don't cling balance the length. Block-heel sandals, pointed flats or loafers and a bag in proportion to your frame work well, with medium hoops or bold studs. Put the belt where it's comfortable: natural waist, slightly raised, or a loose back tie.
48. Ankara Three Quarter Sleeve Top With Midi Skirt
Three-quarter sleeves end just below the elbow, at a narrow part of the arm, and they're practical for anyone who likes classic coverage, mature women included. Pair the top with a solid A-line or straight midi. A softly shaped waist and modest V-neck keep it current rather than dated. Low pumps, slingback flats or loafers, a structured bag, a watch and simple earrings finish it. Avoid heavy embellishment on a print with large motifs. Ceremonies and family celebrations suit it well.
49. Ankara Office Top With Suit Trousers
An Ankara top can bring life to a suit without making the office feel like a party. I'd choose a neatly fitted blouse with a modest V, round neck or subtle wrap, and make sure it's long enough to stay tucked when you sit, which is where office blouses usually fail. Solid trousers in black, navy, camel or a quiet color from the print ground it. Pumps or loafers, a work tote, small earrings and a watch are enough. Add a plain blazer for meetings, and look for lining wherever the print is thin.
50. Ankara Statement Top With Wrapper Skirt
For a big occasion, pair an architectural Ankara statement top with a coordinated wrapper skirt. Pick one dominant detail: a sculpted peplum, a one-shoulder line, controlled ruffles or dramatic sleeves. A neatly tied wrapper makes a column under the bodice. Matching fabric gives the traditional coordinated look, while a solid wrapper puts the focus on the top. Refined heels and a compact clutch finish it. A headwrap in the same fabric suits some events and not others, so go by the occasion. Tie the wrapper firmly and test walking and sitting before the day.
Washing Wax Print Without Losing the Color
Good wax print keeps its color for years if you treat it like the cotton it is, with a little extra care at the start.
- Prewash the fabric before it's sewn. Cotton shrinks, and a fitted bodice cut from unwashed cloth can come back noticeably tighter.
- Wash it on its own in cold water the first few times, because loose dye can run, especially from reds and deep blues.
- Turn the top inside out, use a mild detergent and skip bleach entirely.
- Dry it in the shade. Strong sun fades bright prints faster than washing does.
- Iron on the reverse while slightly damp, which brings back the crisp finish without putting a shine on the printed face.
Tops with lace, organza or sequin trims are a different matter. I'd hand wash those or have them professionally cleaned, since the trims can't take what the cotton can.
Which Ankara Top I'd Have Made First
Ankara is easy to love and easy to overdo. The outfits that work follow a few plain rules: a big top gets a slim bottom, a fitted bodice can carry a wider skirt or trouser, solids calm a strong print, and one construction detail leads. Beyond that, quality shows in the making: lining where the cotton is thin, motifs placed with care, and a fit that's been checked sitting down. I'd start with a shirt or wrap top for everyday, then move to peplums and statement sleeves for the occasions you actually attend.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply