In Nigeria, especially in Lagos, life moves fast. You can wrap up a long day of back-to-back meetings and still need to show up at your cousin’s owambe in Surulere by evening. But who has the time (or energy) to go home and change? That’s where double-duty fashion comes in. These are outfits you can wear at the office and still look fabulous at a party, dinner or night outing.
This guide walks you through 7 fashion pieces that can help Nigerian women move easily from office to owambe without stress. If you’re always on the move and need versatile wardrobe pieces that do more than one thing, this list is for you.
1. Statement Blouses That Work in Any Setting
Statement tops are a staple in the wardrobe of stylish Nigerian women. They give your outfit structure for work and can easily be elevated for owambe with the right accessories.
At the office, pair a ruffled or puff-sleeve blouse with tailored trousers or a simple skirt. After hours, just switch out the bottoms for something more colourful or embellished like a wrapper or wide-leg pants.
Look out for structured cuts, rich fabrics like silk, and bold details.
Price: ₦15,511 Where To Buy: Shop Temu
2. Wide-Leg Trousers That Always Make Sense
Comfortable, elegant, and flattering, wide-leg trousers are the kind of clothing that work for presentations at 10 AM and aso-ebi at 8 PM.
For the office, wear them with a crisp button-down or a fitted top. Heading out later? Swap in a sequinned or lace blouse, throw on some heels and you’re set.
Neutral colours like black, navy, or beige are easier to restyle or flowery design. For evening events, opt for jewel tones or bold prints.
Price: $195 Where To Buy: Shop Farfetch
3. Midi Dresses That Can Be Styled Up or Down
Midi dresses are easily one of the most versatile fashion pieces you can own. A solid-coloured wrap or shirt dress works for presentations, client meetings, and any formal setup. Then when it’s owambe time, switch your flats for heels, throw on a belt or waist chain, and add some statement jewellery.
Look for midi dresses in breathable fabrics like cotton, crepe, or silk. They work well in Nigeria’s hot climate and transition smoothly from day to night.
Price: ₦59,500 Where To Buy: Shop The Rail Clothing
4. Jumpsuits That Do the Work (and Play)
If there’s one fashion piece that can carry you from the boardroom to the dancefloor, it’s the jumpsuit. It’s easy to wear, doesn’t require much pairing, and can be styled in countless ways.
For the office, wear a blazer over it or go for muted tones. Heading to a party after? Ditch the blazer, add bold earrings or a turban, and step out confidently.
Check out this jumpsuit from House of Naya going for ₦24,000.
5. Blazers That Double as Statement Pieces
6. Co-ords That Keep Things Simple and Stylish
Co-ords, or matching two-piece sets, take the guesswork out of dressing. They’re tidy enough for work and easy to accessorise for after-hours fun.
Wear your co-ords with low heels or loafers at the office. For owambe, add strappy sandals, bold makeup, and a stylish bag.
Because they come as a set, co-ords save you time, and in a city like Lagos, time is precious.
Price: ₦85,000 Where To Buy: Shop Grey Velvet
7. Accessories That Elevate Instantly
Accessories make all the difference when you need to switch from professional to party-ready. Keep these on hand:
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A statement neckpiece
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A pair of bold earrings
