100+ Best Ankara designs for gowns to wear this year (pictures)

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For a long time, Ankara cloth was the material of choice for fashionable and adaptable gowns due to its colourful patterns, intense colours, and profound cultural importance. Ankara gowns are the epitome of elegance and modernity, making them perfect for weddings, formal events, or just lounging around town in style. Uncover the best Ankara designs for gowns to wear this year and add a touch of modern elegance to your wardrobe.

The latest Ankara designs have spectacular details, styles, and prints. African fashion designers blend traditional designs from different cultures with Western styles to make unique and beautiful clothes.

Best Ankara designs for gowns

The African fashion industry has made international headlines since local designers embraced universal styles. As a result, the demand for Ankara clothes has increased significantly. Check out these best Ankara designs for gowns for ladies to inspire your next African-themed outfit.

Straight-cut peplum design

One of the trending Ankara designs for women is the mermaid style. It is popular because it flatters a woman's silhouette and gives them an hourglass figure. It pairs perfectly with straight-cut maxi skirts with cuts at the back to allow easy movement.

Spaghetti strap mermaid design

The fish-cut or mermaid design is timeless. On the other hand, wearing a spaghetti strap dress perfectly balances the need for a strap for comfort and the appeal of having your shoulders open and uncovered.

Ankara tassels

Female Ankara designs featuring tassels give a swirl and swoosh feeling. They are all the rage currently. The ruffles and frills are sleek, feminine and glamorous.

Triangle neck midi bodycon

If you are looking for classic female Ankara designs, the triangle-cut neck midi bodycon is one of the top options. The triangular neckline with lace is exquisite, and the lacy sleeves add oomph to the overall design.

Cute midi skater

Designed to hug you in at the waist and flare out at the hips, skater dresses are ideal for creating that sought-after hourglass figure. Try an Ankara midi skater if you want a simple gown for a function.

Kente mermaid

If you are an African designer or tailor, you know that mermaid Ankara styles for female clients are in high demand. The Kente fabric, which takes its name from the word kenten, which means basket, makes colourful mermaid designs.

Cute Ankara office wear

Ankara is not only stylish but fits right into the workplace. Always remember to button carefully so you do not look inappropriate for work.

Colourful Iro and Buba

The Iro is a wrapper made with Ankara fabric tied around the waist, while the Buba is a long-sleeved blouse. The look above is perfect for social occasions.

Long-sleeved lace-Ankara designs

Are you looking for the latest straight and long Ankara gown styles? We have you covered. The designs blend lace and Ankara perfectly. The sleeves can run down to your wrists or slightly above to allow room for accessories.

Rich Auntie Kaftan with side cuts

A kaftan is a variant of a robe or tunic. This design is one of the latest long Ankara gown styles, especially for rich aunties.

Matured Ankara gown styles are classic, sophisticated, and beautiful. Designed with the intricate patterns of Ankara cloth in mind, these garments are ideal for females who value modesty in style without sacrificing classic elegance.

Fancy high-low

High-low dresses are longer in the back and shorter in the front. They showcase your legs and are pretty versatile. You can easily dress down a high-low outfit for casual or everyday wear and accessorise for the perfect evening look.

Black and white Ankara goddess

A black-and-white Ankara dress is timeless. Because the colours are neutral, you can rock it for formal and casual events. The lacy gown on top of the bodycon maxi is classic. This style is perfect if you are looking for unique long gown styles.

Short halter skater

If you are searching for short Ankara gown styles, try the halter neck design because it is timeless. You can gather or sew the waist in a tent style and use a belt for a more flattering fitting.

One shoulder off

Off-shoulder designs are flattering because they draw attention to the collarbone and shoulders. They create a more defined and elongated neckline. If you want a unique twist to the off-shoulder, have only one shoulder off.

3/4-sleeved short tent designs

Tent dresses are complete, loose-fitting outfits that are narrow at the shoulders and broad at the hem. They have no waistline or darts. The 3/4-sleeves can be made using Ankara fabric or lace.

Balloon-sleeved design

Balloon or puff sleeves are all the rage right now. Lovers of long, fitted Ankara gowns should have a balloon-sleeved dress in their wardrobe because they are timeless pieces.

Midi shirt dresses

A shirtdress is a style of women's dress that borrows details from a man's shirt, including collars, button fronts, or cuffed sleeves. The midi designs above feature collars and button fronts. The buttons can run down or leave a front cut.

Square-neck bodycon maxi

Did you know women with a small complex are encouraged to wear fitted square necklines? This design gives the bust line the illusion of curves. The bodycon style is excellent for showing off your assets and feeling confident in your skin.

Short patchwork shirt dresses

Did you know you can create an outfit with more than one Ankara fabric? Patchwork designs have become pretty standard, and shirt dress designs are timeless. They are perfect for casual weekends.

Off-shoulder with pleated sleeves

Pleats are usually used for aesthetic function and practicality because they allow freedom of movement and airflow. When used on sleeves, pleats make statement pieces. The off-shoulder bodycon maxi with pleated sleeves is elegant and classy.

Short shift dresses

Shift dresses are outfits in which the cloth falls straight from the shoulders. They have darts around the bust. You can have short Ankara shift dresses made of one fabric. If you want some oomph, add a front pocket.

Lace-Ankara high tea look

Usually, ladies wear light and flowy dresses, sandals or wedges, and fascinators to high or afternoon teas. You can become the centre of attention by having a lace midi bodycon with a colourful headpiece.

Short patchwork shift dresses

An exciting twist to shift dresses is doing a bit of patchwork. You can patch your Ankara shift dress with plain fabric or use an Ankara fabric with a different print.

Conservative lace-Ankara boubou

The boubou is a flowing, wide-sleeved robe worn across West Africa. This design is perfect for older women who wish to turn heads at any event.

Midi boubou

The typical boubou is long and flows past the ankle. Try a midi design if an overly long gown is not your cup of tea. You can make it fancy with a strip of plain fabric in the middle or a geometric shape in the bust area.

Frilly-mermaid gown

Frills provide an extra layer of texture and make your outfit look more attractive. This intricate design is ideal for high-end social functions like weddings. The Frilly-mermaid design is one of the latest Ankara straight long gown styles.

Multi-fabric boubou

In the past, boubous were made using one fabric. Modern designers mix and match Ankara fabrics when making them, and the result is exquisite.

Akan-inspired gold design

This Akan-inspired design is a fantastic choice if you want an over-the-top design for a new bride. The Akan people from Guinea Coast are known for their love of fashion.

Midi bodycon

Bodycon dresses are trending in 2024 because they flatter a woman's curves. If you want a comfy design, try a bodycon midi outfit. You can have a front cut for style and ease of movement.

Lacy striped mermaid design

When Ankara is mentioned, many people imagine colourful fabrics with flowery or geometric patterns. Well, Ankara fabrics can also be striped. Striped fabrics pair well with corded and non-corded lace.

Short tube-top skater dresses

Tube top dresses are alluring. They give your body an attractive corset-like outline and display your shoulders and clavicle, giving you a graceful look.

Satin-lace-Ankara mermaid

Satin is soft and shiny, lace is classy and delicate, and Ankara is colourful and African. When you combine these three fabrics, you get a magnificent piece.

Mini bodycon designs

Short dresses are lovely if you want to show off your legs. They are also visually hot and spicy.

Lacy-Ankara midi design

Midi dresses are timeless because they are not uncomfortably long or short. The blend of lace and Ankara is exquisite.

Short mermaid designs

The mermaid design is associated with maxi outfits. However, one can do short Ankara mermaid dresses that flatter the body.

Peplum with a side cape design

Many women love the peplum design because it hides bigger tummies and gives an hourglass figure. The side cape adds extra oomph to the outfit.

Midi cape dress

Cape dresses have become quite popular in recent times. They combine the features of the cape and the dress, and expectant women can wear them.

Short Ankara wrap dresses

There is a never-ending urge to prove how suitable African fabrics look. Modern stylists and fashionistas combine it with other fabrics. Short-wrap dresses are timeless and can be worn to formal or social events.

Halter high-low

The halter high-low design is an excellent choice for the woman who does not mind showing off some skin. The outfit pairs well with strappy heels.

Wrap maxis

Maxi dresses are stylish and pretty modest. Wrap maxis are elegant. They can be made with short or long sleeves, with a collar or without.

High thigh cut design

This modest yet fashionable design is suitable for teens and young adults. The flowy design with a high front cut is playful and cute.

Maxi tent designs

Tent dresses are ideal for the weekends. Women of all ages can rock them, especially when it is hot and airy. They are pregnancy-friendly.

Spaghetti-halter maxi with a keyhole

There are hundreds of timeless Ankara designs, depending on preference and occasion. The keyhole design on the bust makes the design above even cuter.

Tiered maxi

Tiers are an easy way to make a dress more visually attractive without opting for a pattern or print. Tiered dresses are a great choice because they can be dressed for multiple situations and settings.

Sweetheart-spaghetti-top gathered maxi

Gathers are used to make tiered or ruffle outfits. The plunging sweetheart neckline makes the design ideal for summer.

Ankara ball gown

Ball gowns are elaborate full-length dresses suitable for formal gatherings, especially weddings. More brides are choosing Ankara ball gowns, usually blended with lace, for their special days.

Ankara maxi gown with subtle embellishments

Subtle embellishments on an Ankara Maxi Gown create a refined pattern, highlighting the fabric's elegance. This gown is the way to go when a little glitz is called for, as at a wedding or other formal event.

Shift Ankara gown

Comfort and beauty come together in a Shift Ankara Gown's understated style. The shift silhouette is characteristic of the loose, straight fit appropriate for casual or semi-formal occasions.

Bishop-sleeve Ankara gown

Elegant Ankara fabric and dramatic bishop sleeves combine in a bishop-sleeve Ankara gown design. This design is ideal for formal parties or special occasions because it combines modern and classic aspects.

Asymmetrical midi gown

Incorporating an asymmetrical hemline into an otherwise traditional midi-length dress is a chic and contemporary way to update the look. If you're going for a daring, trendy style, this cut is for you.

Midi gown with bell sleeves

Combining the short, on-trend midi length with the longer, more dramatic bell sleeves creates a stylish and modern midi gown. Because it is both comfortable and elegant, this style works equally well for formal and semi-formal events.

Peplum off-shoulder gown

Combining the grace of an off-the-shoulder neckline with the modernity of a peplum, this gown style is chic and contemporary. Because of its figure-flattering design, this dress is perfect for formal and semi-formal events. The off-shoulder is one of the 4-yard Ankara long gown styles.

High-neck Ankara A-line gown

A-line gowns with high necklines are a refined take on the timeless A-line shape. The A-line silhouette is a favourite among fashionistas because it flatters a wide range of body shapes thanks to its fluidity from the bodice to the waist and flared hem. The A-line can create the best Ankara designs for wedding gowns.

Challenges posed by creating Ankara fabrics

In an interview with Ade Bakare, a design director with a couture collection dating back to 1991 in London, insights into the significant challenges encountered during creating Ankara designs for gowns are revealed. These challenges encompass:

Designs can be fundamental and need more depth.
Availability can hinder repeat orders, a bane of most fashion businesses.
The width is also limiting as most are only 45/50 inches wide.

Bakare also guided us through the sources of inspiration that drove his creation of Ankara designs, stating that:

We decided to design a collection for our summer 2016 collection some years ago. Many clients favoured Ankara because it is vibrant and cotton-based, especially for tropical countries due to that fact that its light in weight and easy to maintain. We discovered that some of the ones we favoured came from Benin Republic, they are known for vivid colours which I feel are unique. We decided to make a range of jackets, dresses, blouses, and skirts which became an instant hit. We sometimes teamed them with other fabrics such as laces and organzas to give them a modern look. Due to its classism, we continued to make them in various colours and patterns over the years.

The design director said his collection had developed a distinctive signature, seamlessly merging classical cuts with modern styles. He emphasised that:

We don’t follow trends as these date and become old and dismissive after some years. Some of our signature looks can also be in fabrics we use often, such as chiffons, organzas, Gazar, and crepes, mostly in silks, which captures colours in vibrant hues. A lot of our styles incorporate bows, sashes, bells, or fluted sleeves, sweep coats, fitted flared dresses, and soft blouses.

Bakare concluded that the prevailing trend in high demand for this festive celebration season is a feminine classic look with a "touch of modernity," as exemplified below:

What is Ankara's fashion style?

It refers to clothing made from Ankara designs for gowns, a vibrant and colourful African print fabric. It is commonly used to make dresses, skirts, pants, and other clothing items. The style is known for its bold and eye-catching patterns and is often paired with modern and trendy designs to create a unique and fashionable look.

Can you wear Ankara to a date?

Yes, if you feel comfortable and confident in it. Ankara is a stylish and one-of-a-kind fabric you can use for multiple designs. Choose a design you feel confident in for your date.

What is so special about Ankara fabric?

The fabric is known for its colourful African prints and is deeply associated with African clothing. It is unique because it is associated with African cultures and traditions.

Where can one find the best designs for Ankara dresses?

Search for popular boards and pins that showcase various styles to find the best Ankara gown designs on Pinterest. Users often publish imaginative and fashionable gowns for multiple events on Pinterest, making it an excellent resource for discovering new designs.

There are numerous best Ankara gowns designs in today's fashion scene. This material's versatility makes it suitable for almost every outfit.

Legit.ng recently published Best Ankara styles for husband and wife for a stylish night out. Due to the vibrancy and diversity of African cultures, Ankara fashion style ideas are incredibly diverse.

Some suitable Ankara styles for husbands included a mermaid dress for the lady and a full Ankara suit for the man. Ankara has long been a favourite of women looking to add an African flair to their outfits.

Source: Legit.ng

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