Last Updated: November 4, 2026
Quick Summary
The best alternatives to formal Ankara styles are relaxed dresses, co-ord sets and separates that keep the print but lose the stiffness. A hooded Ankara maxi, a crepe co-ord or printed palazzo trousers can take you from the office to a daytime wedding without dry cleaning or a full lace-and-gele look.
- A hooded Ankara maxi with side pockets is the easiest relaxed dress to style.
- Jacket-and-trouser co-ords suit the office, jogger sets suit travel and skirt co-ords suit daytime formal events.
- Swap trainers for leather loafers or block heels to make a co-ord read formal.
- Pair one Ankara piece with plain cotton, denim or linen to avoid a costume look.
- Afroleisurewear prices run from £5 to £50 with free UK delivery over £60.
Table of Contents
- Why Traditional Formal Ankara Styles Need a Rethink
- Casual Ankara Dress Styles That Work Beyond Occasions
- Ankara Co-Ord Sets: The Easiest Swap for a Formal Two-Piece
- Everyday Ankara Outfits Built Around Separates
- How to Style Ankara Prints Without Looking Costume-y
- Fit, Fabric and Body-Shape Considerations Before You Buy
- Shop the Relaxed Ankara Look at Afroleisurewear
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Traditional Formal Ankara Styles Need a Rethink
Formal Ankara dressing has a problem: it is beautiful, but it is also expensive, high-maintenance and often reserved for weddings and naming ceremonies. That leaves a gap.
Here is the core argument: the future of African print in a British wardrobe is not the grand occasion gown.
Formal Ankara styles are tailored, structured outfits built for ceremonies: fitted gowns, matching wrappers, heavily accessorised looks. They command a room. They also demand dry cleaning, careful ironing and a reason to wear them.
The alternatives below are not a downgrade. They are a recalibration.
Casual Ankara Dress Styles That Work Beyond Occasions
The easiest entry point is a relaxed dress. A hooded Ankara maxi in a generous cut does the styling for you: pull it on, add sandals, and you are dressed. Our Statement Hooded Ankara Maxi Dress is built exactly for this, with two side pockets and a soft polyester lining.
Three casual Ankara dress styles worth knowing:
- The hooded maxi for weekends, shopping days and holidays
- The loose tunic dress over leggings for cooler months
- The shirt dress belted at the waist for smart-casual offices
For more ideas, our guide to styling African print for casual wear walks through seven easy looks. The trick with all of them is keeping the silhouette simple so the print carries the outfit.
Ankara Co-Ord Sets: The Easiest Swap for a Formal Two-Piece
If you want the polish of a formal suit without the ceremony, a co-ord set is the answer. Matching top and bottom in one print reads intentional and put-together, but it moves like loungewear.
Our Unisex Ankara Crepe Co-Ord Set pairs a jacket with wide-leg trousers in a premium crepe that drapes rather than clings. For something softer, the Unisex Ankara Crepe Jogger Co-Ord Set swaps the trouser for a tapered jogger with elasticated cuffs.
Which co-ord shape suits which occasion
The structured shoulder and pressed leg give it the same visual weight as tailoring, while the print keeps it distinctively Ankara.
A skirt co-ord, a matching top and midi or maxi skirt, sits between the two. It reads formal enough for a church service or a daytime wedding, but the skirt gives it more movement and a softer line than trousers.
How to style a co-ord so it reads formal, not loungewear
The difference between a co-ord that looks intentional and one that looks like pyjamas is in the details:
- Footwear. Swap trainers for leather loafers, block-heeled sandals or ankle boots. A pointed toe or a slight heel instantly lifts the silhouette.
- Structure. Add a plain blazer or a tailored coat over the top. The contrast between a solid neutral layer and the print makes the outfit read as styled rather than thrown on.
- Bags. A structured shoulder bag or a small top-handle bag is more formal than a tote or a backpack.
- Jewellery. Keep it small and metallic. A single pendant or a pair of studs is enough; the print is already the statement.
- Hair and headwear. Skip the matching headwrap unless the occasion calls for it. A sleek bun or loose hair keeps the focus on the co-ord.
A co-ord in a very large-scale print can overwhelm a small frame, so a print with more negative space may suit petite frames better.
Fit and fabric checks before you buy
Crepe is the most forgiving fabric for a co-ord because it drapes and travels well, but check the following:
- Jacket shoulder seam. It should sit at the edge of your shoulder, not drop down the arm. A dropped shoulder reads casual.
- Trouser break. Wide-leg trousers should just touch the top of your shoe without pooling. If they are too long, hem them, pooling fabric makes the outfit look sloppy.
- Waistband. A fixed waistband gives a sharper line for formal occasions; an elasticated waist is more comfortable but reads more casual. Choose according to the event.
- Lining. A lined jacket or trouser holds its shape better and is less likely to cling. Unlined crepe is cooler for summer but shows creases more.
Prefer to compare shapes first? Our article on premium Ankara print co-ords breaks down six styles side by side. The short version: jacket-and-trouser sets suit the office, jogger sets suit travel and weekends, and skirt co-ords suit daytime formal events.
Everyday Ankara Outfits Built Around Separates
The most versatile approach is to stop thinking in outfits and start thinking in pieces. One Ankara bottom can anchor a whole week of looks, and the right separate can be dressed up for a formal event or down for the weekend.
| Separate | Pairs With | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Soni Palazzo Trousers | Plain white tee, knit top, silk blouse | Work, lunch, errands, smart dinners |
| Cargo shorts | Bomber jacket, crop top, plain shirt | Weekends, festivals, casual Fridays |
| Wrap top | Cargo pant, jeans, midi skirt, tailored trousers | Office, dinner, daytime weddings |
| Bomber jacket | Black jeans, tailored trousers, midi dress | Layering year-round, cooler evenings |
The Soni Palazzo Trousers is a good example: wide-legged, elasticated from 26 to 40 inches at the waist, with two side pockets. Wear it with a plain shirt and the print does all the talking. For more on this shape, read how to style Ankara wide-leg trousers.
Making separates work for formal occasions
A separate is only as formal as the pieces you pair it with. To take an Ankara bottom or top into a formal setting:
- Swap the jersey for a woven fabric. A cotton poplin shirt or a silk blouse reads more formal than a jersey tee.
- Add tailoring. A plain blazer or a structured jacket over a printed top or trouser instantly lifts the outfit.
- Choose a monochrome palette. Pair the print with black, navy, cream or white rather than other colours. This keeps the look sharp and intentional.
- Upgrade the footwear. Loafers, block heels or leather ankle boots are more formal than trainers or sandals.
- Keep accessories minimal. A structured bag and small metallic jewellery are enough.
For a wedding or a graduation, a printed wrap top with tailored trousers and a blazer is a credible alternative to a formal gown. For the office, a printed palazzo pant with a plain white shirt and loafers is smart enough for most dress codes.
Fit and body-shape considerations
Separates are more forgiving than a gown because you can choose different sizes for top and bottom. A few principles:
- Wide-leg trousers. Look for a high waist if you want to elongate the leg. Petite frames should check the inseam, a cropped wide-leg can be more flattering than a full-length pair that pools.
- Wrap tops. These suit most body shapes because the tie waist creates definition. If you are busty, look for a wrap with a higher neckline or a camisole underneath.
- Cargo shorts. A mid-thigh length is the most versatile; very short or very long cuts are harder to style.
- Bomber jackets. A slightly oversized fit layers well over knitwear; a fitted bomber works better over a dress or a slim top.
Watch out: mixing two different Ankara prints in one outfit is difficult to pull off. If you want to try it, keep one print large-scale and the other small-scale, and tie them together with a solid neutral in between.
Fabric and care for separates
Crepe drapes and travels well, which suits relaxed trousers and tops. Our crepe co-ord listings advise hand washing or gentle machine washing cold, no tumble drying, and ironing on low heat inside out to preserve the print.
Separates also solve the cost problem. A formal gown is one outfit. A good pair of printed trousers is ten.
How to Style Ankara Prints Without Looking Costume-y
The fear is real: bold print can tip into fancy dress if you over-accessorise. The fix is restraint.
- One print, one plain. Let the Ankara piece be the only pattern in the outfit.
- Neutral footwear. White trainers, black boots or simple sandals.
- Skip the matching headwrap unless the occasion calls for it.
- Keep jewellery small and metallic rather than beaded.
A common mistake is adding more African print to an already printed outfit. In practice, the strongest looks pair one Ankara piece with plain cotton, denim or linen.
Fit, Fabric and Body-Shape Considerations Before You Buy
Fit matters more than print. A beautifully cut plain outfit beats a badly fitting printed one every time.
Check three things before you buy:
- Fabric weight. Crepe drapes and travels well. Cotton Ankara holds structure but creases.
- Waist construction. Elasticated waists suit fluctuating sizes; fixed waistbands give a sharper line.
- Length. Wide-leg trousers need the right inseam or they pool at the ankle.
On sizing, be sceptical of brands that claim inclusivity without measurements. Our own pieces list UK sizes and chest measurements so you can check before ordering.
Follow the care label on each piece, and iron inside out to protect the print.
Shop the Relaxed Ankara Look at Afroleisurewear
The shift away from stiff formal Ankara is not about dressing down. It is about dressing for real life: the office, the school run, the weekend trip, the dinner that is not a wedding.
Afroleisurewear builds exactly that wardrobe: Ankara print co-ords, relaxed dresses and separates in size-inclusive, unisex cuts, with prices from £5 to £50 and free UK delivery on orders over £60. Limited-edition drops mean the print you love will not be everywhere.
Browse the hoodie dresses collection to start with the most relaxed shape of all, or explore the full range of co-ords and separates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I wear instead of a traditional formal Ankara outfit?
Swap the structured gown for separates that still carry the print. An Ankara co-ord set, a bomber jacket over plain trousers, or a relaxed maxi dress gives you the same cultural statement with far more comfort. The Afroleisurewear Unisex Ankara Crepe Co-Ord Set at £29.99 is a good starting point because it is sold as a matching jacket and wide-leg trouser set.
How can I style Ankara prints for everyday wear?
Keep the rest of the outfit quiet. Pair one printed piece with neutral basics such as a white shirt, black jeans or plain trainers, and let the Ankara fabric do the talking. The Wrap Top and Cargo Trousers Set at £25.00 has a subtle classic print and a loose fit, and its listing suggests it as office wear when you want to be informal but not overly bright.
Can Ankara clothing be comfortable and suitable for casual occasions?
Yes, when the fabric and cut allow it. The Unisex Ankara Crepe Co-Ord Set's listing describes its crepe as lightweight and breathable. Look for elasticated waists, relaxed legs and generous cuts. The Statement Hooded Ankara Maxi Dress at £39.99 is lined for comfort and has a very generous fit, which makes it easy to wear for shopping days or lunch rather than just events.
Can Ankara co-ords be worn separately?
They can, and that is where the value sits. A printed jacket works over a plain tee and jeans, while the trousers pair with a neutral top for work. The Unisex Ankara Crepe Jogger Co-Ord Set at £29.99 includes a matching bomber jacket and tapered jogger trousers, so you can wear them together for a coordinated look or mix them with other pieces.
What should I look for when choosing an Ankara dress for everyday wear?
Check three things: the fabric, the fit and the print scale. Cotton or crepe keeps you comfortable, a generous cut stops the dress feeling restrictive, and a smaller or more subtle print is easier to repeat through the week. Also confirm the care instructions, such as washing inside out and avoiding tumble drying.
Ready to wear your heritage without the formality? Get started with Afroleisurewear and build a wardrobe of Ankara pieces you will actually reach for on a Tuesday morning.
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