I remember the first time I received an official invitation to an Asoebi party in Nigeria. The celebrant informed me about the sale of fabrics, and I found it funny because I thought I could wear anything I wished for the occasion. I didn’t buy the fabric, but to my great surprise, when I arrived at the venue that day, everything was colorful. I blamed myself for looking “odd” among the other ladies as I greatly admired their sparkling and matching outfits.
Don’t be like me; when you receive an invitation to a wedding in Nigeria, make sure to find out the party dress code. In some instances, it might not be about wearing a uniform; it may also involve specific colors and styles of outfits. You can’t take the party away from Nigerians because it’s a great way for them to enjoy themselves, meet new friends, and relax after the week’s stress, especially if the party is on the weekend. Many events, such as wedding parties, birthday parties, naming ceremonies, housewarming parties, child dedications, festivals, and others, often require a special dress code. Both the ladies and the men may have their own specific dress codes for an occasion.
Things You Should Know about Party Dress Codes in Nigeria
1. Color
Before any celebrant starts thinking about the outfits they want their guests to wear, they must have chosen a particular color. Most of the time, the color scheme will include two shades, and in rare cases, just one. The color of the guests may be different from that of the celebrants to make them appear unique and easy to recognize. If you weren’t given a fabric for the occasion or the colors of the day were not mentioned in the invitation card, inquire with the celebrants if there is any recommended color.
2. Style
At times, the celebrant may want their guests to appear in a particular style, while others may provide the colors of the day or the fabric and allow you to choose your preferred style. For instance, for the ladies, the celebrant may want them to appear in either a skirt and blouse outfit or a gown. If the celebrant wants to go the extra mile, they may decide to wear either a long or short dress. I have also seen instances where the celebrant sends a picture of a particular outfit style to all her Asoebi ladies. For guys, at traditional events in Nigeria, they may be expected to wear a senator or Agbada style, as the case may be.
3. Choice of Accessories
When you value uniformity, you will ensure that everything about your occasion appears in a particular order. Fashion accessories for men at a Nigerian event that could be considered include hats, walking sticks, beads, sunglasses, or even shoes. The celebrant may want his male guests to appear in selected accessories and colors. In the case of females, shoes, gele, handbags, and jewelry could be considered. In this case, a particular style may be chosen.
4. Tribe
Nigerians value their cultural heritage. This heritage is reflected in various aspects of their lives. Most especially, if you want to attend a traditional ceremony in any part of Nigeria, rest assured that traditional outfits will dominate the occasion.
Here are some occasions in Nigeria and Dress Codes to Expect
Traditional Wedding
In this ceremony, rest assured that traditional outfits will dominate. This is where you will see the popular “asoebi,” which are the matching outfits worn by the bride and groom’s friends and families. These special outfits could be made with fabrics such as lace, Ankara, Asooke, or George. For the ladies, they can sew Iro and Buba, skirt and blouse lace, or gowns. The men can dress up in Agbada or Senator style. You will see various accessories such as gele for women, beads, caps, hats, etc.
White Wedding
During Nigerian white wedding ceremonies, expect a mixture of modern and traditional outfits. The ladies can choose to sew their clothes with fabrics such as lace, sequins, chiffon, velvet, and others. They can also wear other English ready-made outfits. The men can choose to dress in their native attire or look sharp in corporate outfits like tuxedos, suits, or any outfit of their choice.
Festivals
In some popular festivals in Nigeria, the dress code primarily reflects the traditional attire of the specific tribe. For instance, at popular Yoruba traditional festivals, you will see outfits like Iro and Buba made with Aso Oke fabrics, Agbada for men made with Aso Oke or other fabrics, Gele and caps made with native fabrics, various types of local beads, and other accessories.
Birthday Parties
Birthday parties in Nigeria feature a mix of casual and sophisticated outfits. You will see midi dresses, mini dresses, and other suitable attire for such events.
One of the factors that determines the party dress code is the type of event. A traditional marriage ceremony will require a different dress code than a white wedding or a birthday party.
The season or weather conditions may equally influence the celebrants’ choices, especially when it comes to style.
What if there is no specific party dress code?
In some cases, the celebrant may choose to keep things open and allow the guests to go with their preferences. As a guest, you should know that it’s time for you to use your initiative. The absence of a specific style or color doesn’t mean you should look out of place. Consider the type of occasion and check if it is an outdoor or indoor party, as this will also influence your choice. You may not want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself; therefore, consider your body type and choose an outfit that will earn you the respect you desire. If you know there will be dancing and lively activities, choose an outfit that will give you the freedom to express your dance moves.
Your budget for the party depends on several factors. If you need to buy the fabric or outfit, be aware that you will have to pay for the fabric and to take it to a fashion designer who can create exactly what you want. The cost of other accessories will depend on your choices.
The party dress code in Nigeria depends on the type of event. When there is no specific dress code, choose an outfit that you know will be appropriate for that kind of party. You don’t need to break the bank to look your best; instead, the right choice of color, fabric, style, and accessories is all you need.
Also See; 50 Native Styles for Ladies in Nigeria – Amazing Styles for every Occasion
Nigerian Male Fashion Styles; Cute Designs to Try
