As we honestly move through every cliche for this time of year (and whole heartedy question how it’s already November?!) we are finding ourselves more and more excited for the holiday season with each passing day. This year, we want to introduce some of our favorite African Print pieces that can be perfect for the Holidays. With vibrant reds, greens, and yellows, these pieces definitely work for a fun and unique holiday look. Whether you’re sending out Christmas cards, looking for the perfect outfit to wear to a Holiday party, or simply want something to be cozy in, we’ve got you covered! Check out our favorite African Print Holiday Outfit Ideas for 2022.
For an Event or Gathering
African print apparel is known for its vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns, and these 4 dresses are no exception. With each one boasting vibrant reds or greens, they are certainly festive, but not exclusive to the holidays. (which makes us love them all the more!) And as with all Elisamama pieces, they are all created and stitched by hand by the talented and seasoned seamstresses in Nigeria, who are valued members of the Elisamama team.
Pair these four dresses with a few of the staple pieces from this blog post, and you have the makings of a stunning holiday outfit for any occasion.
Green Olive - Jacket Dress
This dress is so incredibly versatile and is the perfect statement print for the next holiday part or event. Dress it up with tights, or draped over a black top and wide leg jeans, you can’t go wrong.
Semi Dress - Blue Horse
This stunning red dress features a jewel neckline, short puff sleeves, and a smocked bodice. It doesn't end there, it also has pockets!
Peter Pan Collar African Print Dress
We love the red with pops of green and yellow for a holiday event; a playful nod to the traditional red and green Christmas palette. The Peter Pan collar dress is comfortable, versatile, and of course includes pockets.
Adult Jacket Dress - Red Burst
Button it up to wear as a dress, or layer it over a dress, skirt or pants – our Jacket Dress is incredibly versatile. Oh, and did we mention it has pockets?
For Getting Cozy
Holiday pajamas can not only become a cherished holiday tradition, but their coziness also adds a layer of joy that can’t be matched. Our friends at Ade + Ayo recently released three new and exclusive African print holiday pajama sets and onesies, and they are a must-have for the holidays. Aside from being adorable, the prints are also packed with deeper meaning tied to the founder, Temidayo’s, Nigerian heritage.
About the Prints, from Ade + Ayo's founder, Temidayo Adedokun:
Atarodo Bògò
"Our Bògò collection was inspired by bògòlanfini (meaning "mud cloth" in the Bambara language), a handmade Malian cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud. Bògòlanfini holds and important place in traditional Malian culture - it is worn by hunters as camouflage, protection and as a badge of status. Women are wrapped in the fabric after they enter adulthood and right after giving birth. Patterns in bògòlanfini fabrics have various cultural meanings, depicting mythological concepts, proverbs and historical events. We’ve named this design “Bògò” which means “earth" or "mud" in Bambara. This Atarodo Bògò is a festive re-coloring of our original best-selling print. We've named this bright red re-coloring Atarodo, which is the Yoruba word for scotch bonnet pepper."
Ibukun
"Our Ibukun collection was inspired by aso oke, a hand-woven cloth created and worn by the Yoruba people of West Africa. Its origins date back to the 15th century and it is typically worn for special occasions, including holidays, weddings, funerals and chieftain title ceremonies. Traditionally, aso oke fabrics featured motifs that originated from fables and folklore. We’ve named this design “Ibukun” which means “blessings" in Yoruba."
Playful Masks
"Our Playful Masks collection was inspired by the various traditions of ritual and ceremonial masks in sub-Saharan African. This print design is a playful take on the masks that have long served an important role in traditional African cultures. Masks have been worn to represent ancestors or figures in traditional mythology, to ensure good harvests and call for peace, or to symbolize totem animals."
Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, we hope more than anything that it's with the people you love the most! If you do wear African Prints with your holiday outfit, please be sure to tag us on Instagram! (@elisamamaofficial) We'd love to see how you style these prints and colors. As always, thanks for reading, and happy holidays to you!