It’s Okay To Choose Comfort Over Conventional Fashion Standards. See How Michael Onifade Does It

Your fashion style is unique and you should be comfortable and confident in it. Our column, In My Closet, focuses on the unique fashion and lifestyle choices of Nigerians!

How far can you take your comfort? If you are one person who prioritises your comfort in your everyday look, you are not alone, there’s Michael too.

Michael Onifade is a dancer and a quality control Auditor for Promasidor Nigeria. He has a very interesting fashion style and when we had a short chat with him, he confidently stated:

“I’m not much of the tux, shirt or tie guy. I basically wear jeans, tees and sneakers and I feel at peace in them. The sneakers are the most important for me. I like it when people pass and look at what I’m wearing. Like that’s right! Look at my shoes, they’re just what I wanted you to see.”

Micheal Onifade

What dictates your style. What inspired or inspires your love for tees and sneakers?

I choose to dress this way because I just don’t like stress. All those suits and ties just stress me out. Plus, I dance and do music a lot. I guess I just flow with that, in case you want to know, I love Lecrae Moore.

My typical look is a white tee, ripped jeans (my dad hates those), a pair of Nike Air Jordan 7 and a jacket (if I’m feeling generous).

Cool. How did you discover this style? You definitely didn’t dress like that as a child.

The funny thing is I did. My earliest memories included me wearing what I just described to a friend’s house 5 minutes away, on multiple occasions.

So, it is safe to say your parents helped you discover your style ( we’ll have to overlook the ripped jeans, of course). What do you aim for when getting dressed?

Zero stress, and an ego boost from compliments and silent shy gazes. Comfort too so I make sure the weather is right for a jacket or not.

I have once paired a wool native with white sneakers. Everyone screamed but it was dope for me. Those guys thought I was weird and I liked the idea.

They probably screamed because you looked too good to be true. Weird is the new cool. Tell them! What’s your most expensive outfit?

A pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 I got for 25k.

Sneakers everywhere we turn! How would you manipulate any of your clothes to look more stylish?

Lace-up my jacket with dollar bills.

How often do you shop for clothes or sneakers?

I do more sneakers really but I stopped during the lockdown period. I’m back now, I got 2 sneakers in January and I am already thinking of how to get more.

Do you have a fashion pet peeve? If yes, care to share?

I detest shoes without laces, suit and native (I currently have no native wear).

What fashion item are you hoping to buy next? Sneakers?

Yep! And jackets too. I’ll pick sneakers over jackets though except they’re not Nikes.

Who is your fashion icon?

Cyrus Glitch Spencer, he’s a dancer.

Still wondering how far you can take comfort over conventional standards? I guess the answer is as far as you reasonably can. 

Fashion style and preferences may evolve but it is important to have fun in your style journey and embrace positivity every step of the way!