In this part of the world, we have somewhat been conditioned to dress a certain type of way in formal gatherings or outings. Don’t you think so?
With this, people can only get creative with their workwear outfits to an extent, and we decided to focus on an aspect of that for our documentary column today.
Why don’t people readily wear Ankara pieces to work on a Monday morning? Is it a thing of the mind, or perhaps work culture? Here’s what 5 Nigerians think.
1. Oretoni Ibitoye
Oretoni Ibitoye works in the corporate sector, and here’s what she had to share,
“On a Monday morning, my favourite outfit to wear is a work dress with flat shoes or block heels, and the reason is that it’s a Monday and I never know the new client I’d meet and wearing a dress would make me more confident due to the nature of my job.”
Regarding wearing Ankara outfits to work on a Monday morning, here’s what she shared,
“I would actually consider wearing an Ankara outfit to work on Monday, because, in my opinion, the only thing that should restrict wearing Ankara to work on a weekday is the style of the outfit. My best Ankara outfit to wear to work on a Monday would be a straight skirt with layered ruffles at the side and I’d pair it with a chiffon or silk shirt and block heels.”
2. Bitto Viashima
Bitto Viashima is an Energy Economics enthusiast, and here’s what he had to share,
“On a Monday morning, I usually opt for corporate or casual corporate outfits because it makes one looks smart and it’s the conventional choice.”
So, would Bitto Viashima be keen on rocking Ankara outfits to work on a Monday?
“I would not consider wearing an Ankara outfit to work on Monday at all, because it’s not Monday work-smart, I suppose. Also, traditionally and conventionally, Ankara outfits are for weekends – that is, Fridays for work, Saturdays for owambes and Sundays for church. However, if I had to rock an Ankara piece to work on a Monday, I suppose it would be a kaftan-styled Ankara.”
3. Bamise Oyetayo
Bamise Oyetayo, an avid androgynous fashionista, had this to share,
“Personally, on Monday mornings, I just wear outfits that say ’Monday’ in my own way – that is a goal-getter look because I’m not the typical skirt and jacket type of person.”
Regarding wearing Ankara outfits to work on a Monday, check out what Bamise Oyetayo had to say,
“To be honest, my mind has actually been conditioned to wearing Ankara pieces on weekends alone, so I wouldn’t wear an Ankara piece on a Monday morning. But if I was to wear one though, it would definitely be an Ankara jacket with a pair of pants or skirt to match.”
4. Akinbosola Ogunsanya
Akinbosola Ogunsanya is a talk show host, as well as a self-employed writer. Here’s what he shared,
“Depending on my mood, I dress anyhow I feel on a Monday morning. Kaftan at times, or just jeans. But I can totally wear an Ankara outfit to work on a Monday morning, mostly because I like it and I’m comfortable with it.”
So, what would be his go-to option if he had to rock an Ankara piece on a Monday morning?
“Personally, if I were to choose, it would be either an Ankara kaftan or Ankara pants and a simple T-shirt.”
5. Dare Oderinde
Dare Oderinde is a biochemist, and here’s what he had to contribute to the topic,
“Typically, my favorite outfit to wear in the corporate sector would be a shirt and a pair of trousers, paired with formal shoes. However, I would totally consider rocking Ankara outfits to work on a Monday morning because I love traditional attires. And if I was to rock a traditional outfit on a Monday morning, it would be the complete thing – buba, sokoto and a pair of shoes.”
From the responses above, most people are not averse to rocking Ankara or traditional pieces to work on a Monday morning, so far it looks good, while some are. We think that apart from Fridays where it’s conventional to rock traditional pieces to work, people can also infuse corporate Ankara styles in their wardrobe for a unique look.
So, would you rock an Ankara piece to work on a Monday morning, or you’re cool with the conventional corporate style? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.
