Have you ever wanted to set your whole closet on fire?

To just light a match and watch everything catch and burn because what’s the point of having clothes that don’t fit the vibe you want?

You might as well go naked.

Apart from public nudity being a crime, it’s also very razz, so, chill on that, dear.

The sentiment is valid, anyway.

Now, and perhaps, more than ever, young Nigerians are hyper-conscious about how they look and what they wear – thank you, social media – and OOTDs (Outfit Of The Day), Fit Pics (Outfit Pictures), and GRWMs (Get Ready With Mes) are widely consumed kinds of content.

You might not be the next Denola Grey or Ebuka but at the very least don’t be completely clueless, please.

This is why we, your guardian angels, are here to guide you towards the path of fashion enlightenment, and away from embarrassment.

Our list includes some basics – for newbies – and some extras – because what are Nigerians without the extra?

You can start giving away your old clothes now, dear.

Forward ever backward never.

Let’s get into it!

Baggy Jeans

Photo Credit (Empress Aesthetics on Pinterest)

There’s a saying that goes, “If your head cannot fit in one leg of your jeans, are you really Gen Z?”

We just made that up, but you get the gist.

This closet staple is a nod to the popular early 1990s to mid-2000s trend, which recently resurfaced in Nigerian Alternative – Alte – fashion.

They are low-effort and a bit slouchy, but that’s the appeal. Because of this, they immediately make most outfits look cooler, lending an air of “I don’t really care” with just a whiff of  “I’m also cooler than you” that’s otherwise hard to achieve.

An added benefit to this trend is that most thrift stores have them because they are a resurgence.

So, if you don’t want to raid your dad’s closet, you can check out Kanre’s Style or Thrift with Gabriel.

Bubus – a.k.a., the Rich Aunty dress

Photo Credit (@dye_lab on Instagram)

If you haven’t heard of bubus, the name might remind you of our former president, and while there might be no love lost there, Nigerian babes certainly love a good bubu.

A bubu is typically a loose, ankle-length dress with free-flowing sleeves that can be dressed up or down depending on the wearer and the materials used.

The shape is vaguely like a Yoruba man’s agbada, but doesn’t require a kaftan underneath.

Bubus are popular probably because they are easy and versatile. You can wear one to the market or a wedding, it really depends on you.

We dare you to google a few styles and not fall in love.

They are extremely customisable, so, get your fabric – maybe from Bolakoka, or Faa Collections – and your local tailor can whip one up for you in no time. As long as you press his neck sha.

If you’re feeling like splurging, Dye Lab makes some pretty mouthwatering bubus too.

See how you’re spoilt for choice. Gosh.

Basic Bag

Photo Credit (@shopfrugalco on Instagram)

Bags are essential to Gen Z Nigerian outfits. How else would they carry all that audacity?

So, a young Nigerian’s wardrobe is incomplete without at least one versatile bag.

It could be a tote, a satchel, a purse, a handbag, a backpack, or even a demure clutch, as long as you have something to hold and maybe put a few things in (because sometimes, the bag only serves aesthetic purposes), you’re good.

Check out thrift stores – like the ones we have in the index below – or stores like Shop Frugal and Dymphna Collections to bag a few.

Get it?

Funky Footwear

Photo Credit (@theshoeblocc on Instagram)

We know that “funky” and “feet” together may evoke some not-so-pleasant imagery, but hear us out.

An easy way to let people know you know a thing or two about fashion is to get some interesting footwear.

You could be in a plain tee and basic blue jeans, but once you slap on a pair of really cool shoes?

You might as well be a model.

It can be hand-painted mules and loafers from The Shoe Blocc, ultra-minimalist slides from Kkerele, or fun boots from Ellen Nigeria, as long as they draw the eye and elevate the outfit.

Shades

Photo Credit (@wiremyshades on Instagram)

Nigeria is already showing us shege, do you also want the sun to blind us too?

Because of our weather, sunglasses are more than just a fashion item, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of our circumstances.

Just like baggy jeans, shades bring an IDGAF vibe to the function that many love.

So, whether it’s a classic pair of Ray-Ban style sunglasses, more “Bayonetta” coded frames (think old-school reading glasses), oversized shades, and more, protecting your eyes from the sun can be a truly fashionable endeavour, if you want it to be.

Check out your local markets for affordable pickings, or mosey on over to Wire My Shades, or Shades By Kode for a bit more of the good stuff.

Maybe if the sun isn’t shining directly into your eyes, you’ll finally be able to see the love of your life.

Co-ords

Photo Credit (@a.y.i.k.a on Instagram)

Nigerian traditional attire is mostly complimentary sets, and true to our roots, many young Nigerians love a good matching look.

It’s easy, and you don’t need to think too much about it.

Just like bubus, they can be made with almost any material, in any colour and in a stunning array of styles

This is perfect if you struggle to pair clothes or your friends have screamed “Color riot” at you one too many times.

So sorry, dear.

Get fabric and arrive at your tailor’s, or choose from one of AYIKA’s many options.

Simple Jewellery

Photo Credit (@jojojjewelery on Instagram)

To the young and fashionable (in Nigeria), clothes are the cake, but your accessories are the icing.

From decked out and stacked up, to minimal, everyday pieces, Nigerian Gen Z love embellishments, and for good reason too.

They’re a way to show off your personality, and they add a sheen of intentionality to your outfit, like you’re putting your best foot forward, even if it’s just a silver Cuban and a matching ring or earring.

Start off your jewellery era with some pieces from The Black Sheep Company, or Curioclass, and there’s more where that came from in our index below.

Don’t you think it’s time to look like more than your account balance?

Piercings

Photo Credit (@piercings_by_tife on Instagram)

Despite the strong chance of Nigerian parents keeling over from heart attacks at the sight of them, the youngins are determined to express themselves how they like.

Meaning: They love a good piercing.

They might not be for everyone, but, they definitely bump your cool factor up to the highest setting.

There are so many parts to get pierced, the most common being earlobes, but it’s not uncommon now to see a pierced tragus, frenulum or navel.

The oldies hate them, so naturally, the youngins love them.

Just make sure you’re going to a trained piercer and keep up with aftercare, otherwise, you can get infected.

We said do fashion, not go and die.

Ehen! All that’s left is for you to actually buy the things and get to stunting.

We’ve teased you in the article, so here is The Fashion-Forward Index.

It’s only fair.

Filled with thrift stores, local designers, fashion influencers, and more, you better bookmark this article and strategize your rebrand.

But be careful, for with great power comes great responsibility.

The Fashion-Forward Index

Now that you’re truly at the forefront of all things Nigerian Gen Z fashion, what do you think you’re going to be getting from this list? or do you have some of the pieces already?

Oh, and what’s one Nigerian fashion trend you want to see buried?

Tell us in the comments jare.