Now more than ever, young adults everywhere are 100 times hyper-conscious about how they look and what they wear—think social media—and OOTDs (Outfit Of The Day), Fit Pics (Outfit Pictures), and GRWMs (Get Ready With Me) are now widely consumed content every day.

To be honest, quite a number of fashion ideas emerge from this content. For one, I have found inspiration for Outfits of the Day through content like this. Now, let’s turn our sights on everyday fashion staples that define young Nigerians’ style, not excluding students, the everyday ‘young john’, ‘big sister’ Titi (because heaven forbid someone calls us aunty) and essentially every young adult from all walks of life.

So, what are Fashion Items/Essentials?

Fashion items are products that shape a person’s appearance, style, or outfit, whether for daily wear or seasonal trends. These include clothing, footwear, accessories, and other wearable pieces that allow individuals to express themselves or refine their look.

Fashion choices vary widely based on cultural influences, such as street style, local environments, and workplaces, alongside global trends and personal preferences.

In Nigeria, fashion often merges traditional and contemporary styles, reflecting the country’s dynamic fashion landscape.

With Gen Z fully embracing the baddie era, staying ahead of everyday trends requires more than just keeping up. The following fashion essentials are non-negotiable:

Denim/Jeans

Jeans are a young adult fashion must-have, and they pair with virtually every shirt you can find in your wardrobe, as long as you know how to style them. But finding the right pair makes all the difference.

Whether it’s a well-fitted classic, baggy jeans (aka the ‘presidents’ of all jeans ever made), high-waisted, skinny jeans, wide-leg denim, or straight cuts, each style brings its vibe and adds flexibility to your outfits.

And let’s not forget the golden rule: “If your head can’t fit in one leg of your jeans, are you even Gen Z?” ( I didn’t make that up, but someone said it, you get the flow…)

Dark wash jeans offer a sleek, polished look that pairs effortlessly with a blazer for a dressed-up ensemble or a simple shirt for a casual vibe.

T-Shirts

Graphic t-shirts and plain white tees are a go-to in many wardrobes due to their versatility and affordability. They cater to all age groups and genders, making them an excellent daily essential.

Customisable designs, such as quotes, cultural symbols, or pop culture references, add a personal touch that attracts buyers. T-shirts are especially popular among youths who use them to express identity and style, whether to make a statement, meet like-minded people or just because they find it cool.

Bubus/ Ankara tops or bottoms/ Two pieces

Ahhh… the high life fashion. Someone recently told me, “You see small me like this? Even if I don’t have money, when I wear my bubu on Sunday or to an event, you’ll have to call me aunty—or at least greet me with all my ‘rich aunty’ vibes.” (I laugh in Spanish.)

Bubus are essential for Sunday outings, church, Saturday weddings, and even the office tradition of wearing Ankara or traditional attire once a week.

A Bubu is typically a loose, ankle-length dress with flowing sleeves, versatile enough to be dressed up or down depending on the wearer and the fabric choice. Plus, it’s extremely customizable!

I’ll admit, I used to hate anything Ankara or made from colourful, patterned fabrics. My mom had me wearing them everywhere as a child—always in a skirt and blouse, always a big skirt (always saying: “You’ll grow into it”—spoiler alert: I did not). So when I finally got the freedom to choose my clothes, I cut them out completely, to the point where it became a problem. I hated them that badly.

But now? With good tailors, cute, comfortable styles and my own choices, I wear Ankara almost every week!

And let’s talk about two-pieces—are you even trending if you don’t own one?! Like, seriously, two-piece is a must-have!

Not only is it effortlessly stylish, but it also matches with other pieces to create 2–4 more outfits.

Many young ladies cannot go a day without a two-piece, paired with heels, cute slippers (and no, I don’t mean bathroom slippers), and shades—a personal favourite, might I add. Because when I step out, I look like I come from old money.

Handbags, Backpacks

Bags and backpacks are essential accessories for students, professionals and travellers.
Handbags are more than just accessories; young ladies can testify to this. There’s an undeniable feeling of incompleteness without a bag, whether it’s slung across the shoulder, carried as a hand purse or strapped on the shoulder. Beyond aesthetics, handbags are essential for style and functionality.

A structured tote is perfect for work, a chic crossbody makes errands effortless, and a statement clutch adds a touch of sophistication to special occasions. The right bag not only complements different outfits but also keeps essentials organised.

Accessories

The right accessories have the power to elevate any outfit instantly. A classic wristwatch, elegant earrings and statement sunglasses add a touch of sophistication, while a silk scarf, delicate gold jewellery, and a structured belt bring versatility and polish. Investing in quality pieces ensures they effortlessly complement different looks.

Today, almost every young adult, including working professionals and students, incorporates hand rings, jewellery, bracelets, multiple earrings, hair clips, and even dainty anklet chains into their style.

P.s. Your nails count as accessories too! They’re aesthetically pleasing, boost confidence and deserve proper care. Make sure to keep them clean and looking fresh.

Scarves and Caps

Is it just me, or does every chic outfit these days seem to feature a scarf? And no, I’m not talking about the woolly or cashmere styles summer scarves—I mean summer scarves! They are lightweight and effortlessly stylish, and come in silk, satin or cotton.

Adding a glamorous edge to your looks in ways no other accessory could, the summer-scarf trend is one I’m seeing more and more as classic style continues to dominate the fashion scene. It is like a major upgrade! Folding a small square scarf into a neat triangle and securing it around your hair, just like the movie stars in old black and white movies. The trend also works beautifully when paired with more casual looks like jeans and a tank top or tee.

Let’s not forget caps and beanies, both of which add unique flair to any outfit.

Shades/ Sunglasses

Sunglasses need no introduction. Our beloved Country is already showing patriots enough shege to make them an absolute necessity.

Sunglasses are everyday life savers, whether to shield your eyes from the glaring afternoon sun or serve as the perfect disguise when you spot someone you’d rather avoid: you know, aunty Nkechi and uncle Chikodi, who can’t resist interrogating you ‘Have you graduated from school? You’re now a big boy o’, among other annoying questions.

Since we can’t exactly shout ‘leave me alone’, our shades do the talking. That aside, shades are timeless pieces that can’t go wrong, however you style them, whether that is in face hanging from the front of your T-shirt or perched stylishly on your hair.

Besides, rocking shades is a big-girl move. You look cute, exude confidence and carry that ‘I’ve got it covered’ aura.

Footwear Essentials

Your shoe game matters, no cap! Here are the basics for everyday:

• White Sneakers: Once considered a ‘boy thing’, they’ve now become a fashion statement and easily one of the most comfortable footwear innovations to date. Sneakers are the ultimate OOTD staple, that pair effortlessly with almost any outfit while delivering that clean, fresh vibe.
• Slides/Slippers: For casual movement or running errands. And if you pick the right style, they can even work for formal events.
• Formal Shoes: One of the most important essentials in any wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a solid pair. Having the right formal shoes is a must, whether it’s for official events, presentations or church.
  • Ladies: Black pumps or heels
  • Guys: Black or brown leather shoes
• Casual Sandals: This pair effortlessly with dresses or jeans, making them perfect for a date, a casual hangout with friends, that long-awaited trip, or even your neighbour’s party (just don’t outshine the celebrant—decorum!). They offer breathability and comfort, especially on those hot beach afternoons.

Bonus

Ladies, a pair of simple, strappy heels is a must-have for Owambe and parties. Make sure you stock up on enough and WEAR them. Don’t go around without one. It isn’t demure!

• Quality boxers/panties
• Singlets (for guys) and camisoles (for ladies)
• Bralettes and good bras for ladies
• Socks (white and black at least)

Finally, let’s not forget two ultimate essentials: your hair and your smell. Whether you rock a wig, braided, low cut, threaded style or go bald, looking neat and smelling fresh is key.

Nothing ruins a peng, cute look faster than hair that gives off ‘life-draining spells’ when you pass by or hug someone. So, as y’all keep up with the fashion of our era, stay neat, well-groomed and smell amazing, because clean vibes are always in style.