Looks and Books: What to Wear while Reading

 

By Ayomipo Akorede 

Fashion and fiction are more alike than they seem. Both help us tell stories about who we are, what we’re feeling, and sometimes, who we wish to become. Truth is style is no longer just about trends. It’s about vibes. And books? They’ve always been about vibes. So why not pair your next page-turner with a look that matches its mood? Whether you’re diving into an emotional drama, walking through an Afrofuturistic future, or sipping zobo while flipping through stylish African thrillers, there’s a perfect outfit to go with it.

This is where African novels, literary fashion trends, and style inspirations meet to help you look like a runway model and read like a well-fed intellectual. From floaty chiffon to sharp tailoring, we’ve matched top African fiction with fashion-forward outfits for the full “I-read-and-I-slay” experience. Oya, leggo!

Flowing chiffon kaftan and ankara headwrap 

With an outfit like this, get set for a soft vibe that gives you deep introspection into something tender, something honest. "Butter Honey Pig Bread" by Francesca Ekwuyasi is a sensory feast touching on grief, queerness, sisterhood, and healing with Nigerian food woven throughout like a second language. As you drift through its slow, soulful storytelling, a soft chiffon kaftan becomes your reading uniform. Add a bright Ankara headwrap to ground you in culture and comfort. Go barefoot, sip something warm, and let yourself feel. This is the ultimate book and fashion pairing for introspective readers.

Pleated skirts, oxfords, oversized blazers

If you’re in your “questioning everything” era except your sexuality, this one’s for you. "We Need New Names" by Bulawayo follows Darling from Zimbabwe to America, a young girl navigating displacement and disillusionment. This coming-of-age story pairs best with the dark academia fashion trend: layered neutrals, vintage satchels, and a touch of intellectual drama. Wear a pleated skirt and oversized blazer, sip black coffee, and quote obscure philosophers—you know, for the aesthetic.

Futuristic prints,braids, bold accessories 

For the Afrofuturist in you, "Rosewater" by Tade Thompson delivers a mind-bending ride through an alien-infested, tech-savvy Nigeria. This calls for a look that breaks the rules—metallic fabrics, silver cuffs, intricate braids, and unapologetically bold accessories. To feel like a cosmic rebel chic, think how sci-fi meets tradition. This is your go-to Afrofuturism fashion inspiration, perfect for readers who like their stories speculative and their outfits dramatic.

Ruffled dress, pastel nails, playful bag 

Dating in Lagos? It’s complicated and hilarious. Kuku’s "Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad" short stories capture the highs, lows, and sheer madness of love and relationships in the city. You’ll want a look that’s cute and clever. A flirty sundress, pastel nails, and a handbag that could hold both your lip gloss and your dignity. This is the ultimate romcom book and outfit combo for Nigerian babes who are tired, fine, and funny.

All-Black Everything, Leather Jacket, Red Lip = Stylish Suspense

Dark. Slick. Suspiciously stylish. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s  "My Sister, the Serial Killer" crime thriller is sharp, witty, and deeply Lagos in the best way. This story pairs best with all-black everything, a leather jacket that makes you feel like a suspect and a red lip that says “don’t try me.” Add sunglasses for that dramatic effect. This is for fans of crime fiction with African flair who like their books short, deadly, and fashionable.

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever dressed up just to read in a coffee shop or styled your outfit to match your book cover for the 'gram, this article is for you. Reading is no longer a quiet hobby tucked away with pyjamas and bad lighting. It’s now a full aesthetic. Whether you're channeling your inner literary babe, slaying book club with gele and gloss, or just trying to look like you “accidentally” read three novels a month, we see you and we support you.

So here’s the memo: reading African literature is hot. Styling it? Even hotter. From Lagos to Accra, Cape Town to Nairobi, your next great outfit might just be waiting between the pages. So grab a book, grab a mirror, and serve your own plot twist. Because in 2025, the real main character is the one who reads and slays.