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  • Writer's pictureAng'ienda James.

Easy glamour in the heatwave: Floral vs Paisley prints.


The Nairobi heatwave is slowly showing its face; this gives us plenty of time to figure out some of the best outfits before the harsh September weather sets in. Instead of going through all the last minute wardrobe transformation rush take a better approach on your wardrobe by embracing the "in-between."


While the classic ankaras, bomber jackets and denim jackets have earned their well-worn place in the Nairobi heatwave "hall of fame," this season the most masterful among us are reaching for a better way to get that easy glamour going with various combinations.


Can I Wear Paisley & floral prints?

Just like every article of clothing, paisley and floral are no different. Most men prefer having the prints on their ties, shirts and socks but this is not enough you need to find other outfit combinations that compliments your look. Even though these prints suit most people, there are definitely shades and colors that work for different people. For this post I paired up the prints with pink dress pants (what says Nairobi heat than a well-tailored dress pant) and white converse.


How to Wear Paisley Prints.

Paisley is one of the prints people usually take for granted. Paisley for men is usually a tricky print but you shouldn’t be scared of anything. The paisley print has several outfit combinations, you can never go wrong with this print, from paisley dress shirts, paisley print jackets, dress pants, scarfs and even paisley print ties. Paired with whatever wardrobe combination that makes you feel the most “you,” paisley can bring out that desired heatwave look you so desire.


How to wear floral prints.

Floral prints give a vibe that’s a playful and trendy at the same time, a look that says “Yeah, I’ve got you in this Nairobi heat.” To illustrate the point, I tapped 3 inimitable individuals:


- Closet stylist Emmanuel,


- Stylist from the previous bio feature Rachael Ruel


- and Fashion Enthusiast Maria Ukpere.

They were all layered in a mix of personality-driven separates and key outerwear from their own wardrobes, these modern masters demonstrate exactly how powerful it can be to embrace the moment in these prints via courage and clothes.

Paisley print jacket.

Paisley as a print that has spanned the ages can give you a vintage or spring look depending on what you prefer. Here are a couple of key lessons to keep in mind when trying out the look:


1. Wearing a pink paisley print jacket is best matched with pink or white dress pants. This will serve as the perfect anchor for a casual-cool ensemble.

2. To add some flair, try it on as one full outfit, pairing a sheer, paisley-printed jacket with an airy pair of colorful paisley paint. (sounds crazy but it actually works out)

3. For ladies, when worn on something like a sharp shift dress, the paisley jacket gives off a sophisticated vibe.

As you can see, this is one surprisingly versatile print, giving you plenty of room to go from the vintage '70s edge to '50s refinement to a mixed-and-matched look that's truly of-the-moment considering this Nairobi heat.

Paisley print tie.

This is the most common tie preferred by men. Well if you’ve been storing one for a special occasion then this is your time to shine. Depending on the shade of the tie it is best paired with a shirt of similar color.


If there is one thing that's not taking a break from showing in this Nairobi heat this September is the floral and paisley designs. It's now time for experimentation. There's one quote I really loved from Hernandez, a fashion designer featured on VOGUE "You don't have to be stationary or locked into a certain way of doing things; you can be a lot more fluid and a lot more free with how you explore ideas,"

Always step out of your comfort zone ready to try out something new this season, make style work for you.


And to all my dope stylists @iam_emmanuel, @thatunrulynigerian, @rachael_ruel and main man @nas.ibi behind the camera, thanks for having been extremely supportive through this whole post I wouldn't have done it without ya'll.

FLORAL x PAISLEY look book


floral shirts.


floral dress




floral shirt


Floral x Paisley

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