Does Christmas in Lagos have a scent? Absolutely! It’s the aromatic allure of nostalgic spices wafting through the air. The dry harmattan breeze carries dust to the nostrils, mingling with the distinctive smell of fireworks (knockouts) after their resounding explosions. Then, there’s the timeless ritual of hunting for Christmas clothes—a sartorial upgrade that spares no one, young or old. While the stars may have dazzled all year long, the festivities demand a fresh aesthetic, ushering in a season of vibrant renewal. And with Lagos’ now-iconic serial movie premieres, the flamboyance reaches new heights, infusing the city with even more glamour and excitement.
Just as the peacock confidently unfurls its feathers, celebrities and influencers have lit up recent weeks with dazzling displays of bejeweled ensembles, voluminous silhouettes, intricate prints, and impeccably tailored designs. Their looks prove that intentionality and spontaneity can work harmoniously as allies to classic style. This week we were so spoiled for choice that we refused to limit ourselves, rounding up 12 looks that cover a rich range of casual to formal event outfit ideas.
This festive season, embody the essence of the holidays with nostalgic indulgences: think shimmering accessories, vintage-inspired touches, and an elevated spirit. Remember, true style radiates from within—everything else is simply an extension of it.
Check out the chic ways style stars are prepping for Christmas in Lagos in full finesse…
#1. Ini Edo
It’s raining movie premieres in Lagos and Ini Edo isn’t one to disappoint when a red carpet is expecting her arrival. For the Alakada: Bad and Boujee premiere, in which she co-stars, the superstar actress stepped out in a show-stopping, dedazzled tube gown. She styled the high-neck look with a matching gele that seemed to reach for the heavens and a pair of Giannico eve embellished sandals in red, completing the ensemble with silver and rhinestone-embellished accessories. The final result was a slay that can best be described as a modern Sisi Eko look.
#2. Toke Makinwa
The Waiter movie premiere was yet another opportunity for Toke Makinwa to shine. The media personality dazzled in a shimmering sheer dress by Matopeda, which was crafted with sparkling sheer fabric, flared sleeve hems, and a Peter Pan collar. Notably, the sultry frock revealed a dark playsuit underneath, adding a bold yet elegant touch. Makinwa styled her look with a flipped-up hairstyle, infusing a vintage edge into the contemporary ensemble. To top it off, her red nails contrasted beautifully against the darker tones, creating an utterly perfect finish.
#3. Prudent Gabriel Okopi
Red is undeniably the official color of the season. Although it’s an unspoken rule, incorporating a red dress into your wardrobe instantly channels festive vibes. Prudent Gabriel Okopi, a skilled fashionista, effortlessly embraced this sentiment in a stunning red form-fitting dress from her own brand.
The dress showcased intricate details, including a floral-adorned hem that resembled a rosette tree and a matching rosette accent on the chest and sleeves. Cutout shoulders, softened with delicate lace fabric, added a hint of allure while maintaining a sense of reserved elegance.
#4. Idia Aisien
It’s the season for movie premieres and holiday celebrations, and Nollywood fashionistas are seizing every opportunity to dazzle with consistent glamour and finesse. Idia Aisien turned heads at the Christmas In Lagos premiere, exuding opulence in an ostentatious Jag Clothings ensemble.
Her look was a captivating mix of a shimmering corset-style sheer dress paired with a voluminous baby pink outerwear. She elevated the outfit with a bejeweled puppy mini bag and a woven silver-toned necklace, adding a touch of whimsical elegance. The pink piece, with its dramatic sleeves and cape-like neckline, embodied a regal aesthetic befitting the festive occasion.
#5. Lola Ogunnaike
The perfect holiday party dress may seem elusive—until a sparkling midi dress enters the scene. Lola Ogunnaike made a dazzling impression at Darren Walker’s holiday party, donning a pleated Marc Jacobs midi dress adorned with a metallic shimmer cascading across the skirt. She completed the look with gold Louboutin pumps, adding a touch of luxury to the ensemble. The charm of this outfit lies in its simplicity and whimsical elegance. It’s the kind of dress that invites you to twirl with joy, whether at a wedding or any holiday-themed soirée.
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#6. Teniola Aladese
Aso-oke, but reimagined for Lagos high fashion. Actress Teniola Aladese embraced the theme at the Christmas in Lagos premiere with a stunning custom Emmy Kasbit ensemble that blended clashing prints to perfection. She layered a purple aso-oke coat over a sheer shirt, tucked seamlessly into deep pink midi pants adorned with captivating African prints.
The sleekness of the outfit lies in its impeccable tailoring, bold prints, vibrant color palette, and thoughtfully chosen accessories. It was a masterclass in merging traditional fabrics with contemporary design, capturing the essence of modern Lagos style.
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#7. Ini Dima Okojie
What about rocking a sophisticated black ensemble to a holiday wedding? Not your typical all-black look, but one elevated with sequins, structure, and a statement accessory to add flair. That’s exactly the vision Ini Dima Okojie brought to life. She dazzled in an off-shoulder structured top paired with a sequin maxi skirt featuring a daring high slit.
To complete the look, she added a striking statement necklace and bold red shoes for a pop of color. While black may seem like a safe choice, the interplay of textures created a rich, dynamic aesthetic that’s anything but basic.
#8. Temi Otedola
Channeling ethnic raffia-inspired details, Nigerian fashion brand Eki Kere reimagined their signature pom-pom top using shredded cotton. Temi Otedola styled the tasseled top with white sheer asymmetric bottoms, accessorizing with a gold Schiaparelli purse and matching button earrings.
This look, while minimalist, exuded a refined sophistication and effortless charm. It’s ideal for any midday-to-evening engagement this season. Depending on the occasion, you can elevate the ensemble with strappy heels or keep it relaxed with ballet flats.
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#9. Mimi Yina
Mimi Yina stole the spotlight at the premiere of Christmas in Lagos with a head-turning look that effortlessly blended sophistication and drama. She dazzled in a floor-length cape top that exuded regal elegance, paired with a feather-embellished pencil skirt that added a playful yet high-fashion touch. Completing the ensemble, Mimi carried a chic mini black purse and elevated her look with an extra-tall black fascinator that added a dash of boldness. Her sleek black Amina Muaddi pumps, known for their signature flair, provided the perfect finishing touch, making her a true vision of glamour on the red carpet.
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#10. Veronica Odeka
Lately, high necklines and cold shoulders have been making waves in fashion, and even as the temperatures drop, sheer fabrics remain highly coveted this season. Now, imagine combining all three elements into one dress, and adding a soft, simmering hue—that’s pure magic. Fashionista Veronica Odeka showed us how it’s done, wearing a creation from her brand, Vane Style. The dress featured tiered fabrics, patterned strategically, and finished with a sharp center slit. To complete this look, your shoe choice matters—strappy heels or any open-toe option will do the trick.
#11. Liquorose
Feisty is definitely on the menu this December, and what better way to serve it than with edgy leather? Media personality Roseline Afije, better known as Liquorose, nailed the look with a black leather bralette paired with a double-slit maxi skirt. This bold ensemble is the perfect choice for a sassy night out.
#12. Idia Aisien
The command of a stylish figure-accenting number is undeniable, especially when adorned with unique details. Idia Aisien perfectly blended chic and regal in a striking black and gold ensemble for the premiere of Thin Line. The dress flaunted a corset-style bodice with gold embellishments, a mini skirt, and shimmering frilled details that dominated the scene. She paired this with matching heeled sandals, a gold mini bag, and statement jewelry that added to the tempo.
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