Dress-up now seems like a dying pastime activity. 

Yet, it captivated kids born before the internet age. These kids, devoid of the internet, mobile devices, social media, and similar stimulants were able to explore their physical environment and dig out pleasure from it.

This goes without saying that dress-up has not fallen from the earth’s surface. Most people still indulge in dress-up, unknowingly, every single day. If you find it difficult picking an outfit for an occasion and have to jump into several outfits to arrive at a decision, do not blame your indecision. It is pleasing to know that your mind is playing dress-up, searching for the best fit and style for the occasion. 

Some may ask, “What is dress-up?” 

This is a physical exercise of swapping outfits on oneself, a model, or a mannequin, mostly for fun or exploration. Imagine if everyone played dress-up every day. Imagine what outfits could emerge and sweep away your favourite fashion trends. That is why we have put together pros and cons to help analyze the relationship dress-up has on African fashion and its future trends.

Think about it, dress-up can be a colourful lens to glimpse the future of African Fashion. It is a physical activity that produces rewards when the right outfits are discovered. This new blend of outfit and style comes into creation courtesy of one’s ingenuity and exploration. More than that, one’s self-confidence, problem-solving initiative, and health are improved in the process. And guess what? 

Dress-up is free. The more expanded one's wardrobe is, the more diverse and intriguing the outfits one can come up with. Fashion enthusiasts in Africa are encouraged to consciously practice dress-up to widen the range and variety of African Fashion. Through the introduction of an accessory that is often not styled together, a beautiful combination could suffice. Imagine a straight-shouldered man styling a coat on an Okpu Agu (an Igbo hat with red, black, and white stripes encircling its cone). This is a typical example of stretching the African fashion wardrobe and having a combination that speaks loads even before one’s identity is revealed. In recent times, such fashion trends have been exported abroad. 

As Africans, our fashion has been heavily influenced by our cultural heritage and traditions. As much as we do not give it a thought, our fashion is our identity, it is the lens through which people see us. As Africans, we ought to take pride in our colourful and densely diverse fashion catalogue. And then, we ought to take advantage of it. Dress-up is freedom, exploration, ingenuity, and should be encouraged. More than ever, we see fashion enthusiasts online try to style several outfits in a clip - Dress-up. Intentional dress-up culture is what should be encouraged and fostered in our ideal fashion ecosystem. Who knows what fashion trends could emerge and solidify Africa’s importance in the global fashion market?

As we consider the pros of dress-up, we should also acknowledge the realities of our fashion landscape and the variables that could be triggered or avoided to ensure that hope is kept burning through this insignificant past-time activity.

One of such variables is the strong ideals and sentiments the African society has over extreme fashion inclinations. Like extreme bodily piercings and tattoos, immodest and see-through outfits, crossdressing and gender-bending designs. There have been repeated physical assaults on crossdressers and fashion enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of fashion on the continent. In reality, and on the African continent, this is a thin line to thread, especially in countries that have publicly enacted laws regarding same-sexual encounters and a general threat to the thriving queer community. Does this stop us from playing dress-up and taking our discoveries into the world, no matter how weird and edgy they may seem? Maybe. Maybe not. But these aspirations would never be more real if they were not experimented on. 

Another variable is crime. There have been reported cases of males dressing up as females to lynch and rob unexpecting targets. We could argue that these are extreme cases, but this takes us through an unending cycle of corruption on the African continent. With very few opportunities to earn a modest living, people take to crafty ways to cause ill. When African fashion houses are properly positioned for global visibility, brands can confidently put out their edgy designs and not risk the safety of their customers. 

African fashion houses also have a trail-blazing role to play in shaping this narrative. Brands should lean towards creating a safe environment both online and offline where people feel empowered to experiment on their style without fear of judgment or harm.

Beyond safety concerns, it would also be safe to consider the quality of one’s dress-up activity. While dress-up is an inherently free activity, its creative potential can be stifled by limited wardrobes or access to diverse fashion accessories. 

This is where collaboration between fashion designers, enthusiasts, and communities comes in. Imagine fashion houses organizing pop-up events where individuals can swap outfits, experiment with accessories, and even co-create new designs. 

Moreover, the power of dress-up to shape the African fashion landscape is not just in creating new trends but in preserving and reimagining traditional ones. Africa's rich cultural heritage offers an endless array of fabrics, patterns, and motifs that remain underutilized. By consciously incorporating these elements into our dress-up activity, we can ensure that our traditions evolve alongside modern fashion, rather than being overshadowed by it.

Imagine for a second, a blend of kente fabric and denim for casual streetwear or accessorizing a classic agbada with contemporary sneakers. Such bold combinations challenge stereotypes about African fashion, showcasing its versatility and global appeal. These innovations not only redefine how African fashion is perceived locally but also set the stage for its global domination.

The digital age also presents unique opportunities to amplify this movement. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have become hubs for fashion inspiration and outlets to showcase one's unique designs. Viral trends born from these moments of creativity can inspire global audiences and cement Africa’s status as a powerhouse in the fashion world.

At its heart, dress-up is about more than just clothes; it's about identity, expression, and storytelling. Every outfit we assemble tells a story about who we are and where we come from. 

While challenges like societal resistance and safety concerns may loom large, the potential rewards of embracing dress-up far outweigh the risks. It is a vehicle for change, a playground for creativity, and a bridge between tradition and modernity. Through intentional practice and conscious exploration, it can pave the way for African fashion to not only thrive but lead on the global stage. 

So, the next time you stand before your wardrobe, wondering what to wear, remember that you’re not just choosing an outfit, you're leading a revolution.