Media personality and founder of fashion brand LáLé, Toolz Oniru-Demuren, has a mum style that is all about confidence, colour, and comfort.
Tolu Oniru-Demuren, popularly known as Toolz, is one of Nigeria’s most recognisable media personalities. With a career spanning over a decade as a radio host, television presenter, and co-host of the hit “Off Air Show”, Toolz is a beloved on-air personality. Her wit and authenticity have made her a household name, but beyond her media presence, she is also a successful entrepreneur.
In addition to her broadcasting career, Toolz is the founder of LáLé, a fashion brand that celebrates modern African women with stylish, versatile pieces designed to flatter every figure. Her passion for creating comfortable and stylish outfits resonates strongly with working mothers navigating busy schedules.
What sets Toolz apart is how she confidently and effortlessly showcases how curvy women can embrace bold colours and snug silhouettes. Her personal style celebrates every curve, proving that elegance has no size. Toolz never hides her body in clothes.
A proud mum of two boys, Toolz balances her multifaceted career with family life while maintaining a functional, stylish, and chic wardrobe. You’ll always catch her in colourful dresses and sleek two-piece sets. With Toolz, dressing as a mum is equal parts practical and fabulous.
In this edition of Mum Style Diaries, Toolz opens up about how motherhood shaped her fashion choices, her go-to workwear staples, and the fashion hack she swears by.
Read also: Mum Style Diaries: How Toyosi Etim Effiong achieves a chic and intentional wardrobe
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My day really depends on which area of my career I’m focusing on. If I’m shooting — photoshoot or for the Off Air Show — I usually start earlier to get my make-up done. If it’s a LáLé day, it’s a mix of Zoom meetings, sourcing fabrics, and handling admin tasks. On those days, I keep things casual and try to stay makeup-free when I can.
How would you describe your workwear style in three words?
Functional. Stylish. Comfortable.
What’s your go-to work outfit formula when you’re short on time?
My go-tos are maxi or midi dresses. I also really love a smart two-piece pant set, paired with flats or low heels.
Are there certain colours or fabrics you gravitate towards for work?
I gravitate towards fabrics with a bit of stretch for comfort. Colour-wise, I adore jewel tones — and of course, classic black.
How do you strike the balance between comfort and style in your wardrobe?
Shoes make all the difference. I always look for pairs that are both comfortable and stylish. If my shoes are uncomfortable, it can ruin my whole day.
Has your style changed since becoming a mum? If yes, how?
Absolutely! Pregnancy changed my body a lot. My balance isn’t quite the same as it was before, so I don’t feel steady in high heels anymore. These days, I stick to anything under 3.5–4 inches.
How did you approach dressing during pregnancy for work? Any hacks or staple pieces?
My style during pregnancy really depended on the trimester. The first trimester was tough with morning sickness, so comfort was key. By the second trimester, my glow came in, and I loved dressing up. Then, by the third trimester, I just wanted to be comfortable again.
Are there fashion rules you used to follow that you’ve now ditched?
I used to wear a lot of black, but now I fully embrace colour.
Any fashion hacks you swear by for looking put together on a busy day?
Shapewear. Not super restrictive pieces like corsets, but medium-to-firm hold options that smooth everything out and make clothes sit nicely.
Are there any Nigerian fashion brands you love for workwear?
I have to say my brand LáLé. Some of our two-piece sets are perfect for work. I also love Zephans & Co.
Are you more intentional, trend-led, or practical with your shopping after childbirth?
A bit of all the above. I think most mums, after some time, go through a phase of finding themselves again — style-wise and otherwise. I’m in that space now. I want to look stylish but still feel comfortable.
What beauty items do you never leave home without?
Lip gloss or balm and a powder compact — always in my bag.
What does being stylish mean to you as a mother and working woman?
For me, post-pregnancy style means accepting the new you. Our bodies change after pregnancy, and it can take time to either embrace your new body or get close to where you were before. I believe that if you look good, you feel good. It may take a bit of extra effort, but it’s worth it — do it for you.
What advice would you give other mums trying to redefine their style at work?
Your body is different now, and honestly, you are a different person too. Give yourself grace. Try out new styles, experiment with different looks, and don’t shy away from shapewear if it helps you feel more confident.
Read more: Toke Makinwa gives us an exclusive look into her pregnancy fashion and skincare
