Who decided that women must trade daring fashion for quiet luxury as they get older?
At what age do the fashion police come knocking, declaring an expiration date on bold fashion? Who decided that women must trade daring prints for “mature neutrals,” sequins for muted silk, and statement silhouettes for “age-appropriate” subdued tailoring? This spoken rule nudges us away from uninhibited self-expression and towards the understated allure of quiet luxury. Who made that rule, and why are so many women willing to adhere to it?
The myth of ‘maturity’ in fashion
There’s a common notion that as women climb the ranks in their careers, wealth, or influence, their style should reflect the same. Society expects them to trade bold fashion statements for a more ‘mature’ and ‘refined’ aesthetic. Quiet luxury— characterised by neutral tones, impeccable tailoring, and an ‘if-you-know-you-know’ exclusivity— is often positioned as the next step in women’s style evolution. The logic is that understated elegance equates to sophistication, and true power is best expressed through subtlety.
But here’s the problem: this idea posits that self-expression should shrink with age. That the women who express themselves through experimental, vibrant and impressive ensembles, should suddenly desire perfectly cut outfits in neutral tones and a sleek ponytail. Although quiet luxury is a stunning aesthetic in its own right, is subtlety the only marker of success?
The women proving that power dressing isn’t one-size-fits-all
Across Nigeria and beyond, a dynamic group of power players are redefining luxury on their own terms. From entertainers to entrepreneurs, these women continue to prove that fashion doesn’t have to be muted to be meaningful; bold fashion can be just as powerful.
The lovers of quiet luxury (by choice, not pressure)
Staying true to one’s self speaks volumes through personal style. For some women, quiet luxury isn’t just a trend, it’s their language. Their wardrobe choices exude elegance in an effortless, refined and deeply authentic form.
Temi Otedola
Actress and fashion influencer, Temi, is the poster girl for effortless minimalism. She favours clean silhouettes, neutral palettes, and investment pieces that exude sophistication. Occasionally, she steps out in a bold statement piece, wearing it with the same ease and grace as her understated looks.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The acclaimed writer has mastered the art of sleek, polished fashion. While she often embraces bright colours and African prints, her signature style features structured pieces balanced with understated elegance.
Omoyemi Akerele
The Lagos Fashion Week founder has a keen eye for timeless, elegant pieces that strike the perfect balance between minimalism and edgy. She approaches fashion in a refined manner without being predictable—proof that quiet luxury doesn’t have to be boring.
These women don’t embrace subtle fashion because society expects it but because it’s who they are. And that’s the key point here: fashion should always be about choice.
The women who refuse to ‘tone it down’
On the flip side, some women have no desire to blend into a sea of neutrals. They embrace bold, daring and statement pieces with the same zeal they bring to every aspect of their lives—proving that style has no age restrictions.
Toke Makinwa
If we know one thing about Toke, it’s that she always delivers high-glamour, high-impact fashion. She wears her extravagant dresses, vibrant colours, and dramatic silhouettes like she was born to stand out.
Lisa Folawiyo
As the creative force behind her eponymous fashion brand, Lisa has mastered the art of reinventing traditional African prints with eclectic contemporary twists. Her personal style reflects that same ethos: a daring blend of textures, colours, and patterns that defies any notion of subduing fashion expressions.
Tiwa Savage
To the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa’s wardrobe is as dynamic as her music. She embodies couture pieces, daring streetwear, and statement accessories with the confidence of a trendsetter.
These women redefine the rules and consistently prove that fashion is meant to evolve, not shrink or fade away. The notion that a woman’s wardrobe should become less exciting as she ages is as absurd as telling Beyoncé to retire at 40.
Style is power—no matter how you express it
The notion that success demands a muted style is outdated. True power in fashion lies in the freedom to wear what makes you feel like your most authentic self.
Some days, that might be a sleek, minimalist tailored suit; other days, it could be a dramatic, embellished piece. The essence of fashion lies not in fitting into societal molds but in owning your style on your own terms. And these women are doing just that, with their style speaking volumes.
