60+ Ankara short flare gowns to add a splash of colour to your closet

60+ Ankara short flare gowns to add a splash of colour to your closet

Add a vibrant touch to your wardrobe with Ankara short flare gowns. Ankaras are African wax print fabrics known for their bold patterns and bright colours, perfect for creating eye-catching outfits. These short flare gowns combine style and comfort, adding a splash of colour to any occasion.

Simple Ankara short gowns with sleeves (L), with short sleeves(M) and off shoulder (R)
Ankara short flare gowns with sleeves (L), with short sleeves and lace (M) and off-shoulder (R). Photo: @maamenyaa, @thrivenaija and @dezangozone (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Ankara short flare gowns are made from vibrant African wax print fabrics, celebrated for their bold patterns and bright colours.
  • They offer both style and comfort, suitable for casual outings, parties, and special occasions.
  • Short flare designs flatter different body types, adding a playful and feminine touch.
  • These gowns introduce colour, culture, and personality into any wardrobe.
  • Perfect for making a fashion statement with unique, eye-catching prints.

Ankara short flare gowns

Ankara short flare gowns are stylish dresses made from vibrant African wax print fabrics, known as Ankara. These gowns feature a fitted bodice that flares out into a playful, flowing skirt, creating a flattering silhouette for various body types.

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Perfect for casual outings, parties, or special occasions, Ankara short flare gowns combine comfort, culture, and bold patterns, adding a splash of colour and personality to any wardrobe.

In an interview with Legit.ng, Akinyemi Barakat, Content Creator and Social Media Manager at Losode Inc., revealed that the short, flared boubou dress is poised to be the standout Ankara design. An example of the design is shown below:

Trending Ankara short-flared gowns
Simple Ankara short flare gowns. Photo: @Akinyemi Barakat/Losode Inc., @thisislosode
Source: UGC

Tips from the expert

Akinyemi also shared valuable insights for those interested in embracing the Ankara short-flare gown trend. She says no specific body type is required to rock these gowns. Here are some of her tips for those new to wearing Ankara full-flare Gown styles:

  • Fit and Comfort: Ensure the dress fits your body type and makes you comfortable.
  • Accessories and Footwear: Accessorise appropriately and choose the right footwear to complement the dress.
  • Versatility in Styling: Have fun with your dress and explore different ways to style it.
  • Length Preference: Opt for the most comfortable length.
  • Occasion Appropriateness: Be mindful of the occasion and dress accordingly.
  • Confidence: Most importantly, wear it with confidence.

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Ankara short flare gowns you should have in your closet

Ankara flare gown styles are always trendy and can be worn for different occasions, whether business or casual. Here are the best classy Ankara short flare gowns. To help you explore the best options and styling tips, here’s a detailed table highlighting key features, occasions, and wardrobe ideas for Ankara short flare gowns

Style

Description / Occasion

Pleated gown style

Pleats from waist to knee; shows off short Ankara designs.

Layered Ankara short gown style

Layered ruffles or pleats; chic for parties or casual outings.

High-low flare gown style

Short front, long back; elegant for weddings or events.

Strapless Ankara short dress

Highlights neckline and collarbones; ideal for accessorizing.

Short-flare spaghetti strap

Simple, stylish; perfect for beach, club, or casual events.

Ankara high-neck short gown

High-neck with optional belt; versatile for casual or corporate events.

Ankara butterfly sleeve short gown style

Trendy butterfly sleeves; playful and chic for parties.

Crisscross back Ankara short dress

Party-ready; great for clubs, vacations, or dinners.

Puffy-sleeved Ankara short gown style

Classic puff sleeves add a regal touch.

Shirt flare gown

Shirt-inspired with flare; belt adds style; long or short sleeves.

Ankara short full flare gown styles

Vibrant prints and full flare; great for casual or special occasions.

One-sleeved flare gown style

Sleek and elegant; accentuates legs for a chic look.

Flare short gowns with a halter neckline

Trendy halter neck; ideal for dates or weddings.

Cap sleeves flare gown style

Comfortable and cute; suits most body types.

Cold shoulder / off-shoulder Ankara short flare gowns

Stylish neckline; perfect for casual or semi-formal events.

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Pleated gown style

Ankara pleated gown style
Ankara pleated gown style. Photo: @ankarafashiongallery, @ankaraandasoebistyles on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

One of the many ways of showing off your cute short Ankara designs is with pleats. These pleats look best when carefully made at the waistline down to the knee or just above the knee.

Layered Ankara short gown style

The layered Ankara dress is one of the most popular Ankara styles for ladies. It features layered ruffles, flare, or pleats, which give off Cinderella vibes. It is cute and chic, especially with classy accessories and heels.

High-low flare gown style

As the name suggests, a high-low hem is shorter at the front and longer at the back. This dress will add a touch of elegance and will draw attention to your legs and waistline. It is great for a wedding or any other party.

Strapless Ankara short dress

This style will show off your neckline and collarbones and accentuate your torso, making your shoulder-to-hip figure proportion. It also gives you room to explore neck jewellery and earrings.

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short-flare

A spaghetti strap Ankara short dress is one of the latest Ankara short gown styles. This style is simple and stylish and can be worn to the club or the beach. For corporate events, you can throw in a blazer.

Ankara high-neck short gown

This high-neck dress can be paired with a belt to define the waist. It is a good fit for all body types and can be worn at corporate and casual events.

Ankara butterfly sleeve short gown style

Ankara butterfly sleeves short gown style.
Ankara butterfly sleeves short gown style. Photo: @eva_clothing_ (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

These Ankara dresses with butterfly sleeves are trending for the right reasons. The butterfly sleeves are trendy for their vibrant patterns, flattering silhouette, and elegant yet playful style. Add classy jewellery and a pair of flats or heels to give off a chic after-party look.

Crisscross back Ankara short dress

One of the best flare gown styles to unleash your inner party vibes is this crisscross style. It's the perfect outfit for clubbing, vacation or dinner.

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Puffy-sleeved Ankara short gown style

One of the oldest short-flare gown styles is the puffy-sleeved dress. This style makes you look extra and channels your inner Queen Elizabeth.

Shirt flare gown

This design is designed to imitate the famous shirt dress, but this has a flare and is loose. It can be long or short-sleeved and have buttons on the front. Adding a belt will help accessorise the dress.

Ankara short full flare gown styles

This is a type of Ankara English flare gown style that is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Their vibrant prints, flattering flares, and playful length make them ideal for casual outings or special occasions.

One-sleeved flare gown style

One-sleeved flare gown style
One-sleeved flare gown style. Photo: @stylaa (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

This is one of the sleek Ankara flare gowns that will leave you looking like a cute damsel. It accentuates your legs, and adding sandal strap-on heels will give you a model-like look.

Flare short gowns with a halter neckline

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Halter neckline is one of the trendiest short Ankara styles in the market. The neckline makes the dress look perfect for a date or a wedding. Throw in a belt and/or bag to complete the look.

Cap sleeves flare gown style

The cap-sleeve dress is an easy and cute outfit for all body types. This chic style is comfortable to wear and stylish.

Cold shoulder or off-shoulder Ankara short flare gowns

This is one of the cute Ankara short flare gowns since it is effortlessly stylish. This style accentuates your neckline, making you look gorgeous and enchanting to everyone who comes your way.

Round neck flare gown style

The round-neck design is one of the most common looks for Ankara dresses. It is a super easy-to-wear fashion outfit and suits almost all body types, regardless of height or complexion.

Office flair gown

If you are an office person, try this ready-to-wear office Ankara design. It is simple and comfortable for all body types. A pair of kitten heels and a purse will complete this look.

Halter strap Ankara short dress

Halter strap Ankara short dress
Halter strap Ankara short dress. Photo: @Etsy (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Turn on your fun vibes with this sleek Ankara halter strap short dress. The dress's strap runs from the front of the dress to the back of the neck, and the upper back is left bare. It's great for dinner or a family reunion party.

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One-shoulder Ankara short-sleeve gown style

Take up breathing room with this stylish fashionista's short Ankara dress today. Complete the look with stilettos and a purse.

Knee-length flare short gown

Knee-length dresses are styles that stop at the knee. They are often simple outfits, mostly worn on casual occasions. This dress, paired with heels, is perfect for that classy look.

Low-neck traditional African print with step ruffles

This kind of African fashion is a fantastic dress that is great for windy weather. It is excellent for casual occasions like weddings, brunch or office parties. Pair it with some heels or strapped sandals to finish off the look.

Bell sleeves flare gown style with pockets.

This style will ensure you bring your A-game to any occasion. The pockets give off a boss-like and casual vibe. You can nail this look by adding a cute sun hat to this ensemble and wearing it to the beach or a brunch party.

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Short puff sleeves flare gown

Short puff sleeves flare gown.
Short puff sleeves flare gown. Photo: @Sasha (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

The short puff sleeves flare outfit is a must-have in your closet. It has a contemporary, modern feel, and the puff gives a chic style.

T-neck flare gown style

The T-neck flare dress combines fashion and creativity with a 50’s style silhouette. It is a simple style which exudes confidence. This is the best style to stand out in a room, as it defines your mood.

Mixed fabric flare gown

Mixing Ankara fabric with different fabrics helps enhance the diversity of any attire. The two materials can have different textures, such as Ankara, lace fabric, tulle, or even different colours. Try this look when you are feeling risky and adventurous.

Mini flare gown style

The mini flare dress is a great fashion style that is simple and cute. It's a beautiful, simple outfit for lunch dates and casual hangouts. Throw in a pair of heels to complete the look.

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Puffy long sleeves flare gown

The high-neck is a statement sleeve trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The style can be balloon sleeves or extra puffy styles. This style will turn heads and be the conversation starter at any social function.

Ankara flare short gowns with long sleeves

Ankara short flare gown styles are elegant and comfortable. The style is a good fit for both warm and cool weather. The dress can be open or buttoned-up collar style.

Layered arms flare gown style

A layered arm short-flare dress is excellent for weddings and outdoor events. The dress creates drama, so if you love the attention, this is your kind of dress.

Princess cold shoulder cape flare gown

Princess cold shoulder cape flare gown.
Princess cold shoulder cape flare gown. Photo: @ Fallak Aris (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

This style is chic when you have an exquisite date. The beautiful neck cut makes your collarbones and neck stand out. You can pair this look with high heels to complete the look.

Ankara short bubble dress

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Ankara short flare gowns for a wedding

This flare gown gives ladies a boss-chick vibe, making it a top choice for short flare dresses for weddings. Its design offers easy movement, ensuring maximum comfort.

What is a flare gown?

A flare gown, or fit-and-flare dress, features a fitted bodice and a gradually flaring skirt, resembling a trumpet silhouette.

How do you wear a short gown?

To style a short gown, layer it over leggings or pants for a chic look, or pair it with a turtleneck or long-sleeved shirt for added warmth. If you are a casual person, add some sneakers or sandals for a breezy feel. Finally, match with accessories to complete the outfit according to your taste.

Adding Ankara short flare gowns to your collection is a stylish way to embrace African fashion with a modern twist. Their colourful patterns, feminine cuts, and versatile designs make them timeless pieces for any season. So, step out in style and let your Ankara gown do all the talking—bold, beautiful, and unapologetically you.

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Legit.ng recently published an article about the latest stunning Brazilian wool hairstyles trending in Nigeria. Brazilian wool hairstyles are ideal for women who want to emphasise their unique characteristics.

The delicate texture of the wool allows the stylist to twist it into many contemporary designs. Unlike other pricey hair extensions, it is also inexpensive and simple to maintain, making it accessible for those who change hairstyles frequently. Read the article for some inspiration.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Jackline Wangare avatar

Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.

Naomi Karina avatar

Naomi Karina (Lifestyle writer) Naomi Karina has been a digital content writer for more than two years. She joined the Legit team in August 2022. She graduated Bachelor of Commerce from KCA University in 2012. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resources from the IHRM and a Diploma in Marketing from Kenyatta University. She is a content creator who enjoys writing about various topics such as biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Naomi finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She expanded her skills in 2024 by undertaking the Google News Initiative course.