After a delicious, cozy and abundant twelve days of Christmas and extravagant New Years’ celebrations, we are now ready to get back into the work-saddle and embrace all the new opportunities and challenges 2020 is bound to throw our way.

There are many ways to go about tackling a new year with fresh energy and a can-do attitude. Many of us spent our Christmas holidays reflecting on the past year and singling out habits or behaviours that no longer serve us in this new decade, while others threw themselves into healthy new routines, diets and workout schedules the second the clock struck midnight on New Years’ Eve.

Ultimately, what it all comes down to, is a positive attitude and the confidence to push through the hard times no matter what. As we all know, fashion and style are two huge, contributing factors when it comes to confidence – the right outfit and a pair of heels that make you stand tall and proud, can work true magic on your self-worth and esteem.

To help you take on this new year with a new sense of style, we have compiled a list of all the sassiest tops, elegant dresses and unique accessories available on the Fashionomics Africa Marketplace. Browse through the many garments and accessories crafted by African fashion and apparel designers and find a new style to strut through this year with!

Classy, Body-Hugging Sheath Dress by Mashers House of Design

We all know – and most probably own – a classic, little black dress. But are you ready for the little white dress? Mix things up a bit this year and swap your little black number for this figure-flattering and sophisticated sheath dress by the South African Masher’s House of Design brand.

Made from Scuba fabric, this ¾ sleeve design features an off-shoulder design that is as sexy as it is chic. With an accentuated waistline and beautiful subtlety, this dress will quickly turn into your favourite garment for nights on the town and red-carpet events.

Shawl Collar Ankara-Burgundy Blazer by Adorning Africa by Becca

Never underestimate the power of a good blazer – a timeless piece that elevates any outfit, for any occasion. It’s a staple in the wardrobes of all professional women, but this particular blazer by Adorning Africa by Becca, puts a whole new spin on the classic blazer, and it’s one you’re going to want to take out on a twirl with your girlfriends.

Made from cotton and featuring an Ankara shawl collar and sleeve hems, this long-form blazer reaches down to the calves creating a wonderful silhouette that simply cannot be ignored. The vibrant, burgundy collar emits an atmosphere of royal confidence that will see you rocking up at your next business event owning the place.

Sanga Leather Sling Bag by WazaWazi

If one of your New Years’ resolutions was to throw out the black hole that is your maxi bag in favour of a stylish handbag that will help you keep things organized, you’re in luck. This green Sanga leather bag from the Kenyan handbag and apparel brand, WazaWazi, will save you heaps of time by keeping all your belongings at easy reach and perfectly compartmentalized.

Made from cow hide leather in a sleek and retro design, this sling bag comes with fantastic extras designed for business and leisure efficiency: a compartment for your keys and wallet secured with a zipper; a hidden card-slot for your discount cards etc., and a detachable sling that allows you to transform this handbag into a chic, hand-held purse.

Bib Front Shirt by YSAND

While we all want to look our best and for our clothes to give off an air of authority and professionalism, there’s nothing wrong with toning our office-look down on a casual Friday or a quiet weekend catching up on pending emails and assignments. This long, fitted cotton shirt with a wax-print bib design from YSAND, is exactly the kind of piece to wear on days as such.

Sky blue with fine black stripes and a figure-accentuated cut, this shirt looks fantastic paired with jeans or leggings, chunky-heeled boots or strappy sandals. The backside of the shirt matches the purple, green and yellow bib front design, adding an eye-catching splash of colour.

Bogolan Yellow Cap by Samarra

One of the greatest perks of working in the fashion industry, is that your professional style does not have to be limited to drab, grey and black pantsuits or restricting pencil suits. In fact, as a fashion professional, this look wouldn’t do you much favours: your clients and peers need to recognize your flair for style and creativity in the clothes you’re wearing.

As a fashion entrepreneur it’s important to keep experimenting with your look. If you’ve always felt drawn to a funky, urban style, try complementing it with this Bogolan yellow cap by the Samarra brand based in Côte d’Ivoire. Made from traditional Malian cotton and dyed with fermented mud – known as Bogolan – this cap tells a story and elevates any look.

Bamboo Hair Sticks by MitiMeth

One thing that tends to fall to the wayside during busy mornings readying ourselves for work, is our hair – especially long, unruly hair that can’t simply be brushed, modestly styled and left to its devices for the rest of the day. As a result, we show up at work with the same old hairstyle every day – tied back into an unimaginative bun or falling lifelessly from our heads and onto our shoulders.

Combat this style crisis with MitiMeth’s handmade hair sticks made from bamboo, fabric and water hyacinths. These hair sticks will lend an air of sophistication and style to the simplest of up-dos and can be matched wonderfully with the right accessories and outfit. This is your chance to add that little bit extra to your daily hairstyling routine – one your colleagues are bound to comment on. Check out the Nigerian MitiMeth brand for more accessories that guarantee to add a bit of pizazz to your office style.