THE NOLLYWOOD STYLE TEST

Words: Daniël Geldenhuys | Images: Instagram

@nolly.babes is a seemingly endless Instagram feed of priceless screenshots from early 00s Nollywood. The imagery has enough personality to appeal to nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. Beyond the humour (subtitles include: “I said it. It’s not safe to trust men. What I said has come to pass.”) and drama (a plethora of shady expressions), there’s a distinctive sense of style that, in some cases, actually endures.

The account is worthy of a follow for many reasons, one of which is a style litmus test. You’re probably used to hearing something along the lines of “This timeless investment piece is free of trends, goes with everything and will still look chic years from now.” The only way to know if an item of clothing is a true classic is to go back in time and see how long it’s been around. If you see something on @nolly.babes that still feels relevant now, you can bet it’s a worthy purchase.

We all knew the Little Black Dress was a timeless classic. @nolly.babes confirms.

Was this on Rihanna’s mood board when she was designing her first FENTY collection? It may as well have been. A minimal blazer in a simple tone translates across style eras.

Checks are the denim of prints: a mainstay that’s gridlocked into relevance. (If that check happens to recall a certain luxury brand, all the better.

This post is proof that sport-brand ready-to-wear ages remarkably well. May as well stock up on those adidas Originals tees – they’ll still be good next year and the decade after that.

The bucket hat thrives on its streetwear subculture appeal. Because it never goes mainstream enough to fizzle out, consider it an evergreen staple accessory.

Even with two animal prints, the trucker jacket has a rock-solid aesthetic your wardrobe can count on.

Florals and frills, that unapologetic statement of femininity only gets more relevant with time.

The eccentricity of piled-on jewellery is deliciously idiosyncratic. It’s never been governed by fashion rules.

We all need a logo tee. Or two. Or three.

As we move into a new (increasingly genderless) decade, the suit becomes an increasingly relevant style staple.