Euro summer: Aperol spritzes in Rome, picnics under the Eiffel Tower, beaches in Barcelona. But hold on, while everyone else is packing neutrals, linen, and that same beige Zara set, you’re here wondering: how do I pack my Afrohoard prints without turning my suitcase into an explosion of fabric?
Fear not, darling. Prints can absolutely slay abroad, if you know how to pack and style them. Consider this your practical, slightly dramatic, guide to rocking African prints on the cobblestones of Europe.
Step 1: The Packing Strategy (a.k.a. Suitcase Tetris)
First rule: don’t pack every single print you own. Yes, we know you love them all, but customs in Paris doesn’t need to see your entire Afrohoard collection at once. Pick 3–4 versatile pieces that can mix, match, and transition from day to night.
A flowy Ankara dress (doubles as city stroll outfit and rooftop dinner look).
A Kente-print blazer (instantly elevates jeans or a plain dress).
A bold wrap skirt (pair with sandals for day, heels for night).
A headwrap or scarf (tiny in the suitcase, maximum drama on arrival).
Pro tip: Roll, don’t fold. African prints are surprisingly forgiving with wrinkles, but rolling keeps them compact and ready for Instagram.
Step 2: Blend, Don’t Compete
Europeans love their muted palettes, so when you show up in Afrohoard prints, expect stares. But instead of clashing, style your prints with neutrals you already own. Pair that Ankara skirt with a crisp white shirt, or that bold blazer with denim. The print becomes the star, not the whole circus.
Think of it as cultural diplomacy, you’re teaching the Italians that color is a lifestyle, not just a holiday.
Step 3: Pack for the Weather, Not the Fantasy
Euro summer is hot, until it suddenly rains. Layering is your friend. That Afrohoard wrap skirt? Throw leggings under it on chilly nights. That vibrant crop top? Add a lightweight jacket. Don’t let the weather bully you into hiding your prints.
And please, for the love of Afrocentric fashion, bring comfortable shoes. There is nothing worse than limping through cobblestone streets in stilettos while your Ankara dress begs for attention.
Step 4: Wear the Prints, Don’t Save Them
We all know the trap: you pack your best prints, only to “save them for the perfect occasion,” and end up flying home with them untouched. Don’t do it. Wear your Afrohoard on day one. Wear it to brunch, to the museum, to buy overpriced gelato. Prints aren’t just for weddings, they’re for life.
And let’s be real: that photo of you in an Afrohoard maxi dress in front of the Colosseum? That’s your summer flex. Don’t miss it.
Step 5: Accessorize Like a Local, Shine Like You
Add a crossbody bag, chic sunglasses, and sandals, and suddenly your Ankara dress screams effortless. Europeans love their “oh, this old thing?” aesthetic. Joke’s on them, your outfit has a whole cultural heritage behind it.
Final Word: Afrohoard Takes Europe
Packing African prints for Euro summer isn’t just possible, it’s iconic. With the right strategy, you’ll be the one turning every cobblestone street into a runway. While everyone else blends into a sea of beige, you’ll be the living, breathing reminder that fashion is supposed to be fun, bold, and full of story.
So go ahead. Pack that Ankara. Pack that Kente. Let Europe have its linen obsession, you’re about to bring the color.
BY AFROHOARD BLOGGER
ENI MICHELLE
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