If there鈥檚 one thing Old Nollywood babes knew how to do, it was serving iconic fashion. From the slinky dresses of Regina Askia to the bold, thin brows of Eucharia-Anunobi, the 90s and 2000s were a golden era for statement style. And what better way to make an entrance at HERtitude than by channeling the retro glamour of this era? If you鈥檙e looking to turn heads and give hot babe energy, here鈥檚 how to bring Old Nollywood fashion into 2025.
1. Ankara & Adire
If Nollywood aunties of the 90s taught us anything, it鈥檚 that African prints will always be a slay. Whether it鈥檚 an Ankara two-piece, an adire wrap dress, or a structured boubou with exaggerated sleeves, the key is in the tailoring. You can wear Oleku (a short-sleeved top and wrapper combo). Pair with bold accessories, think chunky gold earrings and strappy heels, to add a modern twist.
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2. Statement Sunglasses Are Non-Negotiable
Remember when Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde would pull up in those oversized, tinted sunglasses, serving boss babe realness? Well, that鈥檚 your blueprint. Go for retro, oval-shaped frames or dramatic cat-eye sunnies. Even better, pair them with a mini bag for that ultimate 鈥渞ich aunty鈥 aesthetic.
3. Velvet, Satin & Silk鈥擳he Fabric of Luxury
Old Nollywood glam was all about looking expensive. The ladies of that era understood the assignment, draping themselves in velvet gowns, satin midi dresses, and silk blouses. Choose rich jewel tones鈥攅merald green, deep burgundy, royal blue, you can even do black鈥攁nd let the fabric do the talking. Bonus points if you add a thigh-high slit for drama.
4. Micro Bags & Chunky Gold Jewelry
Handbags in Old Nollywood movies were either comically large or adorably tiny鈥攖here was no in-between. For HERtitude, lean into the micro bag trend, preferably in a bold color or textured material. And don鈥檛 forget the jewelry鈥攍ayered gold chains, oversized hoop earrings, and chunky rings are your best friends.
What鈥檚 a killer outfit without a place to show it off?
5. Short Skirts, Skimpy Dresses & Daring Fits
Let鈥檚 be real! Old Nollywood baddies didn鈥檛 shy away from showing some skin, and neither should you. Think mini skirts, halter tops, tube dresses, and body-hugging fits that scream confidence. Channel your inner Rita Dominic by rocking a bold, short dress paired with knee-high boots or strappy heels. Add a cropped leather jacket for that extra Y2K touch.
6. Hair & Makeup: The Ultimate Finishing Touch
Channel the 90s and 2000s with bold beauty choices. High ponytails, yaki flip, puffy afro, deep side parts, and sleek buns were signature looks. And we can鈥檛 talk Old Nollywood beauty without mentioning those thin, long, perfectly arched brows that Eucharia Anunobi and co. rocked effortlessly. Pair them with deep brown lip liner, ultra-glossy lips, shimmery eyeshadow, and鈥攊f you鈥檙e feeling daring鈥攁 pop of blue or green eyeliner. And if you鈥檙e feeling extra, throw in some body glitter鈥攂ecause why not?
7. The Ultimate Nollywood Diva Attitude
Style isn鈥檛 just about what you wear, it鈥檚 about how you wear it. The true essence of Old Nollywood glam is confidence. So, whether you鈥檙e rocking a corset dress, a matching set, or a power suit, wear it like you just stepped out of a scene.
HERtitude 2025 is themed Retro Glam, and we鈥檙e celebrating women who own their power, and what better way to embody that than by channeling the most iconic women of Old Nollywood? So, step out, serve lewks, and let the HERtitude energy flow. See you there, hot babes!
