7 Outfits to Wear during Harmattan Season

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Dear Fashionistas of the world and beyond, welcome to another fashion episode with me. Okay, so if you are Nigerian then I am sure you are aware that we are approaching the end of November. Do you know what comes with it? Yes, you got it! It’s Harmattan folks. Harmattan is one of my favorite and least favorite times of the season at the same time. Why? Well, because it’s cold and hot at the same time. I’ll go into details soon, which is why today, we’ll be discussing the topic; 7 outfits to wear during Harmattan Season.

What is this Harmattan season about?

Harmattan is a season that is known for its dusty and dry weather. It is usually very cold in the early mornings and late at night but can be significantly hot during midday. Urgh right? Lol, this is our reality and it gets so annoying and confusing to wear outfits to keep you from the cold in the morning only to be struggling with the heat of the afternoon. This season usually occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. So you see, we got another one on our hands soon.

If you’re anything like me, you should by now be thinking of how to get through this season without the risk of dryness, skin breakage, dusty skin, and so on. One of the ways to get through this is by sorting out different outfits. I love the season well not just because Christmas is a part of it but also because I get to bring out my thick and heavy clothes (lol). If you guys follow me very well, you’ll know how much I love comfortable clothes and also my love for sweaters.

Anywho, less about me. Let’s dive into what we’re here for. Here are 7 outfits that work well for this season:

1. Long-sleeved shirts and blouses

Long-sleeve is a must-have during this cold and dry and also hot season as it helps to protect our skin from the dryness of the air. It is important to choose light-weight long-sleeved shirts and blouses that are suitable for the heat of the afternoon. Because let me tell you, the heat is something else guys. I’m not even kidding, you may dress all layered up in the morning but once it’s approaching 1 pm, Urgh, you wouldn’t even understand where the heat came from. So, one way to wear this outfit for both the heat and cold is to wear a jacket.

2. Trousers and Maxi Skirts:

Opt for long trousers or maxi skirts to cover your legs and protect them from the dust. Honestly, you do not want to attend an event or meeting all dressed up from home only to end up with dust on your legs. It is most certainly not classy (lol). One thing I’ve learned during this season is to never underestimate the dust and the wind.

If you are a fan of short dresses or shorts, I’d advise you to keep that at the back of your wardrobe because it ain’t gonna work for this season. It is better to wear long trousers and maxi skirts or gowns during this period as it helps to keep the dust off your legs and feet.

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The trousers can be leather, leggings, palazzos, etc.

3. Lightweight Jackets and Sweaters:

The mornings and evenings during Harmattan can be cool, so having a lightweight jacket or sweater is advisable. Like I said in outfit number one, a jacket can be used to help with the cold and also the heat. Yeah, I said this because you may decide to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pair it with a jacket in the morning. Then, when the weather turns hot, you can just easily slip off the jacket and leave it on the shirt.

An example is what I wear; a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and a blazer. This is for mornings and I mostly keep it on because there’s an AC where I work. But then I noticed that in the afternoon when I leave work, it is exceptionally hot. So, I would pull off the blazer and button down my shirt, leaving me in my inner top, shirt, and trousers. The jackets could be Kimonos, blazers, or sweaters.

4. Headwraps, Scarves, or Hats:

Protect your head and hair from the dry winds by wearing headwraps, scarves, or hats. This is another very important must-have for this period. Because trust me, you don’t wanna end up with a dry and itchy dandruff-filled scalp. I personally prefer head warmers and hats because they are stylish and classy.

5. Sunglasses:

Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright sunlight and dust. I think I recall seeing a post by an author on our fashion passion website that talked about different sunglasses for different occasions. I don’t really like wearing sunglasses but I know when it is needed. Sunglasses shield the eyes from the effects of the sunlight and let me tell you, the sun has a mind of its own during this dry season. I don’t like dark sunglasses so I guess I’d be opting for transparent ones this time. You can always get these timeless sunglasses from Amazon.

6. Closed Shoes:

When it comes to harmattan, choose closed shoes to protect your feet from dust and potential harm. This is also very important because one thing you don’t wanna have is discoloration because of your slippers or sandals. If you’re in Nigeria then you should know that some parts of the roads are not tiled. Oh, let me share an experience, lol. So, one day, I can’t remember the year I was going for Christmas carols, and I wore flat shoes that didn’t cover my feet.

By the time I got to church, my whole leg was yellow with dust (lol). I removed the shoe and saw that I had three colors, chocolate, black, and yellow. I had to wash my leg but the water was so cold that by the time I was done, my leg felt so dry. Do you know the worst thing; I didn’t carry my moisturizer? So I had to hide my white legs all through the carol service.

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So, my point is that shoes like Converses, sneakers, and canvas, that can cover the entirety of your feet is a must-have during this period. Oh, and don’t forget about socks. If you won’t or can’t wear such covered shoes, use socks when wearing other shoes.

7. Neutral and Light Colors:

Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight and may show less dust. Neutral colors also help to keep you cool. Just know that if you wear dark colors during the day, oooh, your body’s gonna be eaten by heat. It is very advisable to not wear black colored outfits during harmattan because they absorb heat and therefore make you sweat.

Other things that are a must-have that would prepare you for harmattan are;

Dust Masks: In areas with high dust levels, wearing a dust mask can help protect your respiratory system.
Moisturizer: Use a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, as Harmattan can dry.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day.
Umbrella: An umbrella can provide shade and protect you from both the sun and any unexpected rain showers.

Once you have all these then you’re good to go. I hope that with these few points of mine, I’ve been able to convince you and not confuse you that Harmattan season is one to be prepared for.

Now before I go, please like, comment, recommend, and share this post if you liked it (I know you do, smiles). Also, please do not forget to read my books as they end.