Harmattan Fashion and Food Survival Kit

1. Fashion Must-Haves for the Harmattan Season

a) Lightweight Layers for Warmth

Layering is key during Harmattan to combat the fluctuating temperatures. Invest in:

Cardigans and Sweaters: Perfect for mornings and evenings. Keep it cozy but light. Knit textures add warmth and a touch of sophistication. I work where the air conditioning is on 24/7, so it is always very cold. But my go-to staples are always sweaters.
Scarves: They not only keep your neck warm but can double as protection against dust. In Nigeria, let me just tell you, the dust is something else. I cross the street to buy something, only to come back home looking like I was dragged by a car. Choose bold patterns or neutral shades for versatility.
Jackets and blazers: lightweight enough for the day but warm enough for chilly nights. Yeah, jackets are the main thing for Harmattan. Why? “I can remove it when it gets hot and put it back on when it gets cold.”. The thing with Harmattan, especially in Nigeria, is that you never know what to expect. Last year, the nights and days were so cold and dry but this year, just the mornings are extremely cold, the afternoons are extremely hot, and the evenings are a mix of both. So, whatever the occasion may be, it is best advised to go with a lightweight jacket with neutral colors like camel or navy for easy styling.
Long trousers or maxi skirts
During the Harmattan season, it’s best to wear long trousers for better protection against the cold mornings, dusty afternoons, and dry air. Long trousers will help keep your skin covered and shielded from the dust while offering warmth. You can opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay comfortable while layering your outfit. That said, if you’re indoors or in a more relaxed setting, you can go for shorts or cropped pants, especially in the warmer afternoon sun. Just remember to balance comfort and protection depending on the time of day and the activities you’re doing!

b) Accessories for Protection

Harmattan is tough on your skin and hair, but the right accessories can help.

Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from dust and bright sunlight. Go for oversized styles for extra coverage. I don’t usually wear oversized glasses because, well, I have a small round face but I never go out without my glasses anymore. I got myself photochromic glasses (also known as transition lenses), which are eyeglass lenses that automatically adjust their level of tint based on the amount of UV light they are exposed to. When you’re indoors or in low-light conditions, the lenses are clear. But when you step outside into bright sunlight, they darken to reduce glare and protect your eyes from UV rays.
Hats and Caps: Add a fashionable touch while protecting your hair from dryness. Now this is a must-have. Aside from my glasses, I oftentimes always pair them with caps. This is because I like my hair and I can’t have dust on it or have it dry out on me now, can I? It’s important to ensure your hair is well-lubricated and tucked in this season to avoid breakouts.
Gloves: Keep your hands soft and warm with stylish leather or knitted options. I don’t use gloves because I work in a place where I’ve got to constantly wash my hands. However, for people who find it stylish and those who have very sensitive skin to dryness, it is important to have them at hand.

c) Footwear for the Season

Dusty streets call for closed-toe shoes.

Opt for boots, sneakers, or loafers in materials that are easy to clean. Yeah, guys, this is one lesson I always fail to learn. Because wearing slippers is so used to me I stocked my rack with them, and now I regret those choices because whenever I go out, I come back with my feet looking like they have watched Terrifier.
Avoid white or light-colored shoes if possible—they’ll show dust quickly!

2. Food Essentials for Harmattan Survival

For those who may not know, I am a food scientist and when it comes to food, I can absolutely tell you, that they actually repair one’s skin from the inside.

a) Stay Hydrated

The dry air can leave you dehydrated, so stay ahead with these options:

b) Snacks for Energy

The Harmattan chill can sap your energy, making quick snacks essential.

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and roasted groundnuts are great for quick energy. Their healthy fats keep your skin soft and moisturized from within. I prefer cashew nuts because of their taste. My brother bought a bottle full of it and I was too shy to tell him I had finished it (lol). Ten he bought something else out of my reach (pouts). My mom was diabetic but the doctors told her she could eat nuts because of their healthy fats to repair her skin.
Granola Bars: Choose ones rich in fiber and natural sugars to keep you going. My absolute favorite snack is chocolate granola bars because you can’t go wrong with chocolate. However, it is also important to note that you should choose ones rich in oats and honey for a double dose of energy and hydration. Honey is a natural moisturizer, meaning it helps retain moisture in your skin.
Fruits: Oranges and bananas are easy to carry and packed with nutrients. I always loved bananas and papaya and now I made my mom love it even more than me. Fruits are like nature’s best way of telling you, “I’ve got you covered.”. They are not just delicious but the best and easiest way to stay healthy this dry season.

c) Warm Comfort Foods

Nothing beats the chill like a hearty meal.

Pepper Soup: A Nigerian classic that warms you up and clears stuffy sinuses. Ooohlala, peppersoup is my favorite comfort food and the best thing is that it is the easiest thing to make. Whether you opt for chicken or fish pepper soup, you just can’t go wrong with the taste and the warm fuzzy feeling you can get from it. However, it is necessary to watch the amount of pepper put inside, which shouldn’t be more than your threshold because you don’t want to end up drying yourself from the inside out.
Yam porridge: nutritious and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner. Depending on the kind of texture you desire, whether lumpy yam or watery yam porridge, it is not just healthy but also filling. Yams are a rich source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A—a critical nutrient for skin health. Adding vegetables like spinach enhances the dish with additional antioxidants.
Moi Moi: A protein-packed delicacy that’s easy to prepare and carry. Well, not that easy to cook (lol), but this protein-packed delicacy is made from beans, which contain zinc. Zinc is essential for skin healing and helps reduce dryness caused by Harmattan’s harsh conditions. My mum makes it her duty to always have moi moi in the house because that is her comfort food and oh my gosh, when it is garnished with fish or eggs, it is a meal to behold.

3. Combining Fashion and Food: Pro Tips

Carry a Chic Tote Bag: Use a stylish tote to carry your essentials, from scarves to water bottles and snacks. Look for bags made of sturdy materials that can handle the dust. A leather or canvas option, both durable and fashionable. My sister recently bought a tote bag for me with ‘Boss Lady’ customized on it and well, I carry it everywhere because it is so much easier.
Choose Earthy Tones: Reflect the season’s mood with outfits in warm browns, burgundies, or mustard yellows, and pair them with snacks like roasted plantain or akara for a cozy vibe. Or air earthy-toned outfits with equally warm foods—think a beige sweater and scarf combo paired with a thermos of ginger tea.
Coordinate Your Accessories and Snacks: Pair a beige scarf and matching gloves with a warm cup of cocoa in a travel mug for an Instagram-worthy moment. I think I should do this now since I’ve got Zobo in the fridge (lol).

4. Bonus: Self-Care Essentials for the season

Don’t forget to pamper yourself! Add these to your survival kit:

Lip Balm: Keep those lips soft and moisturized with a hydrating balm. My colleagues recently went on a shopping spree while I was home still on my sick leave and one thing they got were lip balms. Now even though I didn’t go with them, I made sure to get my own. One thing I have noticed with lip glosses is that, when they are too thick, they begin to leave white marks around the lips. And so even though you have lip gloss, lip balms are safer and lighter to keep your lips moisturized.
Hand Cream: A rich, non-greasy formula that works wonders for dry hands. I bought baby lotion (lol) because I just thought, if they can make a baby’s hand or body smooth, then I’m not really missing out.
Moisturizer: Upgrade to a heavier cream or butter for all-day hydration. Coupled with my baby lotion, I also added baby oils because well, I needed the extra later of moisture protection. I have naturally oily skin, however, it dries out during harmattan. So, getting moisturized is simply the best and most important advice anyone can give.

Finally,

I love the Harmattan season because it is always close to Christmas and it always gives me the spirit of coziness and warmth. Harmattan doesn’t have to cramp your style or dampen your spirits. With the right mix of fashion-forward choices and nourishing foods, you can conquer the season effortlessly. Stay warm, stay hydrated, and above all, stay fabulous!

What are your go-to Harmattan essentials? Drop your tips in the comments and let’s share ideas to make this season the best one yet.

Alrighty folks, that’s it for today’s blog episode. Please stay tuned for more alluring and interesting content with Oluwatoyosi (haha, I’ve always wanted to do that). And please don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@toyosioludare) and on my timeline (@oluwatoyosi) for more updates.