Phatbird
Styling the Phatbird Way
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How to Style Aso Oke in the UK Without It Feeling Like a Costume How to Style Aso Oke in the UK Without It Feeling Like a Costume
Some of us have a piece of aso oke we barely wear. It comes out for a wedding, gets photographed, goes back into the garment bag and waits another year. Not because we don't love it. Because we can't quite picture it on the school run.
And the worry underneath that is usually the same one: will I look like I'm in costume?
It's a fair thing to wonder, but it has less to do with the cloth than with how most of us learned to wear it. Full ceremonial set, head to toe, gele included. Wear it that way on a Tuesday and of course you'll feel overdressed for your own life. Wear it a different way and it simply looks like very good clothing.
A quick word on the cloth
Aso oke is woven by hand in narrow strips, then joined edge to edge, which is where that lovely seam running through a finished panel comes from. In Yoruba tradition it belongs to the big days: weddings, naming ceremonies, chieftaincy titles. That's exactly why wearing it casually can feel a little cheeky at first.
But cloth that leaves the house once a year isn't really being honoured. It's being stored. Silk made the same journey into everyday wardrobes, and so did cashmere, and nobody thinks less of either.
Start with one piece and let it be the loudest thing
Costume happens when everything is competing. Patterned cloth, patterned headwrap, statement bag, embellished shoe, and a full stack of gold. On their own they're all beautiful. Together they announce an event.
Pick one aso oke piece and build the rest of the outfit around it in the dullest colours you own. Black, ivory, chocolate, charcoal. There's usually a metallic thread already running through the weave, so let that be your accent and skip the second one. The Premium Aso Oke Patch Dress works this way. The patchwork does all the talking, and one pair of earrings finishes it.
Put it in a shape people already recognise
Traditional cloth reads as contemporary the moment it arrives in a silhouette from the high street. A kimono is still a kimono. This is why the Jubilee kimonos in blue, red and green are such an easy place to start. Thrown open over a black roll-neck and straight-leg jeans, the thing behaves like a coat that happens to be extraordinary. Nobody asks what the occasion is. They ask where you got it.
Your shoes decide what the outfit means
Same dress, two completely different messages. Heels, clutch and gele and you're a wedding guest. Clean white trainers and a structured tote and you're a woman with taste, going about her day.
For daytime, reach for loafers, flat leather sandals, low-profile trainers, or a block heel you can actually walk in. Save the pointed stiletto for when you do want the ceremony. That one swap will take you further than anything else here.
Dress for British weather, not Lagos weather
Half the costume problem is that we picture aso oke in Nigerian sunshine and then try to wear it in Manchester in February. It stops feeling natural because you're cold, and you look it.
• Underneath: a fine-knit roll-neck, a long-sleeved base layer, opaque tights.
• Over the top: a longline wool coat or trench left open, so a panel of the weave shows at the front. Aso oke peeking out from under a camel coat is one of the best looks available to anyone in this country.
• On your feet: proper boots. Ankle boots under a tasselled hem look deliberate, not like a compromise.
The Jubilee Afro Aso Oke with Mid Tassels layers especially well, because the tassels sit high enough to stay visible under outerwear.
The gele can stay home
A gele is a full statement with its own grammar, and worn with everyday clothes it pulls the whole look straight back towards ceremony. Leaving it off isn't a betrayal. It's a styling decision.
A sleek bun, a blowout, braids down, or a plain silk headwrap that picks up one colour from the weave will do. Then when you do bring out the proper gele, it lands twice as hard.
Fit does more work than fabric
Handwoven cloth has body. It holds its own shape instead of draping over yours, so a bad fit shows up faster here than it would in jersey. On a curvy frame, slightly too small doesn't read as tight, it reads as stiff, and stiff is the thing that looks like costume. Our aso oke runs in 12–16 and 18–22, cut with real ease rather than a straight size scaled up. If you're between the two, go with your widest measurement. Aso oke doesn't give.
Three ways to wear it this week
Tuesday. Jubilee Green Kimono open over a black roll-neck and black jeans. White trainers, small gold hoops, structured tote. A coat outfit, not an event outfit.
Dinner. Jubilee Colour Aso Oke Dress with Tassels, block-heel mules, one cuff, hair back. Nothing else. The tassels move when you do, which is the whole point.
The occasion. Premium Aso Oke Patch Dress, heeled sandal, matching jewellery, gele. This is the one time you turn everything up, because now the context matches.
Aso oke stops feeling like a costume the moment you stop saving it. The women who wear it best in London and Birmingham and Glasgow aren't styling it more cleverly than the rest of us. They're just wearing it more often. By the third time that kimono goes to the office it isn't a statement anymore. It's your coat.
Have a look through the Aso Oke edit, or the wider Afro Luxé Collection for Batik and Mikado pieces that work the same way.
Some of us have a piece of aso oke we barely wear. It comes out for a wedding, gets photographed, goes back into the garment bag and waits another year. Not because we don't love it. Because we can't quite picture it on the school run.
And the worry underneath that is usually the same one: will I look like I'm in costume?
It's a fair thing to wonder, but it has less to do with the cloth than with how most of us learned to wear it. Full ceremonial set, head to toe, gele included. Wear it that way on a Tuesday and of course you'll feel overdressed for your own life. Wear it a different way and it simply looks like very good clothing.
A quick word on the cloth
Aso oke is woven by hand in narrow strips, then joined edge to edge, which is where that lovely seam running through a finished panel comes from. In Yoruba tradition it belongs to the big days: weddings, naming ceremonies, chieftaincy titles. That's exactly why wearing it casually can feel a little cheeky at first.
But cloth that leaves the house once a year isn't really being honoured. It's being stored. Silk made the same journey into everyday wardrobes, and so did cashmere, and nobody thinks less of either.
Start with one piece and let it be the loudest thing
Costume happens when everything is competing. Patterned cloth, patterned headwrap, statement bag, embellished shoe, and a full stack of gold. On their own they're all beautiful. Together they announce an event.
Pick one aso oke piece and build the rest of the outfit around it in the dullest colours you own. Black, ivory, chocolate, charcoal. There's usually a metallic thread already running through the weave, so let that be your accent and skip the second one. The Premium Aso Oke Patch Dress works this way. The patchwork does all the talking, and one pair of earrings finishes it.
Put it in a shape people already recognise
Traditional cloth reads as contemporary the moment it arrives in a silhouette from the high street. A kimono is still a kimono. This is why the Jubilee kimonos in blue, red and green are such an easy place to start. Thrown open over a black roll-neck and straight-leg jeans, the thing behaves like a coat that happens to be extraordinary. Nobody asks what the occasion is. They ask where you got it.
Your shoes decide what the outfit means
Same dress, two completely different messages. Heels, clutch and gele and you're a wedding guest. Clean white trainers and a structured tote and you're a woman with taste, going about her day.
For daytime, reach for loafers, flat leather sandals, low-profile trainers, or a block heel you can actually walk in. Save the pointed stiletto for when you do want the ceremony. That one swap will take you further than anything else here.
Dress for British weather, not Lagos weather
Half the costume problem is that we picture aso oke in Nigerian sunshine and then try to wear it in Manchester in February. It stops feeling natural because you're cold, and you look it.
• Underneath: a fine-knit roll-neck, a long-sleeved base layer, opaque tights.
• Over the top: a longline wool coat or trench left open, so a panel of the weave shows at the front. Aso oke peeking out from under a camel coat is one of the best looks available to anyone in this country.
• On your feet: proper boots. Ankle boots under a tasselled hem look deliberate, not like a compromise.
The Jubilee Afro Aso Oke with Mid Tassels layers especially well, because the tassels sit high enough to stay visible under outerwear.
The gele can stay home
A gele is a full statement with its own grammar, and worn with everyday clothes it pulls the whole look straight back towards ceremony. Leaving it off isn't a betrayal. It's a styling decision.
A sleek bun, a blowout, braids down, or a plain silk headwrap that picks up one colour from the weave will do. Then when you do bring out the proper gele, it lands twice as hard.
Fit does more work than fabric
Handwoven cloth has body. It holds its own shape instead of draping over yours, so a bad fit shows up faster here than it would in jersey. On a curvy frame, slightly too small doesn't read as tight, it reads as stiff, and stiff is the thing that looks like costume. Our aso oke runs in 12–16 and 18–22, cut with real ease rather than a straight size scaled up. If you're between the two, go with your widest measurement. Aso oke doesn't give.
Three ways to wear it this week
Tuesday. Jubilee Green Kimono open over a black roll-neck and black jeans. White trainers, small gold hoops, structured tote. A coat outfit, not an event outfit.
Dinner. Jubilee Colour Aso Oke Dress with Tassels, block-heel mules, one cuff, hair back. Nothing else. The tassels move when you do, which is the whole point.
The occasion. Premium Aso Oke Patch Dress, heeled sandal, matching jewellery, gele. This is the one time you turn everything up, because now the context matches.
Aso oke stops feeling like a costume the moment you stop saving it. The women who wear it best in London and Birmingham and Glasgow aren't styling it more cleverly than the rest of us. They're just wearing it more often. By the third time that kimono goes to the office it isn't a statement anymore. It's your coat.
Have a look through the Aso Oke edit, or the wider Afro Luxé Collection for Batik and Mikado pieces that work the same way.
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Inclusive Fashion in the UK: Why Plus-Size Style Deserves the Spotlight Inclusive Fashion in the UK: Why Plus-Size Style Deserves the Spotlight
The UK fashion industry is undergoing a long-overdue shift. For years, women’s fashion followed narrow standards that failed to reflect the diversity of real bodies. Today, inclusive fashion is no longer a niche conversation, it has become a central expectation among modern consumers.
Women want clothing that fits well, feels comfortable, and reflects their personal style regardless of size. This growing demand has placed plus-size fashion at the heart of the industry’s evolution, challenging brands to rethink how they design, market, and define style.
Inclusive fashion is not about creating separate categories for different body types. It is about designing thoughtfully from the start, ensuring garments work beautifully across sizes while maintaining structure, elegance, and trend relevance.
The Rise of Inclusive Fashion in the UK
UK consumers are more informed and intentional than ever. Shoppers are actively supporting brands that reflect their values authenticity, representation, and confidence. As a result, inclusive fashion has become a marker of credibility rather than a marketing add-on.
This shift is especially significant for plus-size women, who have historically been underserved by mainstream fashion. Today’s consumers are rejecting poorly fitted designs and limited options in favour of brands that prioritise real bodies and real lifestyles.
Inclusive fashion acknowledges that women are not one-size-fits-all and neither should style be.
Why Plus-Size Fashion Matters
Plus-size fashion is not a trend; it is a necessity. A significant portion of women fall outside traditional size ranges, yet for years their options were limited, outdated, or poorly constructed.
Modern plus-size fashion focuses on:
• Proper fit rather than size scaling
• Contemporary silhouettes rather than oversized concealment
• Quality fabrics that support comfort and confidence
When brands design with intention, plus-size fashion becomes empowering rather than restrictive.
Redefining Style Through Inclusivity
Style is about expression, not limitation. Inclusive fashion allows women to dress in ways that align with their identity, lifestyle, and confidence.
As more brands embrace inclusivity, the definition of fashion authority is changing. Authority now belongs to brands that understand women not just trends.
Phatbird reflects this evolution by focusing on sleek, wearable designs that celebrate curves while remaining accessible to women of all shapes.
The Future of Inclusive Fashion
Inclusive fashion is shaping the future of women’s style in the UK and across Europe. Brands that prioritise thoughtful design, representation, and confidence will continue to lead the industry forward.
Fashion that works for real women is no longer optional, it is the standard.
The UK fashion industry is undergoing a long-overdue shift. For years, women’s fashion followed narrow standards that failed to reflect the diversity of real bodies. Today, inclusive fashion is no longer a niche conversation, it has become a central expectation among modern consumers.
Women want clothing that fits well, feels comfortable, and reflects their personal style regardless of size. This growing demand has placed plus-size fashion at the heart of the industry’s evolution, challenging brands to rethink how they design, market, and define style.
Inclusive fashion is not about creating separate categories for different body types. It is about designing thoughtfully from the start, ensuring garments work beautifully across sizes while maintaining structure, elegance, and trend relevance.
The Rise of Inclusive Fashion in the UK
UK consumers are more informed and intentional than ever. Shoppers are actively supporting brands that reflect their values authenticity, representation, and confidence. As a result, inclusive fashion has become a marker of credibility rather than a marketing add-on.
This shift is especially significant for plus-size women, who have historically been underserved by mainstream fashion. Today’s consumers are rejecting poorly fitted designs and limited options in favour of brands that prioritise real bodies and real lifestyles.
Inclusive fashion acknowledges that women are not one-size-fits-all and neither should style be.
Why Plus-Size Fashion Matters
Plus-size fashion is not a trend; it is a necessity. A significant portion of women fall outside traditional size ranges, yet for years their options were limited, outdated, or poorly constructed.
Modern plus-size fashion focuses on:
• Proper fit rather than size scaling
• Contemporary silhouettes rather than oversized concealment
• Quality fabrics that support comfort and confidence
When brands design with intention, plus-size fashion becomes empowering rather than restrictive.
Redefining Style Through Inclusivity
Style is about expression, not limitation. Inclusive fashion allows women to dress in ways that align with their identity, lifestyle, and confidence.
As more brands embrace inclusivity, the definition of fashion authority is changing. Authority now belongs to brands that understand women not just trends.
Phatbird reflects this evolution by focusing on sleek, wearable designs that celebrate curves while remaining accessible to women of all shapes.
The Future of Inclusive Fashion
Inclusive fashion is shaping the future of women’s style in the UK and across Europe. Brands that prioritise thoughtful design, representation, and confidence will continue to lead the industry forward.
Fashion that works for real women is no longer optional, it is the standard.
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Style Without Limits: How to Build a Sleek Wardrobe for Every Body Type Style Without Limits: How to Build a Sleek Wardrobe for Every Body Type
Style is not defined by size, it is defined by confidence, balance, and intentional choices. Building a sleek wardrobe is about understanding what works for your body and selecting pieces that make you feel empowered.
Inclusive fashion allows women to embrace style without limitations, proving that great fashion principles apply to everyone.
The Importance of Balance and Proportion
A sleek wardrobe is built on balance. Mixing fitted and relaxed silhouettes creates harmony and enhances overall appearance.
Key styling principles include:
• Pairing structured pieces with softer fabrics
• Defining the waist for visual balance
• Choosing cuts that complement body shape
These principles work across sizes and styles.
Investing in Versatile Staples
Every wardrobe benefits from timeless essentials. Versatile pieces allow for easy styling and long-term wear.
Staples may include:
• Well-tailored dresses
• Structured tops
• Comfortable yet polished trousers
These items form the foundation of a confident wardrobe.
Dressing for Confidence
Confidence is the most important element of style. Clothing should support movement, comfort, and self-expression. When women feel comfortable in what they wear, style becomes effortless.
Building a Wardrobe That Reflects You
A wardrobe should reflect individuality, lifestyle, and confidence. With the right pieces and styling principles, every woman can build a wardrobe that feels both stylish and empowering.
Style is not defined by size, it is defined by confidence, balance, and intentional choices. Building a sleek wardrobe is about understanding what works for your body and selecting pieces that make you feel empowered.
Inclusive fashion allows women to embrace style without limitations, proving that great fashion principles apply to everyone.
The Importance of Balance and Proportion
A sleek wardrobe is built on balance. Mixing fitted and relaxed silhouettes creates harmony and enhances overall appearance.
Key styling principles include:
• Pairing structured pieces with softer fabrics
• Defining the waist for visual balance
• Choosing cuts that complement body shape
These principles work across sizes and styles.
Investing in Versatile Staples
Every wardrobe benefits from timeless essentials. Versatile pieces allow for easy styling and long-term wear.
Staples may include:
• Well-tailored dresses
• Structured tops
• Comfortable yet polished trousers
These items form the foundation of a confident wardrobe.
Dressing for Confidence
Confidence is the most important element of style. Clothing should support movement, comfort, and self-expression. When women feel comfortable in what they wear, style becomes effortless.
Building a Wardrobe That Reflects You
A wardrobe should reflect individuality, lifestyle, and confidence. With the right pieces and styling principles, every woman can build a wardrobe that feels both stylish and empowering.
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The Ultimate Wardrobe Refresh: Key Trends to Try This Season The Ultimate Wardrobe Refresh: Key Trends to Try This Season
As the season unfolds, so do fresh ideas in fashion — many of which are easy to wear and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re updating your everyday staples or experimenting with new silhouettes, these trends are worth exploring in your wardrobe right now.
1. Elevated Essentials
Minimalist pieces with thoughtful details remain at the heart of everyday style. Think tailored shirts, wide-leg trousers and soft knitwear — all in tones that work from morning meetings to weekend plans.2. Soft Pastels & Earthy Neutrals
Colour palettes are shifting toward soothing pastels and grounded neutrals. These shades work beautifully together, making outfit building effortless and versatile for work, city strolls or relaxed evenings out.3. Lightweight Outerwear
Transitional layers are a must this time of year. Trench coats, structured blazers and lightweight jackets are proving popular, offering both function and polish without feeling heavy.4. Statement Accessories
Accessories continue to bring personality to outfits. Chunky chains, bold belts and structured bags are easy additions that instantly elevate even the simplest looks.5. Relaxed Tailoring
Comfort meets refinement with relaxed tailoring. Blazers and trousers with a looser fit are proving stylish and practical — perfect for mixing with both sneakers and heels.These trends aren’t about radical changes — they’re about thoughtful updates that work for your lifestyle, mood and personal taste. Try incorporating one or two into your next outfit and see how they bring a fresh perspective to your style.
As the season unfolds, so do fresh ideas in fashion — many of which are easy to wear and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re updating your everyday staples or experimenting with new silhouettes, these trends are worth exploring in your wardrobe right now.
1. Elevated Essentials
Minimalist pieces with thoughtful details remain at the heart of everyday style. Think tailored shirts, wide-leg trousers and soft knitwear — all in tones that work from morning meetings to weekend plans.2. Soft Pastels & Earthy Neutrals
Colour palettes are shifting toward soothing pastels and grounded neutrals. These shades work beautifully together, making outfit building effortless and versatile for work, city strolls or relaxed evenings out.3. Lightweight Outerwear
Transitional layers are a must this time of year. Trench coats, structured blazers and lightweight jackets are proving popular, offering both function and polish without feeling heavy.4. Statement Accessories
Accessories continue to bring personality to outfits. Chunky chains, bold belts and structured bags are easy additions that instantly elevate even the simplest looks.5. Relaxed Tailoring
Comfort meets refinement with relaxed tailoring. Blazers and trousers with a looser fit are proving stylish and practical — perfect for mixing with both sneakers and heels.These trends aren’t about radical changes — they’re about thoughtful updates that work for your lifestyle, mood and personal taste. Try incorporating one or two into your next outfit and see how they bring a fresh perspective to your style.
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What UK Women Are Actually Wearing Right Now (And How to Style It Effortlessly) What UK Women Are Actually Wearing Right Now (And How to Style It Effortlessly)
Let’s be honest — UK fashion doesn’t follow trends. It interprets them.From London brunch spots in Shoreditch to casual evenings in Manchester, women are mixing comfort with confidence in ways that feel personal, not predictable.
Right now, we’re seeing three clear shifts in how women are dressing across the UK.
1. Elevated Comfort Is Everything
Tailored joggers. Structured co-ords. Soft knit sets that look intentional, not lazy.
The modern UK woman wants to look put together without looking like she tried too hard. It’s less about overdressing and more about balance — clean lines, good fabric, and pieces that move with you.
Style tip: Pair a neutral co-ord with minimal gold jewellery and a sleek crossbody. Add trainers for day, heels for night.
2. Statement Layers (Even When It’s Not That Cold)
Layering isn’t just practical here — it’s aesthetic.
Oversized blazers over crop tops. Longline coats over fitted dresses. Chunky scarves as statement pieces.
The trick? Let one item lead. If your blazer is bold, keep the base simple.
3. Feminine but Unapologetic
We’re seeing softer silhouettes paired with strong structure.
Think:
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Body-hugging dresses with structured boots
-
Satin skirts styled with oversized knits
-
Soft fabrics, sharp attitudes
UK fashion right now feels confident. Effortless. Slightly rebellious.
And honestly? We’re here for it.
At Phatbird, we design with this exact energy in mind — pieces that transition from daytime casual to evening confident without needing a full wardrobe change.
Because getting dressed should feel empowering, not exhausting.
Which trend are you leaning into this season?
Let’s be honest — UK fashion doesn’t follow trends. It interprets them.From London brunch spots in Shoreditch to casual evenings in Manchester, women are mixing comfort with confidence in ways that feel personal, not predictable.
Right now, we’re seeing three clear shifts in how women are dressing across the UK.
1. Elevated Comfort Is Everything
Tailored joggers. Structured co-ords. Soft knit sets that look intentional, not lazy.
The modern UK woman wants to look put together without looking like she tried too hard. It’s less about overdressing and more about balance — clean lines, good fabric, and pieces that move with you.
Style tip: Pair a neutral co-ord with minimal gold jewellery and a sleek crossbody. Add trainers for day, heels for night.
2. Statement Layers (Even When It’s Not That Cold)
Layering isn’t just practical here — it’s aesthetic.
Oversized blazers over crop tops. Longline coats over fitted dresses. Chunky scarves as statement pieces.
The trick? Let one item lead. If your blazer is bold, keep the base simple.
3. Feminine but Unapologetic
We’re seeing softer silhouettes paired with strong structure.
Think:
-
Body-hugging dresses with structured boots
-
Satin skirts styled with oversized knits
-
Soft fabrics, sharp attitudes
UK fashion right now feels confident. Effortless. Slightly rebellious.
And honestly? We’re here for it.
At Phatbird, we design with this exact energy in mind — pieces that transition from daytime casual to evening confident without needing a full wardrobe change.
Because getting dressed should feel empowering, not exhausting.
Which trend are you leaning into this season?
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