Who said office dressing has to be boring? Nancy Isime just gave the classic shirt-and-tie combination a Nigerian fashion makeover, and the result is anything but conventional.
For the Beauty in the Motherland Beauty Awards Night 2026, the Nollywood actress stepped out in a striped Aso Oke — inspired maxi dress layered over a crisp white shirt, complete with a matching tie.
The look brings together traditional woven fabric and corporate dressing, but with a playful approach to proportion.
Her dress features vertical stripes in royal blue, white, orange and soft purple, with a fitted navy bodice and slim silhouette that falls towards the ankles. At the hips, oversized box-shaped pockets interrupt the otherwise streamlined design, introducing a sculptural element that makes the outfit instantly recognisable.
Underneath, Nancy wore a white shirt with a pointed collar and exaggerated puff sleeves finished with ruffled cuffs. A tie cut from the same striped fabric as the dress completes the styling, turning a familiar office accessory into part of the outfit’s cultural expression.
The contrast is what makes it interesting. The shirt brings structure, the sleeves add softness, and the exaggerated pockets give the dress an almost architectural quality.
For accessories, Nancy chose white pointed heels with crystal bow embellishments and long, sparkling drop earrings. Her cornrow braids were styled into small buns, while purple-toned eyeshadow and a glossy nude lip complemented the colours of the ensemble.
Beyond the visual appeal, the look offers an interesting interpretation of African textiles. Rather than treating traditional fabric as something reserved for ceremonial dressing, Nancy wears it through the language of contemporary tailoring.
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