What to wear to a Lagos event: a simple guide by type of night

Lagos takes style seriously, and nobody wants to be the person in sneakers at a black tie dinner or in a full agbada at a beach party. The good news is that most events give you enough clues to get it right. Here is a simple guide.

Read the event page first

Many organisers put a dress code on the event page or flyer. "All white", "black tie", "Afrocentric" and "dress to impress" all mean something specific. If it says nothing, look at photos from last time on the organiser's page. That tells you more than any guide.

Concerts and big shows

Comfort wins. You will stand for hours, queue to get in and probably walk a fair distance from where your ride drops you. Wear shoes you can stand in all night and something you won't mind getting hot in. A small bag that stays close to your body is better than a big one.

Rooftop and lounge nights

This is where people dress up a bit. Smart casual is the safe middle: a good shirt or a nice top, clean shoes, something that looks deliberate. Some lounges turn people away for slippers or shorts, so if you are unsure, go a little smarter.

Beach parties

Light fabrics, sunglasses and shoes you can take off. Bring sunscreen even if it feels cloudy, and a small towel. Leave anything precious at home. Sand gets everywhere, and if you are taking a boat to get there, you will probably get splashed.

All white parties

All white means all white, and it is very obvious when someone ignores it. Off white and cream usually pass. Bright colours don't. Think about what you will be eating and drinking too, because white shows everything.

Owambes and celebrations

If there is an aso ebi, the family's chosen fabric, and you have been offered it, wearing it is a nice way to show you are part of the day. If not, go bold and traditional. These are celebrations where people dress up properly, and it is hard to overdo it.

Comedy shows, dinners and culture nights

Smart casual covers most of these. Comedy venues can get warm, and you will be sitting for a while, so comfortable but neat is the goal.

A few things that always help

• Check the weather. Rain in Lagos changes plans quickly.
• Carry a small power bank. Your ticket and your ride home are both on your phone.
• Choose shoes for the walk from the car park, not just the photo.
• When in doubt, dress one step smarter than you think. It is rare to regret it.

Once your outfit is sorted, make sure your ticket is too. Open it on your phone before you leave home, so you are not searching your email at the gate.