Trends and seasons
Independence Day outfits: wearing red, gold and green
By sneakersInn team · Updated
For Ghana's Independence Day on 6 March, celebrate the national colours with style: wear one piece in red, gold or green (or a print or kente piece that combines them) with neutral trousers and clean shoes. Ghana became independent on 6 March 1957, one of the first African countries to gain independence from colonial rule, and its flag's red, gold and green with a black star are seen everywhere on the day (Flag of Ghana on Wikipedia).
| Look | Pieces | Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Kente accent | White shirt, kente stole or pocket square, navy trousers | Brown loafers |
| Print shirt | Red, gold and green print shirt, black trousers | Black loafers or leather sneakers |
| One colour | Green knitted polo, stone chinos | White sneakers |
| Traditional | Smock or kaftan in national colours | Ahenema or sandals |
| Casual | White tee with a small flag detail, dark jeans | Clean sneakers |
What do the flag's colours mean?
Red is commonly said to stand for the blood of those who fought for independence, gold for the country's mineral wealth, and green for its forests and natural wealth. The black star stands for African freedom. Wearing them respectfully is a way of honouring that history.
How do I wear national colours without looking like a costume?
Pick one colour or one patterned piece and keep everything else neutral: navy, white, black, grey or stone. A full red, gold and green outfit head to toe is a lot outside a parade.
What about kente?
Kente is a natural choice for the day. A stole over a white shirt or a kente pocket square on a navy suit is elegant. See Friday wear: mixing African prints with modern pieces.
What about parades and outdoor events?
Dress for the heat: light fabrics, a cap or hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. See hot weather outfits.
Questions
Can I wear the flag itself?
Treat the flag with respect; a small pin or a print inspired by the colours is a better choice than wearing a flag as clothing.
Which shoes?
Clean and comfortable. See the 5 types of shoes every man should own.