“Clothes are a profound form of self-expression,” asserts Yomi Adegoke, the multi-award-winning author and journalist. “They reveal so much about a person, and they’re integral to my characters because they’re integral to who I am.” For Adegoke, fashion is not just a personal statement but a narrative tool, one that she wields with creativity and confidence.
At 33, Adegoke, like many freelance creatives, often works from her home in Thornton Heath, south London. However, her approach to workwear defies conventional norms. Eschewing the stiff formality of traditional office attire, she opts for elevated sleepwear from luxury brands like Olivia von Halle, Stripe & Stare, Sleeper, and The White Company. These impeccably tailored pieces have accompanied her through the writing of Slay in Your Lane, a groundbreaking guide for young Black British women co-authored with her best friend Elizabeth Uviebinené, and her debut novel, The List. “The beauty of these pieces is that, to the untrained eye, they look like regular clothing,” she explains, applauding the growing trend of sleepwear-as-daywear.
Adegoke’s fashion philosophy is rooted in a refreshing defiance of restrictive sartorial norms. Growing up with what she describes as a “top-heavy” frame, she often struggled to find clothing that suited her body type or felt pressured to avoid styles the industry deemed unsuitable. Today, she credits designers like Olivia Ozi-Oiza Chance, Edeline Lee, and Sinéad O’Dwyer for championing inclusivity and creating pieces that celebrate a diverse range of body types. “These designers aren’t tailoring for a specific silhouette; they’re designing to make women feel confident and beautiful,” she says. “This shift has opened up a world of experimentation that simply didn’t exist before.”
When it comes to formal occasions, Adegoke turns to a mix of avant-garde labels and established luxury brands such as Roksanda and Erdem. A regular on the red carpet, she gravitates toward bold, statement-making ensembles for book launches, industry soirées, and awards ceremonies like the Baftas. “I’m certainly not a minimalist, especially when it comes to red carpet events,” she declares. “I always err on the side of overdressing. These aren’t everyday moments, so I believe in going all out.”
Her penchant for maximalist glamour is a tribute to her late grandmother, whose dramatic and expressive style left an indelible mark. “She was the epitome of chic maximalism,” Adegoke recalls. “For her funeral, we had four outfit changes – that’s just who she was.” She also draws inspiration from the Nigerian tradition of aso-ebi, where guests wear garments made from the same fabric but in different styles. “My grandmother’s favorite color was gold, so we had over 700 people dressed in yellow fabric, each in their own unique cut,” she explains.
In her day-to-day life, Adegoke maintains a keen interest in tailoring, often personalizing pieces sourced from luxury e-tailers like Net-a-Porter and Mytheresa at her local alteration spot, Top Stitch. “I haven’t shopped in person for years,” she admits, preferring to scour platforms like Vestiaire Collective, Vinted, and eBay for pre-loved designer treasures. Currently, her virtual shopping cart holds a Fendi Multipocket Baguette, a piece she’s been eyeing for over a year. “I’m trying to justify the purchase,” she jokes. “My bag collection is extensive – almost embarrassingly so.”
For Adegoke, investing in high-quality pieces is a way to commemorate career milestones, such as book publications and television deals (The List has already been optioned for adaptation). As she works on her second novel, that coveted Fendi Baguette seems like an inevitable addition to her collection.
Yomi Adegoke’s Five Personal Style Rules
- Break the Rules
“I love to clash. I enjoy doing things you’re not supposed to do, like mixing silver and gold jewelry.” - Accessorize with Intent
“Accessories often matter more to me than the clothes themselves. You could wear something simple, but a great bag or shoes can elevate the entire look.” - Celebrate Success with Investment Pieces
“The pieces I’ve bought to mark career achievements hold immense sentimental value for me.” - Embrace ‘Ugly’ Shoes
“Since lockdown, I’ve developed a love for comfortable footwear. I adore my Crocs and have even styled them for formal events, pairing them with a chic bag.” - Wear What Makes You Feel Confident
“As I’ve grown older, I’ve stopped worrying about what you’re ‘supposed’ to wear for certain body types. I’m grateful for the industry’s shift toward more inclusive thinking.”
Yomi Adegoke’s fearless approach to fashion is a testament to her belief in individuality and self-expression. Whether she’s donning haute sleepwear, clashing colors on the red carpet, or accessorizing with investment bags, she proves that style is not about following rules – it’s about rewriting them.