Discover the afropaty style, empowerment beyond the Barbie aesthetic

Being vain, wearing designer clothes and boasting a high standard of living are classic characteristics of preppy girls, often represented in the audiovisual by young blondes and whites. With the social ascension of black women, afropaty appears, a term that goes far beyond the aesthetic standard and consumption.

What does it mean to be afropaty

Afropaty is the black-skinned woman who boasts a high standard of living. Also called “Preta Patrícia” and “petricinha”, in reference to black patricinhas, it symbolizes the social ascension of black women and their presence in spaces until then mostly occupied by whites.

The term originates from the English expression Black American Princess/Prince (BAP), used to distinguish black men and women who had good economic conditions for more than a generation in the US. In Brazil, afropaty symbolizes the aesthetic, financial, professional and intellectual empowerment of black women, because it is through education and work that they have the opportunity to change their own reality.

The characters Hilary, Vivian and Ashley Banks (The Crazy One in the Piece), Dionne Davenport (The Girls of Beverly Hills) and the artists Beyoncé, Rihanna, Card B and Nick Minaj are the main references of this movement in the USA. In Brazil, the prominent black patricians are Taís Araujo, Iza, Ludmilla, Camile Vitória, Monique Evelle, among many others.

Movement is also represented in music. Pretas Patrícias Mc Taya and Mc Carol have songs on the theme, where they sing precisely about the rise and possession of spaces and items that were hitherto the privilege of white women.

Is it possible to be a Preta Patricia in Brazil?

56% of the Brazilian population is self-declared black. This is what the 2019 National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) carried out by IBGE shows. The same survey points out that black women are 28% of the population. Still, despite being the majority, blacks suffer from discrimination and inequality, which puts them at a disadvantage in relation to the white population.

So, how to talk about ostentation of a high standard of living in this scenario? Is afropaty an elitist movement? Despite the financial issue, the movement is also composed of the desire to prosper, empower and achieve rights hitherto denied. In this way, he characterizes not only the vain woman, but the one who craves knowledge and independence and provides herself with the means to do so.

How to build the afropaty aesthetic

Although it is a movement full of symbolism, it is also an aesthetic reference. Afropaty is, above all, a vain woman with her own style, who makes political use of clothes and hair. After all, branded clothing is a symbol of status and curly threads, of resistance and acceptance.

Next, see five attributes of the preticinhas for you to dive into this aesthetic and take the first steps in this movement.

hair style

Curly, curly, straight, laces, braids, with or without baby hair. All types can be adopted by afropatys. Your hair is your brand and your strength in a society full of prejudices and aesthetic impositions.

diversity of styles

Afropaty does not have a defined style. However, observing the North American and Brazilian references mentioned above, it is noted that there is a lot of influence from the baddie style, streetwear and the 90s.

Trend at your fingertip

Famous among artists, stiletto nails are full of style and communicate boldness and sensuality, from basic to nail arts.

Afro prints and accessories

It shows its connection with African ancestry and culture. In addition, the use of Afro clothes and accessories, such as the turban, end up making money spin in the hands of other blacks, favoring Black Money.

well-marked makeup

They don’t necessarily use strong colors to highlight the makeup, but if you want you can too! Ombré lips, eyebrow contours and eyes (hello, kitty!) are present in the routine, conveying the feeling of beauty without much effort.

Now it’s time to put it into practice. Get inspired by the afropaty looks listed below and find your own style!

25 afropaty looks to awaken the little girl in you

Get inspired by the trends below to build your own afropaty style of being!

1. Throwback! Let’s go back to the 90’s

2. The yellow plaid has become a reference and returns with everything in afropatys

3. Another reference is the darling slip dress with a blouse underneath

4. Ripped pants are a feature of the baddie style

5. And also makes up the streetwear

6. A union between afropaty style and comfort

7. The image of Barbie is also present

8. In the symbology of the color rose

9. And in the construction of the look

10. It’s a classic, super elegant

11. A pink piece brings prominence and boldness to the composition

12. Pink with Poá brings romanticism and delicacy

13. Another trend adopted by the little girls is the print

14. Overcoats are great for fall-winter compositions

15. As well as the fur coat, which gives charm to the look

16. Here he is super casual

17. On the whole, fake fur is the charm!

18. But maybe you prefer something more traditional

19. Afropaty can also be neutral

20. Here you will find a variety of styles

21. From the most sporty and casual style

22. The ideal one for a little outing

23. What goes well with makeup

24. There is no right style, play at your best version

25. And rock the style!

Next, see some videos about the afropaty aesthetic.

Afropaty beyond looks

Below, delve into this style by watching the videos of a complete production, with makeup, hairstyle and quirky attitude.

Community and sorority

In this video, Bia Florent explains what it’s like to be an Afropaty and the concepts of sorority and community that she found in getting to know this movement better. In addition, she gives tips on accessories for the little girls!

Have style while spending little

Did you feel like having the clothes, but don’t know where to buy? Here, Beatriz Lefundes gives tips on where to find the best pieces and, at the same time, explains a little more about this style.

Make Afropathy

Learn how to do a simple and practical makeup with Irlaine Tavares, but that bring the glamor of afropaty, perfectly completing the look. It is ideal for everyday use.

Black Barbie Girl

In this video, Bárbara gives tips on makeup, lace and clothes to create an aesthetic similar to that of the doll. See in the tutorial how to make a complete transformation and adopt all the details of the afropaty style.

Read more about the beauty of black women and check out other makeup for black skin.