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Bold patterns, vivid colours and takes on tradition made for a stylish and upbeat procession at the Rio Olympics opening ceremony.

Flag bearer Nicole Van der Velden of Aruba leads her contingent during the opening ceremony on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/Richard Heathcote)

Aruba

A squiggled multi-coloured print ran down the side of the Aruban athletes’ blazers and across the crowns of their fedoras. Contrasted with crisp white skirts and trousers, the effect was simple but exuberant.

Athletes of Benin take part in the opening ceremony on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV)

Benin

From the west coast of Africa, this team set the bar for use of colour, print and accessorizing. Yellow polka-dot tunics were paired with green bottoms – a take on the boubou, a regional type of outfit. The look was complimented with green hats and intricately folded turbans.

Team Cameroon marches in the arena during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. (AP/ Patrick Semansky)

Cameroon

Cameroon’s athletes wore a traditional ensemble of embroidered patterned tops and bottoms along with matching headwear. The bright palette reflected the upbeat mood of the crowd at Maracana stadium.

Flag bearer Ella Nicholas of Cook Islands arrives for the opening ceremony on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH)

Cook Islands

In homage to their country’s iconic style of Oceanian tattooing, the team wore green printed dresses and shirts. Their bright floral tiaras were in keeping with the celebratory theme.

Flag bearer Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast arrives for the opening ceremony on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH)

Ivory Coast

Athletes from the Ivory Coast wore a variation of the bright graphic patterning of their traditional dress; the look was also unisex – still fairly unique in the realm of opening ceremony ensembles.

Flag bearer Joshua E Tibatemwa of Uganda arrives for the opening ceremony on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/DAVID GRAY)

Uganda

Only a hint of flash was needed on these uniforms – bright red blazers were decorated with boldly striped lapels.

Poland's team arrives for the opening ceremony on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH)

Poland

Though there were several examples of patterned skirts at this year’s ceremony, the Polish team and their chic tie-dye maxi skirts, paired with silver sandals, were a tasteful hit.