/ 21 September 2026

My Style Rules: Wintana Alem

From vintage denim and layered gold jewellery to fearless pattern mixing and high-low dressing, style and beauty creator Wintana Alem shares the rules behind her effortless wardrobe – including why fit matters more than the size on the label and why jelly shoes are firmly back in her rotation.

GEORGINA BLASKEY

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@Wintt_A

My ride or die pieces are the foundation of my wardrobe. They're the items I reach for no matter the season: vintage straight leg jeans, a quality white tank or tee, layered gold jewellery, kitten heels and a structured bag. These pieces are timeless, incredibly versatile and make getting dressed feel effortless. I can style them countless ways, which is exactly how I approach fashion. I believe in building a wardrobe around pieces you'll wear again and again.

I'm loving the resurgence of nostalgic fashion. We're seeing pieces many of us never imagined wearing again, like jelly shoes, boat shoes, capri pants, clogs, oversized tote bags and vintage inspired denim. What I love most is that they're not coming back exactly as we remember them. They’ve been reimagined in a way that feels fresh, modern and wearable. It's a great reminder that fashion is cyclical, and you should never say never.

I never thought I'd wear jelly shoes again. Now I own them in so many styles including ballet flats, sandals and heels. I completely fell down the rabbit hole and honestly, I have no regrets.

I love mixing prints, especially when they share a SIMILAR COLOUR PALETTE.

I’m less drawn to unusual fabrics than I am to unexpected combinations. I love the contrast of polished and relaxed textures like linen with leather, denim with silk, or suede with cotton. Those pairings create depth and make an outfit feel elevated.

The biggest lesson I've learned is that fit matters far more than the size on the label. Having experienced both a larger body and now a smaller one completely changed the way I shop. I focus on how something fits, drapes and makes me feel. If I love how it looks and feels, that's all that matters.

I've never been afraid of pattern. I love mixing prints, especially when they share a similar colour palette. Once the colours work together, I'll often add a bold pop of colour. Some of my favourite outfits come from combinations people wouldn't expect.

@Wintt_A

I've always said jewellery is my love language. If there's one thing people would remember me by, it's probably my love for jewellery. Some days I gravitate toward delicate pieces, while other days I want bold statement jewellery. Accessories are often what transform a simple look into something memorable. My signature vintage bracelet stack never comes off, not even at the gym.

I think of shapewear as a styling tool, not something you wear to change your body. I always recommend a great strapless bra, seamless underwear, nipple covers and a smoothing short. They're the pieces that solve most styling challenges.

The easiest way to incorporate colour is to start small. Try a colourful shoe, handbag, sweater over your shoulders, or even a bold lipstick. I love mixing vibrant colours with prints because it adds personality and makes getting dressed feel fun.

Proportions are about creating balance, not following rules. Whether I'm mixing oversized pieces or balancing volume with tailored elements, I use subtle styling details like defining my waist, showing a little wrist or ankle, or choosing lighter footwear. It's all about wearing the clothes instead of letting the clothes wear you.

I invest in the foundations of my wardrobe. Great denim, a beautiful leather jacket, a perfectly fitting blazer, crisp button downs, quality cotton tees, timeless shoes, handbags and jewellery I'll wear for years. I'd rather own fewer, better pieces that I truly love.

@Wintt_A

I look at my wardrobe like a stylist rather than a shopper. I'll change the proportions, add a layer, introduce an unexpected colour, or style a familiar piece in a new way. The best wardrobes aren't the biggest. They're the ones that continue to surprise you.

Animal print is one of my signatures. Leopard and snake prints are staples in my wardrobe, and I treat them almost like neutrals. I love mixing them through accessories, then adding a bold pop of colour like red, cobalt blue, pink or chartreuse. Those unexpected combinations often become my favourites.

High-low dressing is my favourite way to build an outfit. I love pairing vintage jewellery with Zara denim and a simple tee or an H&M outfit with a beautiful designer bag. Mixing investment pieces with affordable finds is what gives an outfit character.

My wardrobe evolves as I do. Rather than doing one big seasonal clean out, I edit it throughout the year. I'd much rather have a closet full of favourites than one full of options.

I wish I were better at consigning but, honestly, I'm not. Most of the time I donate pieces in great condition or pass them along to friends and family. I'd much rather see someone else enjoy them than have them sit in my closet.

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