Breadcrumbs ![My Style Rules: Wintana Alem](https://media.sheerluxe.com/U60iTEw_e-d6Y2ar0XKXql8lOG8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-gold-210926-site-assets-styling-tips-wintana-alem-hero-thumb.jpg) Image: @Wintt_a [Interviews](/fashion/interviews) / 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. ByGEORGINA BLASKEY / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/54041) Image: @Wintt_a All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Zd6Tg7ZwWBcQ9-XAkm8CJfEnaKU=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fmy-style-rules-wintana-alem4.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/wintt_a/) @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. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IFY0HLLs9Z7iLU7GNC57powShAs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fmy-style-rules-wintana-alem3new.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/wintt_a/) @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. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/83oXHrZdvB9mlrKiF8untMWcLm8=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fmy-style-rules-wintana-alem2.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/wintt_a/) @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](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=32887&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fuk%2F) denim and a simple tee or an [H&M](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=43250&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.hm.com%2Fen_gb%2Findex.html) 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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