Style Rules: Oumayma Elboumeshouli

My style is best described as minimal, edgy and a little bit masculine. My fashion obsession began by looking at my parents’ photo archive and seeing how my dad used to dress back in the day – he was so cool. It’s what prompted me to start stealing his jackets, and where my love of tailoring stemmed from. 

My number one styling rule is ‘if in doubt, add a padded shoulder’ A statement shoulder instantly makes your look more powerful and a little more ‘fashion’. The one piece I couldn’t live without is an oversized blazer – I usually buy them at the local thrift-shop, as they tend to have the kind of structured fit I’m looking for. Also, take your most treasured pieces to a tailor or dry cleaner every now and then – you don’t have to do it all the time, but keeping them looking good means you’ll look polished, too – and you’ll be able to enjoy them for longer. 

Always start with the shoes. It depends on the activity and plans, but I always think about my footwear first when it comes to getting dressed. If I’m running around showrooms that day, I prefer to be casual, so I’ll usually opt for some cool sneakers or chunky boots. If I have meetings or an event, I like to wear a good pair of heeled boots or sandals – they just feel a little more elevated. At the moment, I’m living in my New Balance 550 trainers  – they’re my go to look when I need something easy but cool. 

Make thermals your secret weapon. This is my best tip for nailing cold-weather dressing – you don’t have to bundle up in multiple sweaters and a big coat if you have a good set of thermals to hand. Just wear heat-tech leggings or tops under your outfits so you can wear the pieces you like without worrying about being cold. Uniqlo has a great selection, which I end up buying on repeat every year – they’re the best.

The five pieces every woman needs in her autumn/winter wardrobe are: an oversized knit. I personally love the ones from Isabel Marant because they’re comfy and have good shoulders. A straight black wool trouser – I bought a pair from ACNE Studios a couple years ago, which I still have today. An oversized belted wool coat – Arket has some great ones that won’t break the bank and chunky boots – I love the Bottega Veneta styles, but there are similar, far more affordable designs out there which still look great. One tip is to buy them a size bigger, so you can wear them with thick socks. Finally, a knitted dress. They’re so easy – if you’re not feeling inspired that day, just throw one on to look chic with minimal effort. 

Enjoy trends but make them your own. I would be lying if I said I don’t follow trends, but I don’t copy them to the letter. Instead, I base my looks on things I’ve seen on the runway and translate it into a more wearable, daily outfit. Cherry pick the individual pieces you like, but make sure they’ll fit with the rest of your wardrobe so they still feel like your own style. 

A pop of colour will bring your autumn/winter wardrobe to life. If you find yourself in a style rut of neutrals and darker shades, try adding one piece in a brighter colour – for example a pair of heels or a statement bag. I’m obsessed with this pair of neon green heels from The Attico – they make everything feel a bit more statement. I’m also loving the bright green bag in Bottega Veneta’s latest collection – it’s a great way to break up a monochrome look. 

Invest in good basics. They’re the pieces you will wear the most, so it makes sense to buy quality items that will last. I’d always rather spend a bit extra on a good white shirt instead of buying a new one every season. I like to buy my basics from NET-A-PORTER, as they have a great selection of brands to choose from.

A great bag will elevate a minimalist wardrobe. My Chanel 2.55 is my favourite piece in my wardrobe; it was the first (vintage) designer bag I ever bought. I’m so proud of it, too – I saved some money every month so I could buy it. One day, I’d love to own an Hermès Kelly in black. I’ve been obsessed with that bag for as long as I can remember – it’s such a classic.

My biggest style icon is my dad. He always made a statement with his style, which is something he’s definitely passed onto me. His different looks inspire me to this day. I also admire Christine Centenera, the fashion director of Vogue Australia. Her editorial work is very inspiring, too – she’s someone I really look up to.

There are a few designers I always go back to. It really depends on the collection as to what I buy from each one, but I love everything Saint Laurent right now – all the feather details and velvet pieces are amazing. I really love what Raf Simons is doing at Prada, too – I don’t think I’ve ever bought so many pieces from one designer.

Don’t forget to shop pre-loved. Sustainability is something that’s so important to me, so I shop pre-loved where I can. Some of my favourite places to buy vintage are Vestiaire Collective and Zalando's pre-loved section, as well as a store in Amsterdam called Episode. If I want to breathe life into something I’ve have for a while, I’ll customise it – it helps you feel like you have something new, while being a little kinder to the planet. 

The secret to great style is being confident in yourself. When you shine from the inside out, you’ll automatically do the same on the outside. Whatever you’re wearing will look great, I promise.