Style anatomy: Maha Burney

The creative director of NFK Photography breaks down her incredible style. Find out all the challenges she faces in dressing her body type and which rules, from her fashion rulebook, she always abides by

Understanding your body is the key to looking good and a trait found amongst all impeccably dressed fashionistas. While people shy away from talking about their bodies, these brave souls explain how they work their anatomies to their advantage



How would you describe your body type?

Small framed.

Has your body type changed over the last five years?

My body has seen the biggest changes over the last five years; from thin, to pregnant, to a squishy mom-body. My post-baby body is definitely a challenge to dress sometimes. Even though I am close to being back to my pre-baby weight, the pounds are all in different places, which means I have to adjust the way I dress.

In your opinion what is your most troublesome area?

Even at my fittest I have always had a tummy. Now, after a c-section it has definitely become my biggest trouble spot!

How has your style changed over the years?

My style has matured with time. I don’t experiment as much as I used to in terms of colours or prints and know what suits me and what doesn’t. I tend to go for classic, fuss-free, minimal silhouettes, sometimes with a structured edge. Generally I wear a lot of solid colours, but when I do go for prints I like them to either be bold and geometric, or quirky and fun. I like my shoes and bags to be the on-trend statement-making element in my outfit. A statement bag paired with a classic black or white top, skinnies and some beautiful heels is my go-to.



How do you dress according to your body type and which silhouettes suit your body the most?

I think it’s important to balance your proportions when dressing for your body type, therefore I have a couple of personal dos and don’ts when it comes to what I think works for me. I like to wear tops that accentuate the length of my torso and lowers that are more tapered and fitted. Neither crop-tops nor culottes suit me, as they cut my torso or lower half off abruptly, and make me look shorter than I am. Also if I am wearing wide-leg pants, they have to be touching the ground as it gives me more length and creates a balance. However, getting dressed isn’t always about body type for me. A lot has to do with comfort and my mood in that moment.



In your opinion what is the biggest mistake a person can make while dressing here?

I find it jarring when people wear too many statement pieces all at once without thinking about whether they actually work together.

What is the one piece of clothing you shy away from wearing and why?

That’s an easy question, a swimsuit. I definitely need to hit the gym first!