Style Anatomy: Malaecha Malik
London-based influencer, Malaecah Malik who is currently pursuing her studies spills her style secrets. From the silhouettes she loves, to how she has seen her body change, to the styles she will always avoid, she tells us all
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?
A mix of pear and hourglass, but I’d go with the latter. A mesomorph.
Has your physique changed over the years?
Certainly. Back in my teens I was very chubby, never counted my calories and rarely worked out. The Kardashians, as unfortunate as it may be, are the poster women of ideal beauty standards set for modern women and that has birthed an urge in most of us to keep our cores in check and maintain that curvy hourglass figure. Lately, I’ve started hitting the gym a lot, replacing excess fat with muscle, it’s very euphoric and addictive. I do go off track at times but I’m definitely more in shape now.
How has your style changed over the years?
Growing up I’ve dressed up very boyishly, being obsessed with plain black clothing, it’s always been a very gothic look - Fitted lowers and a loose baggy uppers. But since a couple months, I feel my style evolving, gaining more confidence to play around with colours and different things that I would previously shy away from wearing. At 22, I’d say I’m still bipolar with my style, it goes from ‘less is more’ to sporty chic to something very bold, trendy and out there, all depending on my mood.
In your opinion what is your most troublesome area?
Hips unfortunately. As much as I love my figure, all it takes is a few pounds and my pants stop fitting me.
How do you dress according to your body type?
For an hourglass, the key is to define my waist and flaunt my curves, best done in body-hugging, tailored silhouettes. I always opt for fitted tops, high-waisted trousers and sky-high heels to complete the look. Wearing a skirt/dress, I always make sure it’s belted or fitted enough to accentuate my waist! Though on most lazy days you’d find me in tracks and over-sized tees. Anything feminine that maintains a balanced look.
What’s the biggest mistake a person makes while dressing up?
Don’t try to fit yourself into anything too small or too tight (unless it’s a body-shaper haha) and most definitely not into something that doesn’t compliment your figure! Flashing too much is never sexy. Always keep up with whatever’s trending but if it’s not for you, let it go. When you’re confident, comfortable and aware of your fashion limits, you can make anything seem good, even a minimalistic look makes you stand-out. Always read about your body type and get to explore your options better.
Which silhouettes suit your body type the most?
Anything aesthetically pleasing, fitted enough to highlight my waist further. Nothing too boxy.
Any clothing item you shy away wearing?
Bell bottoms and super flared pants. I feel they give an illusion of having shorter legs, even watching others wear them gives me a weird sort of anxiety. In addition, nothing too revealing — especially living here, big NO!