Style Anatomy: Nazia Hussain

In this week’s Style Anatomy, we got talking to Dubai-based socialite and a Pakistani at heart. She sheds light on the importance of embracing your body type and styling it in accordance with what you’re comfortable in. From her favourite silhouettes, to how her style has changed over the years, she shares it 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?

I think i fall into the hourglass category. My shape is naturally balanced with a defined waist.

Has your body changed over the last five years?

I wouldn’t say my body has ‘changed’ much over the years since I’ve weighed the same for as long as I can remember! But yes I definitely feel I need to gain more muscle and strength. I am one of those people who hates working out in the gym but I love movement, so I swim every day. Unfortunately swimming does not give you the same results as strength training so I guess I will have to hit the gym at some point!

How has your style changed over the years?

I don’t think my style has changed much over the years except for the fact that I have started wearing more colour. Somehow I have always been shy of wearing bold colours but I guess with age comes confidence and now you’ll see me experimenting with the most vibrant of colours. Simplicity is my mantra. Not too much of anything or else I feel lost in the noise of too many details. My style is classic and timeless. I have pieces in my closet from decades ago which are still on point even today.

In your opinion what’s your most troublesome area?

I have always been conscious of my legs (thinking they are too thin)! Whereas in the past I would refrain from wearing clothes that showed my legs, with time I have embraced all my imperfections. Last year I worked out with a personal trainer for a month to gain more muscle and definition on my legs but sadly the day my sessions ended, so did my gym workouts!

How do you dress your body according to your body type?

Since I have a small frame I generally stick to clothes that are more structured and skim my body but are never so tight that you can see the outline of what I had for lunch! You might call me conservative but I love tailored timeless clothes.

What is the biggest mistake a person can make while dressing here?

People who just follow trends regardless of how it looks on them! In their quest to be in style, many people completely miss the most important part of being stylish, customising a trend to suit one’s own body type and age. You need to consider all these things otherwise you run the risk of becoming a fashion victim. You should wear the clothes and not the other way around!

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

I generally stay away from plunging necklines and clothes that are exaggeratedly body hugging and skin revealing. I believe it’s ok to show some flesh once in a while but you don’t have to show everything to look good.

Which silhouettes suit your body the most?

I feel the key to dressing my body shape is to follow its natural silhouette. Since I am the slimmest at the waist, I generally opt for structured, tailored clothes that accentuate my curves. I am a big fan of high waisted, wide leg pants which define my shape. Clothes should always accentuate the right curves.