5 women of style tell us their go-to uniform that gives them peace of mind in a busy schedule.
Federica Labanca, @federica.labanca
FOUNDER – FFLOW
When time is of the essence, what outfit do you reach for when you want to feel at your best?
I’m not going to pretend like I’m wearing impeccable outfits every day. Most days I’m busy running around so guilty as charged, my go-to uniform, especially living in London, is a cashmere tracksuit, a good statement coat and a pair of heels (on most days) or loafers/boots when I’m really running and when it’s raining (which we get a lot here).
How does your style reflect your personality?
Statement earrings and big shoulder pads. Now, I think these two elements are what have characterised the way I dress for the longest time and are the real baseline of my overall style. I would say the easiest way to put it would be retro, with a modern twist. I love looking back at magazines from the 50s up until the 80s and finding elements I can replicate and make mine. Behind most items I wear, there’s real research in trying to find pieces that recall those eras. I love wearing a vintage red suit I found on eBay, adding big shoulder pads to it and styling it with a pair of Knife Balenciaga shoes.
If you’re being true to yourself, what you wear will always reflect your personality. I genuinely feel like I’m in the wrong era. I would pay good money to live a couple nights in the 80s. I listen to 80s music; I research fashion history as a hobby. I work hard daily, and I want my daily looks to reflect that, hence why I love a statement shoulder (I put shoulders in T-shirts, cardigans, blazers, anything). They just make me feel like I can take on the world day by day. When you see me in a tracksuit and a big coat, I’m definitely on duty! On holiday on the other hand, everything is softer, and you can tell I’m relaxed. My looks always show how I’m feeling, can’t escape that!
Hanya Al Khamis, @styledby_hk
FASHION STYLIST AND FASHION CONSULTANT
When time is of the essence, what outfit do you reach for when you want to feel at your best?
During a busy day, nothing brings me more peace of mind than my go-to outfit: a crisp white T-shirt or shirt paired with denim jeans. Adding a chic belt, statement earrings, and comfortable kitten heels elevates this effortless combination into something polished yet practical. It’s a look that allows me to transition seamlessly between work and personal outings.
How does your style reflect your personality?
My style is a blend of simplicity and timeless elegance, embodying quiet luxury with a modern edge. I gravitate towards classic pieces that stand the test of time rather than fleeting trends, as they complement both my personality and body type.
My approach to style is thoughtful and refined, reflecting an appreciation for understated sophistication while embracing just the right hint of edginess. I believe that fashion is a form of self-expression, and I often dress to align with or uplift my mood. On heavier days, I turn to outfits that cheer me up, using bold colours or experimental styles to infuse energy into my look. When I feel more introspective, I opt for minimalist combinations that exude calmness and simplicity. My wardrobe choices reflect my adaptability and creativity, showcasing a balance between adventure and poise.
Fathima Mehreen, @FTMAMHRN
CREATIVE PRODUCER
When time is of the essence, what outfit do you reach for when you want to feel at your best?
I would say a button-down shirt with jeans/pleated pants or formal pants with a T- shirt and a blazer would be my most comfortable and relied upon looks for a busy schedule, especially at work.
How does your style reflect your personality?
I always tend to make sure to reach out for a statement earring for any look I do. Apart from this, I tend to elevate any look whether casual or dressy with a formal accessory – which always ends up being a pair of loafers or my dad’s blazer!
As a creative, my styling process leans towards dressing with intention, and that value is often how I operate in decisions across my lifestyle, I put thought into how I dress, spend time with people and experience the world in general. I like to think I do this from an artistic lens, even in my job, with my camera or even just hosting friends for a cozy night in. How you decorate your life is all art to me.
Depending on how I feel, styling is a medium; an effortless chic slouchy look or a well-structured silhouette can both reflect my value for confidence and comfort. If I had to give my nature a color palette – my go-to tones are earthy, somber and grounding. There are times I go for a bolder statement piece with minimal looks to reflect my spontaneous or adventurous spirit; I also love mixing symmetry and patterns, and this shows my creative side. I appreciate nostalgia and timeless pieces through collecting vintage pieces with beautiful storytelling.
Hiba Waleed, @hibaaw
BRAND & COMMUNITY MANAGER – LEVEL SHOES
When time is of the essence, what outfit do you reach for when you want to feel at your best?
When life gets hectic, I turn to my go-to uniform: a pair of perfectly fitting jeans, a vintage-inspired basic top, pointy pumps from Level Shoes, and a braided ponytail to keep things practical yet polished. It’s a look that’s effortless, comfortable, and versatile enough to carry me through a packed day of meetings and errands while still feeling chic and confident. I always carry a big work bag to throw everything inside – my laptop, notes, and even a snack for the day. It’s a look that’s effortless, comfortable, and versatile enough to carry me through a packed day of meetings and errands while still feeling chic and comfortable.
How does your style reflect your personality?
My style is eclectic and ever evolving, but one constant is my love for a statement piece. I enjoy building an outfit around a standout item – whether it’s a bold pair of pants or an eye-catching accessory – and balancing it with simpler pieces to let it shine. I also love mixing feminine and masculine elements to create a look that feels dynamic and versatile. Colour plays a big role in my wardrobe, but I also appreciate the elegance of a mono- chromatic outfit. Ultimately, my style reflects my mood and the occasion, giving me endless room to experiment.
I like to think my style reflects my positive and vibrant outlook on life. I gravitate toward colourful patterns, prints, and bold pieces that exude energy. At the same time, I’m not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, whether it’s a quiet luxury aesthetic, an all-black look, or a head-to-toe homage to 90s vintage. My love for experimenting with different vibes keeps my style fun and unpredictable – and one thing you’ll always find me in is denim on denim!
Khlood Kibeda, @KHLOODKIBEDA
CREATIVE CONSULTANT
When time is of the essence, what outfit do you reach for when you want to feel at your best?
My day-to-day is about form-meets-function, really. I try to avoid decision fatigue in the mornings and lean instinctively towards something that just feels right on spot. When my schedule is packed, it’s usually something polished, but not too stiff – something that can take me from meetings to city streets to dinner with friends. If I had to pick it would be wide legged suit pants, a belt and a fitted top and then, I always throw on a coat or a statement jacket and accessorize up or down. Something about being in a coat feels elevated. Maybe throw on a baseball cap, a structured oversized leather bag, a pop of colour or some statement boots. It gives me a peace of mind knowing I can be as sophisticated or laid back with just one fit and a few edits.
How does your style reflect your personality?
I’d describe my style as experimental curiosity mixed with an undercurrent of imagination. Polished, yet playful – balancing classics and moderns. Recently, I found myself leaning into a more nostalgic, sophisticated and “quite luxury” look and feel. Sometimes it’s vintage pearls, a touch of an heirloom brooch, a tailored look or a timeless fabric. Come to think about it, I’m inspired by mothers’ wardrobe when she was around the same age. There was a sense of grace and steadiness in that era. When she compliments a look I’m wearing, I know I’ve done it right! I love the idea that vintage, timeless fashion can somehow bring us together beyond the changes and trends of time. I can wear a pair of funky denim, or oversized joggers and she’ll frown, and the next day I’ll be in my tweed white set, and we’re best friends. That’s what fashion can do – bring an era back (or a relationship, I guess). That being said, I love experimenting with my style, allowing myself to be unpredictable, and never static – fusing something sleek with a rebellious contrast; reimagining an outfit with an edge of a texture, colour, silhouette, something that stimulates and surprises even me.
My style feels like a conversation starter between the world and myself. Every piece is a little insight into a part of my character – sometimes it’s adventurous, most times its colourful, at times multi-layered, playful and almost always unpredictable. I believe it’s an outward expression of my love for romanticising the little things in life, challenging the norm, prioritising play, bringing energy to the room, connecting with my inner child and allowing myself to feel a sense of belonging in the most unexpected of places (and unexpected of fits).
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