Style File: Zalora's modest wear designer Nina Aziz's tips for looking sharp for work

Fashion designer Nina Aziz is the textbook definition of a power woman. While designing for both Zalia and Lubna, Zalora’s two in-house modest wear labels, the 31-year-old tackles Zoom meetings during the day and handles Lubna’s social media account after hours – all this on top of whipping up meals for her two-year-old daughter in between and taking care of her throughout the day. Here’s how she dresses during this WFH period, plus she shares her top tips on how to style the perfect Hari Raya outfit. 

Here’s how she dresses during this WFH period, plus she shares her top tips on how to style the perfect Hari Raya outfit. 

What are some differences between what you wear at home for work meetings and what you wear at the office?

The key is to create above-the-keyboard looks when working from home by pairing a fancy top with a comfy bottom. I do have days where I feel like putting on jeans, and on other days I would go for a comfy top and comfy jogger pants – it really depends on what I’m feeling that day.

Sometimes I would even throw on a jacket to look more presentable during my Zoom meetings. I try to stay as close to how I usually dress to the office to keep me motivated for the work day ahead.

Describe your style in 5 words.

Feminine, fun, unexpected, classy, elegant.

What’s your trick to looking sharp and professional in a work/formal environment?

Bold accessories can really help you look more polished and bring out your personality. Wearing a crisp structured top/bottom does wonders to achieve a flattering and professional silhouette. It gives you such a big boost of confidence and is definitely a staple in my wardrobe!

Advice on how to find your personal style?

Discover and experiment with how different silhouettes flatter your body, and explore different clothing pieces once you’ve found your ideal formula of styling.

What are your three go-to pieces?

What are you buying online now?

Home decor items, toys for my daughter, and more clothes from Zalora.com.

What are your favourite brands? 

For festive occasions, it has to be Lubna and Zalia, Levi’s for my jeans, and Topshop for its fun pieces.

What do you spend on?

I like to invest in good tech gadgets and innovations that help improve my daily tasks.

What is your biggest splurge?

A Chanel vintage classic double flap that I got for my 30th birthday – that's a keeper.

How are you spending Hari Raya this year?

I’m spending it intimately with my family, having Zoom calls with relatives who live in different states, and with close friends.

3 pro tips for finding a Raya outfit online?

Tip #1: Plan what you want to wear on the first day of Raya, and get it early – because other people might want it too. Also, getting it early means you’ll have time for returns or exchanges, just in case.

Tip #2: If you’re buying a little bit late, purchase two of the same design that you want, one in your regular size, and another piece in one size up. Keep the one that fits you best, and return the other. (This saves a lot of time)

Tip #3: Always have a back-up outfit – in case of an emergency, you will still have a second outfit as a saviour.

3 pro tips to style your Raya outfit?

Tip #1: Find a matching hijab in the same color tone as your outfit.

Tip #2: Get it altered, if necessary, to make it look more put together.

Tip #3: Pair it with pretty shoes and accessories. Any celebs you look to for style inspiration? @daiyantrisha – I love how she keeps her style updated and fresh!

What’s on your wishlist?

To go on a vacation with my family.

What fashion-related thing would you want to do once the circuit breaker period is over?

I’d love to be able to attend fashion shows, and have #Zaloraya fashion shows to present our yearly Raya collection.